ANCIENT GREEK FASHION

HISTORY OF GREEK CLOTHING

While no clothes have survived from this period, descriptions exist from contemporary accounts and artistic depiction. Clothes were mainly homemade, and often served many purposes (such as bedding). Despite popular imagination and media depictions of all-white clothing, elaborate design and bright colors were favored.

GREEK CLOTHING

The essential clothing for men and women was an inner tunic (peplos or chiton) and outer cloak (himation). The peplos was usually a heavier woollen garment, while the chiton was a lighter linen. Clothes were fastened with brooches or pins (fibulae), and a belt might secure the waist. Leather sandals or boots were worn outdoors.

ANCIENT GREEK WOMEN’S FASHION

Basic Clothing of the Fifth Century

Himation Peplos Chiton

COMMONLY USED COLORS

violet green grey

OTHER EXAMPLES OF GREEK CLOTHING

RELIEF WHICH SHOWS GREEK CLOTHING