Ancient Greek Clothing: Types of Attire

Clothes

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 formed an integral part of tradition in ancient Greece. Pale white was predominantly the color used for various occasions. The other colors that constituted a part of ancient Greek clothing were grey, violet, indigo, and a dark shade of purple. Garments woven from linen and wool were preferred in ancient times.

Artisans of the highest caliber were used to produce intricate work on leather used as accessories in the armor, shin, and arm protectors of esteemed individuals. The “Tunic” and the “cloak” were a common sight in ancient Greek attire. The “Chiton” which formed an inner tunic and the “Himation”, a cloak, were worn by men and women in ancient Greece. Priests and Clergymen popularized the robe, which caught the eye of many in ancient times.

Headgear was an important part of dressing up in ancient times. The headgear comprised of decorative wreaths and caps worn to adorn and complement clothes worn in those times. Diadems were worn to symbolize royalty and status of an individual.

Types of Attire

Chiton

This garment was worn by men and women in ancient Greece. Chiton comprised of two styles, The Doric and The Iconic. The Doric chiton was less complicated with the absence of sleeves. This garment was draped from the shoulder with few fibulae and broaches holding the garment together. It could be draped plain or as an overfold known as “apotygma” or “kolpos”. The Iconic chiton was draped with a small overfold, and at times without a fold from the neck up to the wrist and held together with a small variety of pins. A zoster or a girdle was worn at times to hold the garment firmly at the waist.  Women preferred the ankle length chiton, while men took a liking to the knee length ones.

Chlamys

In ancient Greece, soldiers wore this rectangular woolen garment, either wrapped over a piece of clothing or over their bare bodies. Pins held this garment secure at the right shoulder of the individual wearing it. Chlamy’s were wrapped in different ways, either across or over the shoulders. This type of clothing shielded soldiers from the biting cold and served as a light protective cover during combat.