When we think of Ancient Greece, we often imagine togas and sandals. But what were these clothes made out of? Let’s take a closer look at the materials used to make clothing in Ancient Greece.
The Basics
The most common material used for clothing in Ancient Greece was wool. This was due to the fact that sheep farming was a major industry in Ancient Greece, making wool readily available. Linen was also used for clothing, but it was more expensive and therefore reserved for the upper classes.
Wool
Wool was an ideal material for clothing in Ancient Greece because it was warm and durable. The wool fibers were spun into threads, which were then woven into fabric. The fabric could be left undyed or dyed using natural dyes made from plants.
One of the most common items of clothing made from wool was the chiton. This garment was essentially a large rectangle of fabric that was draped over the body and fastened at the shoulders with brooches or pins. The chiton could be worn alone or with a himation, which was a rectangular piece of fabric draped over one shoulder and around the body.
Linen
Linen was a lighter and cooler material than wool, making it ideal for warmer weather. It was also more comfortable to wear against the skin. However, linen was more expensive than wool and therefore not as widely used.
One popular item of clothing made from linen was the himation. As mentioned earlier, this garment could be worn with a chiton or on its own. Linen could also be used to make tunics, which were similar to chitons but shorter in length.
Other Materials
While wool and linen were the most commonly used materials for clothing in Ancient Greece, other materials were also used on occasion.
Silk
Silk was a rare and expensive material in Ancient Greece, primarily imported from China. It was used mainly for luxury items such as scarves and veils worn by wealthy women.
Leather
Leather was used to make sandals and boots, which were worn by both men and women. Leather could also be used to make belts and purses.
Cotton
Cotton was not used in Ancient Greece as it was not yet known in Europe. Cotton cultivation only reached Europe during the Middle Ages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wool and linen were the main materials used for clothing in Ancient Greece. Wool was more widely used due to its availability, while linen was reserved for the upper classes.
Other materials such as silk and leather were also used but were much rarer. Despite the limited range of materials available, Ancient Greek clothing was both functional and stylish, with different styles of clothing worn by men and women of all social classes.