Roman Clothes

The Romans wore clothes made of wool and linen. Cotton was rare for a long time and silk was always a luxury item. Roman men wore a type of tunic called a chilton which came down to the knees. This could be sleeveless or have short sleeves. A cloak was often worn over this. Only free Roman citizens were allowed to wear a toga. A toga was a large semi circular piece of woollen material which draped over one shoulder then folded around the body. Sometimes lead weights were sewn into the hem to help it hang properly. By law a standard toga had to be white.

Clothes showed a persons position in the Roman world. Senators were distinguished from ordinary citizens by the laticlava, a broad purple stripe running down their tunics. Emperors wore the most purple so "being raised to the purple" came to mean becoming an emperor. Trousers were known to the Romans but were considered uncivilised garments warn by Persians and Germans.

Womens clothing could be quite colourful. The most desirable colour was purple which came from a dye made from a type of sea snail. Women wore a long tunic called a stola which reached the ground and could be sleeveless or have short or long sleeves. It was usually worn over another long tunic. Jewellery and brooches could be quite fancy but buttons were unknown to the Romans.

Roman children wore a simple tunic which had belt at the waist. A toga with a purple edging was worn by boys from wealthier families.

Roman cloaks were the winter coats of the Romans. They were worn over tunics and togas and often had a hood. They could be brightly coloured and were made from leather or felt.

All Roman soldiers wore a uniform and armour to protect them against being wounded in a battle.