History permeates every corner ofthe ancient city of Rome known as the eternal city. Their culture is thebasis for todays society, culture and fashion. Much of the Roman clothing cultureis based on the Greek fashion. They were also influenced by the Egyptiansduring the middle of 200 BC, but later on they developed their own clothingstyle, known as the Roman Clothing. To Romans, clothing was not just a meansof covering their body, but it was highly symbolic exhibiting an indication oftheir class, social status, age gender, and occupation. They wanted to depicteveryone around them; and to the rest of the world, what their place was in thesociety. It varied in color, style, and adornments indicating the personsposition in the Empire. In the later years, these garments became appealinggarments for the modern fashion aficionados. As time slipped, there wasprogress in the weaving methods, but the basic pattern of garments remained thesame.
TraditionalRoman Closet: Tunics and Togas:
Ancient Romans wore two types ofbasic garments, tunics and togas. Tunics were informal and indoor costumes,while togas were official and outdoor costumes. Both were made of spun wool. Tunicwas comfortable for working and moving around indoors. Mostly white in color,the tunic was often undyed, and unadorned. Still, the upper class people woretunics with some decorations so as to distinguish themselves from the slaves. Togaswere adopted from the Greek fashion. It was an important garment and anindication of roman citizenship. No foreigner was allowed to wear a toga thoughhe lived in Italy or Rome. Toga was the official garment of both men and womanof Rome. Later the trend changed, and togas were worn only by male Romancitizens.
MensClothing:
Men wore a tunic both athome and when they went out. Similar in appearance to a long tee-shirt, thetype of tunic differed from one class to another. The tunic worn by commonpeople, herdsmen and slaves was made of coarse cloth and was usually dark incolor. Patricians wore white color tunic made of wool or linen. Magistrateswore the tunic called augusticlavia, senators wore it with broad stripscalled tunica laticlavia, and shorter tunics were worn by the militarypeople. During special occasions, they covered the tunic with a white wool coatcalled toga. It was square or rectangular in shape and was draped around thebody. The toga was an indication of the social status of the person. Togas ofconsuls and senators were edged with purple. Emperors togas were completelypurple. Black ones were worn during mourning. Romans did not wear trousers, butlater on they used one while they were hunting or riding called Gallicbracae. It was also worn by the soldiers for warmth.
RomanWoman:
Womens clothing was verysimple and lacked luxury and exquisite elegance. They did not have distinctionsin clothing like men that would indicate their social status. Their onlydistinction was the stolas which was worn only by married women.To compensatewith this, they relayed more on hair styles and jewellery. Roman women alsowore a tunic which was usually of knee length. Over this, they draped a stolawhich was a long dress from neck to ankle, with a belt around the waist. Thestola was usually white, grey, or brown in color and all married woman wereentitled to wear it. When they went out, they covered themselves around theshoulders and arm with a shawl called pallium and also covered their headwith its edge. Covering their head was customary for every Roman woman whenthey go in public. Initially, togas were considered as official wears of bothmen and women. During the time of republic, togas were worn only by men. However,a certain category of women, Roman prostitutes ironically wore togas toindicate their lower status in the society.
Cloaks:
A clock called lacena was also used in ancient times. Initially it was used by the soldiers, then by lower class people, and was later adopted by the upper classes also due to the convenience of the garment. It was worn to protect the togas from dust and rain. It was mostly made of wool, with open at the sides, and was fastened with a buckle or brooch on the shoulder. Later men found the cloaks to be more comfortable, that they started wearing this without a toga underneath. Poor people used dark colored cloaks, bright colors were used for happy occasion, and white cloaks were considered as a formal wear.
There were many other garments which are now not known. Ultrafashionable Romans wore a dinner costume over the tunic called synthesis. It was usually bright in color. Priests who foretell the future wore a trabea. Poor people and philosophers wore a dress called abolla. Men used a bathrobe called endormis.
Modern Day Refinement:
Ancient Romans repelled the use of trousers. They believed that people wearing trousers were barbarians. Little did they know that their legendary draped garments would later be replaced by tight fitting and sewn clothing. The beauty of ancient clothing styles of the Romans has a lasting impact on the modern fashion industry. Royal robes worn by the roman emperors are interpreted by fashion gurus who take a deep dip in the ancient history of Rome. Modern interpretations of roman costumes have an air of bizarre, and an amiable look.
The ancient Roman tunic has taken a new form in the present days culture. This is the most familiar costume being adopted by the modern fashion. The wrapped style of ancient garment has now taken a new form of mens outfit. Long tunics, and shawl draperies fastened to girdles richly embroidered and fringed is a model for the modern tunic.
The trend of fashion takes a backward turn into antiquity, and is seen on the runways and fashion events. International designers collections are being tailored embracing the patterns of ancient roman clothing. Modern clothing is a reflection of the ancient roman attires and a combination of both. The simplicity in the costumes of ancient Romans is now succeeded by the exclusive pageantry of the current days fashion designers.
Classic, tightly laced gowns were the symbolic clothing of upper class roman woman. Most charming illustrations of ancient roman woman were found which prove to be an attitude of rhythmic grace and beauty. Goddesses may be out of theme of the modern designers, but there are a vast majority of women, who would look their best in a classic evening gown.
An inspiration to global clothing styles:
Aspects of Roman clothing have an enormous appeal to the Western imagination. Their clothing style is an inspiration to the clothing style of various other countries worldwide; in the later generations. The type of Roman breastplate armor was used in the later years by Europeans in their military attire. During the period of French Revolution, attempts were made to dress the French officials in Roman toga to indicate the importance of citizenship in a republic (as togas were an indication of citizenship among the ancient Romans). The attire of modern day brides of western countries has their veil and wedding ring inherited from the Roman culture. The freed slaves of ancient Rome used to wear a bonnet; a cap like cover. The brimless cap manufactured by liberty during the 18th century had a resemblance to it.
Roman clothing remained the most advanced culture of their time. It retains its grandeur and reputation as one of the greatest cultural centres in the world. Their costumes provide an insight into their national life and aesthetic values as well. Many costumes worn today are a refinement of the past. They are a modern creation of people anxious to reinvent their past.
References:
4) http://www.classicsunveiled.com
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