Greek Tunic Chiton

In antiquity, Greek men and women usually went around in... tunics... no: chitons. It is true that the Roman tunic is a variation of the chiton, and both garments were shaped by the technology of their era. People wore chitons for centuries – from the early Archaic to the late Hellenistic periods – and the Ionic chiton was the most popular type.

Take two rectangular pieces of cloth, usually thin linen, and sew up the sides, leaving openings for the arms and head. Weave in stripes at the top and bottom in a geometric pattern and you have a chiton! Later, they were given short sleeves and a belt, called a zoster, to make them more form fitting and warmer. A chiton can be worn as standalone outerwear or beneath armour, and is almost knee-length.

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