The societies from this age that were able to develop a distinct sense of fashion were the most successful civilizations of their respective eras, such as ancient China, Achaemenid Persia, and ancient Rome. In ancient times, the cultivation of fibers that were then transformed into clothing was a complex and time consuming process that usually involved several different parties combining their labor, which made the development of these necessities quite expensive. In today's world where there is a clear excess of clothes, it is easy to forget that clothing items were once amongst the most important possessions people had through most of recorded history. The toga picta was likely adapted from the aptly named toga purpura, an all-purple toga worn by the early kings of Rome. Julius Caesar later adopted it as part of his regular dress, and later emperors followed suit by using this type of toga during many state occasions. Toga Picta Was a special, all-purple toga embroidered with gold thread worn by a Roman general during a triumphal parade.It was important to be white to indicate both purity of intention by the candidate, and for the candidate himself to stand out from the crowd. Toga Candida Was an artificially whitened toga worn by candidates for political office.Toga Pulla Was a dark toga worn strictly in times of mourning.There were minor distinctions between stripe indications for various magistrate positions. This toga was reserved for Senators and Curule Magistrates such as Consuls. Toga Praetexta Was an off-white toga with a broad purple border.Toga Virilis Was a plain, unadorned toga made in off-white color.The more comfortable tunic, covered by a cloak called the lacerna, became commonplace in all facets of society.Īll togas were not the same, and each distinctive type could mark a Roman person's societal status or title. During the time of Augustus, however, he implemented a strict moral code requiring the toga to be worn in all facets of public life.Īs time passed and Roman societal tradition shifted and absorbed new cultures, these rules were relaxed. The toga was a large, cumbersome robe-like garment of white wool, and used up to nine yards of material.īeing such a bulky and uncomfortable article of clothing, it became customary in later times to wear it only on state occasions. Its distinct purpose was to indicate peaceful endeavors, as opposed to the sagum cloak, worn during times of war. The classic toga was a distinct Roman garment that only actual Roman citizens were allowed to wear. In addition, a belt would be worn around the waist of the tunica to hold the waist of the garment snug, giving the impression of a two piece garment. Magistrates wore the tunic augusticlavia, and senators wore a tunic with broad strip called the tunica laticlavia. Similar to the toga, distinct tunics were worn to signify one's title. The tunic worn by patrician men was made from white wool or expensive linen, while the poor would wear whatever fabric was readily available. It was originally worn mainly by the working class plebes, freedmen and slaves, though its function as an undergarment for any class of people is attested.Īs the toga was specifically meant as a public display garment, the tunica was also worn by any person within the comforts of their own home. By contrast, to wear a long tunic with long sleeves was considered effeminate and was generally avoided by society as a whole. The tunica was a short woolen under garment with short sleeves. Roman men generally wore two garments, the tunica and the toga.
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