The clothing of the ancient Greeks was a loose, airy cloth pleated artistically
around the body, and the unique pleating and the belt served as it’s main
decoration.
linen, wool and cotton.
They preferred full, rich colours and often used ribbons for decoration.
Types of female clothing:
The peplos was a square piece of wool cloth wrapped around the body
under the arms,
and by lifting the corners they were secured with a pin, cape buckles, buttons or a knot.
The upper hem of the cloth was brought down to the waist, and the right side
remained open.
This long straight cape was often worn without a belt,
however sometimes people wore a belt at the waist just above the turn-down.
The khiton was made of linen and most of the times it was sewed together
on both sides.
The tighter form only covered the shoulders so it was sleevless.
The loose khiton went from one hand’s fingertip to the other hand’s
and had fake sleeves, which were created by not applying the shoulder seams,
or by knotting the upper hem above the arm.
The khiton was characterised by the heavy pleating, which was the result of the multiple ties on the waist, the hip and under the breasts.
The himation, a square shaped wool cloth, was wrapped around the body as a coat, and sometimes it even covered the head as well.
Men’s clothing:
The mens’ khlaina was the equal of the womens’ peplos.
The square cloth was cast above the back and the shoulders, and it was secured at the front or on the right shoulder with a pin or a buckle.
The mens’ khiton similarly to the khlaina reached down to the ground and it
was tightened with a belt.
The khiton, that went down to the ankle and was tied under the breasts,
was only worn on ceremonial occasions, otherwise wearing it was the privilege of the nobles and the priests.
The short cloth that left one shoulder uncovered was called the exomis, this dress alloved a greater freedom of movement.
The horsemen and the soldiers were especially fond of the cloak-like khlamus
made of wool. This cloak was cast above the left shoulder and tied together
above the right shoulder, leaving the right arm uncovered and this way men could move freely in case of a fight.