As someone with a background in Latin and Greek, I’ve always been fascinated by the connections between history, language, and culture, especially through the lens of clothing! This article marks the first in my Through the Ages historical fashion series, where I’ll explore the evolution of clothing across eras to better understand cultural development.

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt reigned as a dominant Mediterranean civilisation for nearly 30 centuries, celebrated for its awe-inspiring pyramids and enigmatic pharaohs. To this day, its legacy endures, influencing countless aspects of modern life.

Clothing in Ancient Egypt served both functional and symbolic roles, reflecting societal values and beliefs. With a climate characterised by scorching summers and mild winters, linen—woven from flax fibres—was the fabric of choice due to its light, breathable nature. Attire varied according to social status, with wealthier Egyptians wearing finer materials like silk.

Men typically donned wrap-around skirts or kilts, with pleated versions favoured by the affluent. For labourers and those engaged in physical activities, simple loincloths offered comfort and practicality. Women wore long, sheath-like dresses, often accessorised with jewellery or elaborate headdresses for those of higher status. Popular adornments included jewelled collars of gold and precious stones, as well as bracelets, anklets, and rings.

Initially, Egyptian clothing was undyed or bleached white since linen resisted dyes and faded easily. Over time, however, colour found its way into fashion, with hues like blue and green symbolising fertility and rebirth, while red signified vitality and strength.

The Ancient Egyptians were also pioneers of makeup, a practice that continues to shape modern beauty rituals. Both men and women used cosmetics, as archaeological evidence reveals. Wealthy Egyptians exfoliated their skin, used hydrating masks, and employed waxes made of honey and sugar. Makeup was applied by servants, including eyeshadow, red lipstick, and the iconic black kohl eyeliner. Unlike today, where makeup is often used for confidence or allure, Egyptian cosmetics served practical purposes. Kohl, containing lead, likely reduced eye infections, shielded against the sun’s glare, and repelled flies. While ingredients and motivations have evolved, the concept of enhancing one’s appearance remains timeless.

Ancient Rome

From 753 BCE to 476 CE, Ancient Rome dominated the Mediterranean, leaving an indelible mark on history. Renowned for its military prowess, architectural feats, and cultural innovations, Rome’s influence remains palpable, from its legal systems to its monumental structures.

In Rome, fashion wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was a powerful indicator of social status and identity. Clothing, jewellery, and fabrics all conveyed an individual’s place within the rigid social hierarchy. Precious materials like silk and jewels were reserved for the elite, and sumptuary laws strictly dictated who could wear what, reinforcing class divisions.

One notable example is the trabea, a toga entirely dyed in Tyrian purple, a colour symbolic of immense wealth and authority. This garment was exclusive to the Emperor. Similarly, the latus clavus, a broad purple stripe on tunics, was reserved for senators and their sons. These laws not only reinforced social boundaries but also turned fashion into a political statement.

Gender roles also shaped Roman attire. While both men and women initially wore togas, the garment became a symbol of male citizenship, authority, and status. Women adopted the stola and palla, garments that epitomised grace and femininity, aligning with traditional gender expectations of the time.

Archaeological discoveries further illuminate the link between fashion and social hierarchy. Excavations of elite villas and tombs have uncovered beautifully preserved garments and accessories, revealing the opulent lifestyles of the privileged. In Ancient Rome, fashion wasn’t simply a matter of personal taste—it was a strategic tool for navigating societal structures. By carefully curating their attire, individuals communicated their status, aspirations, and alliances, contributing to Rome’s deeply entrenched preoccupation with social standing.

Both Ancient Egypt and Rome offer fascinating insights into how clothing served as more than a practical necessity. Fashion was a marker of class and even a reflection of beliefs and values. By studying these ancient civilisations, we uncover the enduring power of fashion as a tool for cultural expression—a concept that continues to resonate today.