Ancient Egyptians dressed according to their social class, with nobles and the upper class wearing finer materials and more elaborate garments compared to the simpler attire of the lower classes.
Ancient Egyptian clothing was primarily made from linen, a breathable and lightweight fabric ideal for the hot climate. The style and materials used varied significantly based on social standing.
Upper Class Attire
- Men: Noblemen typically wore a white wraparound linen skirt called a kilt (or shendyt) that could be short or knee-length. They also wore fine, pleated robes or shirts, often adorned with jewelry.
- Women: Upper-class women wore fine, ankle-length dresses called kalasiris made from thin linen. These dresses generally had shoulder straps and could be form-fitting or loose. They often completed their outfits with shawls, jewelry, and elaborate wigs.
Lower Class Attire
- Men: The lower classes wore much simpler garments, usually just a basic loincloth or a short kilt made from less expensive, coarser linen.
- Women: Lower-class women wore simpler versions of the kalasiris, often shorter and made from less refined linen.
Children and Slaves
Young children and slaves often wore little to no clothing, particularly during hot weather.
Materials and Decoration
- Linen: The primary fabric was linen, ranging in quality from coarse to very fine and almost transparent.
- Wool: Wool was known but considered impure and rarely used, especially in temples or for religious purposes.
- Color: While white was common, Egyptians used dyes to add color to their clothing. Common colors included red, blue, green, and yellow.
- Jewelry: Both men and women adorned themselves with jewelry made from gold, silver, beads, and precious stones. This included necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings.
- Wigs and Headdresses: Wigs were common for both men and women, especially in the upper classes. Headdresses were also worn, often signifying status or religious affiliation.
Climate Considerations
The lightweight and breathable nature of linen was well-suited to the Egyptian climate. The loose-fitting garments allowed for ventilation and helped to keep the wearer cool.
Summary Table of Ancient Egyptian Clothing
| Class | Men | Women | Children/Slaves |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Class | Kilt (shendyt), Pleated Robes, Jewelry | Kalasiris (fine linen dress), Shawl, Jewelry, Wigs | Rarely wore clothes |
| Lower Class | Loincloth or simple Kilt (coarse linen) | Simple Kalasiris (coarse linen, shorter) | Rarely wore clothes |
