Men in Ancient Rome wore distinct clothing that varied based on status and occasion. Generally, their attire was quite simple yet functional.
Basic Roman Male Attire
The foundation of a Roman man's wardrobe was the tunic, specifically known as the chilton.
- This was a knee-length, short-sleeved garment.
- Tunics were usually made from wool or linen.
- They were worn as everyday wear by men from all social classes.
Overgarments
Cloaks
Over the tunic, men often wore a cloak.
- These cloaks were carefully wrapped around the body.
- Cloak materials and styles likely varied depending on the weather and social status.
Togas
A toga was a significant item of clothing for Roman men.
- Important Roman men wore togas.
- Togas were long robes typically made from white wool or linen.
- The toga served as a symbol of Roman citizenship and was reserved for formal occasions and ceremonies.
Social Class and Clothing
The complexity and materials of clothing often indicated a man's social standing.
- While all men wore tunics, those worn by the wealthy were often of finer materials.
- The toga was a clear indicator of a Roman citizen with status.
- Slaves and common laborers likely wore more basic and less ornate tunics.
| Clothing Item | Description | Material | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilton | Knee-length, short-sleeved tunic | Wool or linen | Everyday wear |
| Cloak | Wrapped around the body | Varies | Extra warmth or protection |
| Toga | Long robe | White wool or linen | Formal occasions, ceremonies, sign of Roman citizen |
In summary, Ancient Roman men wore a tunic called a chilton as their base garment, often adding a cloak, and important men would wear a toga.
