EGYPT - CLOTHING AND FASHION

EGYPTIAN CLOTHING AND FASHION

“Egyptian fashion was created to keep cool while in the hot desert.” 

Egyptian clothing is famous for its variety of colours. The fashion of these ancient Egyptians focused not only on beauty (adorned with precious jewels and gems) but also on comfort. The most common fabric was linen in those times as it helped people to get comfortable in the scorching heat. This linen was made from the flax plant by the method in which fibers were spun from the stem of the plant. Important techniques that were used in Egyptian societies included spinning, weaving and sewing. For the rich, taboos like animal fibers were used on occasions in the form of overcoats. However, they were forbidden in sanctuaries and temples. 

Fig: Ancient Egyptian Clothing

MEN

Men’s clothing was as simple as a wrap around skirt belted at the waist or pleated or gathered up in the front. They were known as the Shendyt. From the time period of 1420 BC to 1600 BC skirts became long from short and then transformed into a light tunic i,e a blouse with sleeves and a pleated petticoat. 

PHARAOHS

This is a common term used for the kings of Ancient Egypt. Well documented Royal clothing was made of leopard skin over the shoulder and they often added a lions tail that would usually hang from the belt. 

WOMEN

Fig: Women wore straight cut dress. They decorated their clothes.

Their clothing was more conservation than men’s. They wore simple sheath dresses known as the kalasiris - i.e. a dress held up by one or two straps and worn down till the ankle. Social class of the wearer was determined by the length of the dress. Other accessories included beading, feathers, shawls, robes or capes along with decorative shoes.

CHILDREN

No clothing was worn until the child was 6 years old. As soon as they turned six, they were allowed to wear clothes for the very reason of protecting themselves from the dry heat. However, apart from clothing, they wore anklets, bracelets, hair accessories on their popular hairstyle of side locks on the right side of their heads. When they grew up, they’d follow the style of their ancestors. 

OTHER ACCESSORIES

Heavy and voluminous jewellery was popular, no matter what the social class. One creation specific to this time is the ‘gorgerine’ i.e. an assembly of metal discs worn on the chest. 

Hair wigs were worn by both- the men and women who were wealthy. They were quite inexpensive. 

Nails and hands were painted with henna. The perfumes were most sought after and the costliest.           

Fig: Basic garments with minor variations accounted for fashion - Fundamentally, social status and wealth did not change.

Footwear too, was the same for both the genders. They consisted of sandals made of leather work. Since they usually roamed barefoot, these sandals were an addition on special occasions or when they knew their feet might get hurt.