Chiton

By Crusader1307

The Chiton was the standard method of dress during Ancient Greece – from roughly the 12th Century BC to the 6th Century AD. It remained (more or less) a constant. Although both Men and Women could wear The Chiton, it was predominately a Male fashion. There were two variants worn. The Doric and Ionic. Then oldest version – The Doric Chiton was simple in construction. It featured no sleeves and was a one-piece design. Made “open”, one shoulder was exposed with the garment cinched around the waist and pinned or tied at the other shoulder. The Ionic version (later in Greek History) was sleeved (when required). Larger in fabric material, The Ionic version’s excess material was gathered up around the waist and cinched by fabric. This style created a characteristic folding. Originally wool was the most common used material for construction. Later (and with higher Classes), finer materials such as silks and hand softened Linen was used. Belts of cloth (Zosters) were used to cinch around the waist of the wear. The Zoster could be worn around the waist or with Women girdled around both the waist and breasts. Cloaks were also worn, depending of season. Coloring was White traditionally, but other dyed hues were used – especially by Women and Children. The Chiton was a basis for the later Roman fashions, who would adapt them for The Toga.