In ancient Egypt the clothing worn was very basic and simple. Since the time of ancient Egypt was so long ago, it is hard to say exactly what they wore in everyday life. Through findings that were revealed in pyramids and tombs, there is a pretty clear idea of what they used to wear. Men and women did wear different articles, though there were some articles of clothing that they both wore, as well as footwear.

In pyramids like these is where traces of the clothing worn in ancient Egypt were found.

Since it is hot in Egypt the clothing that they wore was very light, and made from easy, breathable material. The clothing was made from plant fibers, mainly linen and when it was cooler they wore cotton. It is also thought that from traces of silk found in old tombs, that little amounts of silk were traded into the eastern Mediterranean in ancient times. Followers of the gods, such as pharaohs and priests, would wear animal skins, usually leopard skin.

Everyday Clothing

            In ancient Egypt, men and women wore robes that were called kalasiris. There were different forms of the robe as sometimes they covered both shoulders, or were held up with shoulder straps. The length of the robe was usually very long as it reached to the wearer’s ankles. The robes could fit differently, as women wore tighter fitting ones, and men wore loose ones. A form of a belt was tied around the waist to hold the robe together. The robe was very plain and quite “square-like.”

            Children did not wear a form of clothing, but in colder months and important events they wore wraps or robes. Other everyday things that people wore were hats. Their form of a hat was a circular piece of linen with an opening in the middle of the head. They were very necessary for the hot conditions, and were even decorated by dying or painting them. The dyes were made from mixing different substances. For example to make the color red they mixed roots from plants and insects. Average people could not wear “fancy” headdress such as wigs, as they were only worn by the higher class or at special occasions. Pharaohs always wore crowns, and other royalty such as Kings and Queens wore decorative headwear and clothing. These were ornamented with sequins and feathers from geese and ducks.

This is how the higher status people in ancient Egypt would have been treated.

Men’s Clothing

            The everyday clothing for men was a short piece of cloth worn around the waist, similar to a men’s kilt today. The length of the garment changed frequently over time, becoming longer at times reaching the calf, as well as shortening. Men would usually wear a long robe or a sleeveless shirt. Some form of a belt held up the cloth worn around the waist.

This is what men would have worn in Ancient Egypt.

Women’s Clothing

            For women the choices of clothing they could wear was very minimal. They usually wore a dress with straps, decorated with beads. The chest was usually covered, though at times it was fashionable and acceptable not to wear any form of a top.

This is what women would have traditionally worn.

Footwear

            People generally did not wear shoes, and went barefoot most of the time. Though for things like special occasions they wore sandals. The sandals were made out of leather, and were woven together with two straps. Sandals were usually very cheap, and almost everybody could afford them. Those who were in the upper class, or royalty decorated their sandals. 

This is what the Egyptians were expected to have worn in ancient Egypt.