Clothes in Ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptians professionalized in producing different types of clothes and outfits putting into consideration many various factors like the color of the cloth, the type of it, and the climate conditions as well.
Many factors played a significant role in the outfits of the Pharaohs. Among the most important elements, there was the climatic conditions. With Egypt’s hot weather, the ancient Egyptians tended to use light types of clothes. Another important factor was the color and since most Egyptians are rather various shades of brown, the white color was among the most common used in ancient Egypt.
Flax was the most common material cloth was made of in ancient Egypt. Although the Pharaohs recognized the existence of many various types of cloths, they preferred cloths made out of flax.
There are a number of reasons why ancient Egyptians chose to wear flax. The first reason is that flax was cultivated in various regions around Egypt with huge quantities. This is in addition to the fact that ancient Egyptians believed that cloth that comes from animals, like wool, is unclean.
However, with time passing by cloths that originate from animals became the clothes of high priests. Afterwards, the high class of the Pharaohs used to wear them as well.
The quality of the outfits and clothes of ancient Egypt largely depended on the social level of the people. The flax the higher classes used to wear was of a much better quality. They also used to wear outfits with much more complicated designs.
The cheaper and thicker types of flax were used by the poorer. They also used to put on shorter outfits in order to facilitate their moving around grass fields and cultivated lands.
It is interesting also to know that it was acceptable for people in the middle and high classes to show their breasts, men and women. Kids for example, of all social classes, used to remain nude until they reach the age of 6 years. The women slaves used to be nude as well most of their lives. The common outfit around the beginning of the 15th century BC included a light sweater, shirt with short sleeves, and a skirt.
The clothes of young women never changed over centuries of time. In the upper classes, the sleeves used to begin from under the breasts with holders put on shoulders. The outfits of the royal family were made out of the best quality of materials and the finest designs. Nobles used to wear crowns like these of the Pharaohs.
The kings, for example, used to wear special outfits in festivals. They used to put on a short shirt with a royal veil. Their outfits were also wonderfully embroidered with colorful threads. The outfits of the judges and ministers of ancient Egypt consisted of a tight dress that covered from their breasts to their legs which was wrapped from behind the neck.
The clothes of the police and army soldiers of ancient Egypt largely varied according to the positon and rank of each individual. The arrow shooters, for example, used to wear a head cover that was distinguished with its green ornaments. While on the other hand, the police used to wrap their hair with a white ribbon symbolizing power and strength.
Some scholars asserted that there were unified outfits for all common women in ancient Egypt until the ruling period of the 18th century. All women of all social classes, including the royal family, used to put on tight outfits that show most of their bodies. It was featured with its one-piece robe that was linked to holders that were wrapped around the neck. Many of these outfits had the white color.
Servants used to wear a shirt that covers their neck with short sleeves. They also used to put on a gown while cleaning to make them move easier around the house. On the other hands, dancers used to wear tight and transparent outfits to show off their dancing movements. This is in addition to quite short dresses that were quite appealing.
You May Also Like
-
Ancient Egypt Symbols
There were several symbols in ancient Egypt that survived until today. Need to know ancient Egyptian symbols meanings? What kind of symbols were important?. Learn the meaning and uses of Ankh, Lotus Flower and other ancient Egypt symbols.
Read More -
New Kingdom of Egypt
The New Kingdom is considered as the golden age of ancient Egypt. What happened in Egypt New Kingdom? What caused the New Kingdom to fall?. Here is a summary of the new kingdom Egypt facts, pharaohs and timeline.
Read More -
Hyksos Invasion
During the 15th dynasty, "Hyksos" people from Syria and Palestine emigrated to Egypt Delta. How was Egypt before the Hyksos invasion? what made the Hyksos invasion successful?. Learn about Hyksos invasion ancient Egypt facts and timeline.
Read More -
The Middle Kingdom of Egypt
When Montuhotep II defeated the scattered kingdoms of Northern Egypt, he unified Egypt and started the Middle Kingdom. How long the Middle Kingdom of Egypt? How did it end? What was it known for?. Know the definition, events and achievements of Middle kingdom in Egypt.
Read More -
Old Kingdom of Egypt
The period of the Old Kingdom of Egypt marks a very important stage in the ancient Egyptian history. This was the establishment of the dynasties period. Read Facts of the old kingdom in Egypt timeline, pharaohs and history.
Read More -
The First Intermediate Period
The first intermediate period marks an important milestone in the ancient Egyptian history. What happened in The First Intermediate Period of ancient Egypt?. Read Facts, rulers and the timeline of The First Intermediate Period of the Ancient Egyptian History.
Read More -
Battle of Kadesh
The battle of Kadesh 1274 Bc is one of the most famous wars in ancient Egypt. Read the facts of The battle of Kadesh Ramses II casualties, consequences and the treaty of Kadesh text.
Read More -
Flowers in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians always gave special care to roses and flowers, they used to give it to one another in various occasions. Uncover how were Flowers in ancient Egypt history, culture, flowers used and flowers Worshiped in Ancient Egypt.
Read More -
Ancient Egypt Medicines
Medicine has largely and impressively flourished in ancient Egypt, ancient Egyptians were the first to know medicine and anatomy. Uncover Facts about ancient Egypt medicines history, medicine recipes, herbs, medical practices and medicines in ancient Egypt.
Read More -
Ancient Egypt Music
Music played an important role in the lives of Egyptians since ancient times. What did ancient Egyptian music sound like?. Read facts About ancient Egypt music, ancient Egypt musicians and musical instruments in Ancient Egypt.
Read More -
Jewelry in Ancient Egypt
In a civilization full of wealth and treasures like ancient Egypt, Jewelry was treasured for its beauty and power. Why Did Ancient Egypt Wear Jewelry?. Uncover Facts of Ancient Egyptian Jewelry Making, The Religious and Symbolic Significance of Jewelry in Ancient Egypt.
Read More -
Inventions by Ancient Egypt
The Pharaohs or the ancient Egyptians created a civilization that still astonishes the whole world until today. Here We Talk About The Inventions by Ancient Egypt, Ancient Inventions of Egypt and What Inventions Did Ancient Egypt Make.
Read More -
Houses in Ancient Egypt
Housing has always been among the most important needs of humans. Explore Types of Houses in Ancient Egypt, Know How Did Houses Look Like, Ancient Egyptian House Model and Quick Facts About Houses and Homes in Ancient Egypt.
Read More -
Ancient Food in Egypt
Uncover the Ancient Food of Egypt and Know the Ancient Food in Egypt. Learn About The Eating Habits, God’s Offerings, Poor and Reach Ancient Egypt Food and Drink. Food is among the most important elements of anyone’s life, same applies to ancient Egyptians.
Read More -
Clothes in Ancient Egypt
What clothes did they wear in ancient Egypt?. What are the clothes Worn in ancient Egypt?. The ancient Egyptians had a civilization that is considered quite unique. This is in terms of many various aspects. Clothes and outfits are among them.
Read More