Costumes in Ancient Egypt

• 16 / 5 / 2023

Clothing and Fashion in Ancient Egypt

Fashion in Ancient Egypt encompasses the garments worn by the Egyptians from the conclusion of the Neolithic period (circa 3100 B.C.) until the fall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom with the demise of Queen Cleopatra around 30 B.C. The clothing of this era was characterized by a rich array of colors and fabrics, often embellished with precious stones and jewelry. The attire of the ancient Egyptians was crafted not only for aesthetic appeal but also for comfort, designed to maintain a cool body temperature in the sweltering desert climate. Linen emerged as the predominant fabric in Ancient Egyptian clothing, favored for its ability to provide relief from the subtropical heat. This fabric is derived from the flax plant, with its fibers spun from the plant's stem. The processes of spinning, weaving, and sewing were integral to Egyptian society. While vegetable dyes could be applied to textiles, most garments were typically left in their natural hue. Although wool was recognized, it was deemed impure, and only the affluent could afford garments made from animal fibers, which were often subject to cultural taboos. Wool was occasionally utilized for women's outerwear but was prohibited in temples and sacred sites.

Individuals of lower social standing, including workers and peasants, consistently donned Shinta, a garment crafted from linen, which was common among the populace. Slaves frequently labored without clothing. The predominant headgear was known as khat or herbal, a striped fabric typically worn by men. During the era of the Pyramids, or the Old Kingdom, which began around 2130 B.C., clothing was quite basic. Men typically wore skirts called Shendyt, which were secured at the waist and could be styled in various ways, including being folded or gathered at the front. These skirts were relatively short during this period. In the subsequent Middle Kingdom era, around 1600 B.C., the length of the skirts increased. By approximately 1420 B.C., garments such as light jackets or long-sleeved blouses, along with longer dresses for women, became prevalent. Throughout the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom periods, ancient Egyptian women primarily wore a simple garment known as Kalasiris. Women's attire in ancient Egypt was generally more modest compared to that of men, with dresses typically secured by one or two straps and reaching the ankle. The upper portion of the dress could be adjusted to sit at the bust, and the length of the garment often signified the wearer's social status. Women adorned their dresses with beads or feathers for decorative purposes and often opted for shawls, capes, or robes. The shawl, made of fine linen, measured approximately 4 feet in width and 13 or 14 feet in length, and was usually worn in a pleated style.

In ancient Egypt, children remained unclothed until they reached the age of six. Upon turning six, they were permitted to don garments to shield themselves from the arid climate. A prevalent hairstyle among these children was the side-lock, characterized by a length of unshorn hair on the right side of the head. Despite their lack of clothing, children adorned themselves with jewelry, including anklets, bracelets, collars, and hair ornaments. As they matured, they adopted the same styles as their parents. In the realm of ancient Egyptian fashion, wigs held significant importance, particularly among the kings, rulers, and affluent individuals of both genders. These wigs were crafted using various methods, sometimes incorporating human hair and at other times enhanced with fibers from date palms. They were often styled in tight curls and narrow braids. Worn by both men and women during special events, these wigs were frequently topped with cones of scented fat, which melted to release fragrant aromas of perfume and hair products.

Jewelry held significant popularity in ancient Egypt, transcending social classes, whether among the affluent or the impoverished. Typically, these adornments were substantial and somewhat cumbersome. The primary purpose of wearing jewelry was its aesthetic appeal, complementing the simple, white linen garments favored by the ancient Egyptians. They exhibited a strong preference for vibrant colors, lustrous stones, and precious metals, as exemplified by the exquisite artifacts of King Tutankhamun displayed in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. These masterpieces were crafted from locally sourced materials, including gold mined from Egypt's eastern desert and from Nubia, which was an Egyptian territory for many centuries. Conversely, silver was a rare commodity, imported from Asia, and was often regarded as more valuable than gold. The eastern desert also served as a vital source for colorful semi-precious stones such as carnelian, amethyst, and jasper. Turquoise was mined in the Sinai Peninsula, while the deep blue lapis lazuli was sourced from distant Afghanistan. Additionally, glass and faience—glazed materials made from a core of stone or sand—were popular alternatives to natural stones due to their availability in various colors. The ancient Egyptians demonstrated remarkable craftsmanship in creating jewelry from turquoise and metals like gold and silver, as well as small beads. Both men and women adorned themselves with brightly colored earrings, necklaces, and other ornaments. Those unable to afford gold or precious stones often resorted to crafting jewelry from colored pottery beads, which were also artistically shaped.

The practice of embalming facilitated the advancement of cosmetics and perfumes. Ancient Egypt was renowned for its extensive and highly sought-after perfumes, which were among the most expensive in antiquity. The Egyptians were the most prolific users of makeup compared to other ancient civilizations. They adorned their nails and hands with henna. Numerous artifacts related to the preservation of cosmetics can be found in the Egyptian Museum, particularly within the renowned collection of King Tutankhamun, which visitors can view during standard tours of the museum. Black eyeliner, derived from Galena, was utilized to accentuate and define the eyes, while eye shadow was crafted from crushed malachite. The red pigment used for lips, traditionally associated with women, was sourced from ochre. These cosmetic products were often mixed with animal fats to enhance their consistency and longevity. Both men and women applied Galena or powdered malachite not only for aesthetic purposes but also due to the belief that it served to protect their eyes from dust and dirt. Research published by the American Chemical Society in the Journal of Analytical Chemistry revealed that the inclusion of lead in these cosmetics was intentional. The findings suggest that lead, in conjunction with naturally occurring body salts, produces nitric oxide, which is known to bolster the immune system. It is posited that the ancient Egyptians deliberately engineered these products to enhance immunity, potentially aiding in the prevention of eye infections.

The footwear of that period was characterized by both functionality and elegance, distinguishing between various types such as public shoes, military footwear, children's shoes—which were essentially smaller replicas of adult styles—and the regal shoes worn by royalty. Footwear was largely unisex, comprising leather sandals or, for the priestly class, those made from papyrus. Given that Egyptians typically went barefoot, sandals were primarily reserved for special occasions or situations where foot protection was necessary.