National costumes

Greek national costume

Greek national costume

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Content
  1. Men's suit
  2. Woman suit
  3. Fabrics: colors, types, design
  4. Footwear
  5. Hats. Hairstyles
  6. Decorations. Cosmetics
  7. Modern greek style

Ancient Greek culture, the first in the history of world civilization, affirmed the beauty and harmony of the human body and its spirit. It was in Hellas, a country located on the shores of the warm Aegean Sea, that style, later called classical, was born, which laid the material, spiritual and aesthetic foundations for the development of almost all European peoples.

Having achieved great success in various spheres of culture, the ancient Greeks succeeded in the art of dressing: they were the first to come to the conclusion that man in his magnificence is like God, and his body is a mirror that reflects the ideals of the universe.

The clothes harmoniously fit natural lines, emphasizing the perfect posture, athletic figure, plasticity of movements, and the Greek style has become a classic style in the history of fashion.

Initially, the national Greek costume was distinguished by simplicity, and at the same time grace. Even the attire of gods and goddesses, etched in engravings and statues, does not shine with luxury and wealth. There are five distinctive characteristics of the ancient Greek costume: validity, harmony, coherence, stability, timeliness.

In ancient Greece, the main elements of the national costume were: a chiton (underwear) and himation (a cape, which represents a rectangular piece of fabric that was skillfully draped, trying to emphasize the unity of clothing with the body). The art of making the fabric flow through the body, enveloping the bulges or enveloping a muscular figure, at a price and by recognition were higher than the cost of the fabric and the elegance of the ornament.

Years passed, changing the system, people, interests, affections. The costume also underwent some changes: fabrics, decoration, accessories, and jewelry became more and more intricate and sophisticated.

The manufacturing method remained unchanged: the fabric for the costume was not cut and was practically not sewn.

The drapery, which the Greeks brought to perfection in art over the years to emphasize the dignity of the body and hide its flaws, still gave chic and charm to clothes.

The adoption of Christianity by Greece affected not only the spiritual life of the population, but also influenced the national dress. Dresses began to cover most of the body, hats became fashionable.

But it should be noted that modern Greek style implies an outfit from ancient times, when people worshiped the divine inhabitants of Olympus and tried to dress in their image and likeness.

Men's suit

An ancient Hellene dressed in a chiton, which was made from a wide flap of fabric, and fastened on its shoulders with a clasp (brooch). A belt was tied at the waist. The length to the knee was considered average, the youth and warriors were shortened to such length, the elderly people and priests, on the contrary, lengthened.

Adults in one chiton did not go out into the street and did not accept guests, since the chiton was considered to be the bottom of the clothes. Leaving the house, the man put on a cape or a raincoat. The most famous type of ancient Greek cloak is himation, made from a piece of rectangular fabric draped around the body.

Of the other varieties of the cloak known chlamydah, which was preferred by young men, military, shepherds and travelers. The difference in the costume of a warrior was that military gear was worn on the chiton, then a chlamyd was attacked.

Costumes were divided into everyday and festive. The outfits of representatives of various professions and classes differed.

Woman suit

Based on the moral and ethical requirements of the time, the Greek costume was longer than the male one and covered a large part of the body. Women's clothing, also consisting of a chiton and himation, was much brighter and more colorful. The distinction of the classic period chiton is that on the upper edge a lapel was made, the decoration of which was skillful embroidery, intricate ornament, appliqué made from a fabric of a different shade or color.

Chitons made of thin, plastic fabric were generously draped and girded around the chest and waist. Due to their large width, the visibility of the sleeve was created. The female himation was less than the male one, however, it was compensated by a rich ornament.

During the magnificent ceremonies they put on peplos, which was distinguished by the fact that it was longer and wider.

The national costume of the Greek woman is composed of a dress, a shirt with a wide sleeve, a long skirt, an apron. The clothes of women from the poor strata of the population were very similar to the costume of notable persons, but the volume was smaller, made of inexpensive fabric, supplemented with modest jewelry.

Fabrics: colors, types, design

Spinning and weaving were the main occupation of the Greek women. The inhabitants of ancient Greece wore coats of wool and flax. The fabric was made by hand, so it turned out soft and docile, which was extremely important for creating unique drapery strokes.

Phoenician and Persian matter, as well as Syrian silk and Indian cotton, began to be supplied to Greece later, when Greece began to develop trade relations with other countries. Clothing Greeks becomes more elegant. Dresses of rich Greek women are made of delicate airy fabrics that can create the silhouette of a goddess.

The ancient Greeks had the most beautiful and exquisite white color, which was considered the color of the gods and the privilege of the aristocracy. Later, the white color divided the palm with purple. The purple cloth was the most expensive and only warlords could wear it.

The clothes were red and yellow worn by women. Brown and gray were considered flowers of mourning.

Variegated clothes were not welcomed by the Greeks. Monochrome outfit adorned with skillful embroidery or ornament. In suits of the late period there is a dark vest and a belt of crimson-red color.

Footwear

In ancient Greece, shoes were a priority for adults. Most of the children ran barefoot. The traditional shoes of the Greeks - sandals, representing a flat sole, complemented by numerous narrow straps.

By making shoes approached seriously and responsibly. The main requirements for footwear were convenience and elegance. Decorated and decorated were colored leather, gilded straps, metal plaques, silver and pearls.

Hats. Hairstyles

The headgear was not popular with the Greeks. During their travels, in bad weather, for work in the field, they wore petas, a wide-brimmed felt hat, tied with long straps.

Women even less needed this attribute of clothing, since most of the time they were within the walls of their home. If necessary, they used a scarf, the edge of a raincoat or a light scarf - caliptra.

Speaking of headdresses, it is impossible not to mention the wreaths. They symbolized merit, rank, a sign of respect from fellow citizens, social status and played an important role in the lives of Hellas natives.

The Greeks paid special attention to hair styling in harmony with clothing. Well-groomed short, hair, mustache and round beard, which served as a symbol of courage - this is the image of the free Hellene. The main female hairstyle was a “Greek knot”: hair divided into a straight parting and lowered hair low over the forehead was placed in a knot at the back of the head. The form is simple, but using dressings, tiaras, ribbons, nets, combs, it was possible to create countless variations of it.

Decorations. Cosmetics

Jewelry skill in ancient Greece reached perfection.Jewelery made of precious metals and stones were mostly women’s accessories. Men could afford only a signet, a precious buckle. Graceful rings and bracelets, earrings and necklaces, tiaras and hair nets complemented the outfits and hairstyles of the beautiful half of Hellas. Jewelry was famous for its uniqueness and perfection.

Greek women punctually watched their appearance. And the next point in achieving the ideal was cosmetics. Antimony, whitewash, blush, eyeliners and eyebrows, perfumes, aromatic oils - everything was used, but very subtle and delicate, because it only had to emphasize the natural beauty, and not negate it.

Harmony of physical and spiritual perfection is the main condition for human beauty. This aesthetic standard of ancient Greek culture is the reason that the Greek style has always been and always will be on top of the Olympus of Fashion.

Modern greek style

Today, the costume in Greek style is not only part of the country's history, but also inspired fashion designers and designers from around the world to create new creations of contemporary fashion art.

The desire for the basics of ancient style, based on lightness, elegance, harmony and plasticity, attracts more and more fashionistas into the ranks of admirers of the Greek style who want to dress in the clothes of Olympic goddesses.

The classical basis in its modern presentation allows you to wear such an outfit on a corporate party or a soiree, a graduation party or a wedding. This style will be to the face and teenage girl, gathered at a thematic party or school ball.

If you were invited to a party in the Greek style, then you are able to create an interesting and unusual costume yourself.

To make a traditional toga, you will need a large piece of white fabric. If not, grab a sheet. Tie the corners of the cut knot or secure with pins, brooches. The base is ready.

You can wear a long shirt or T-shirt and petticoat. Accessories, hairstyle, shoes depend on your imagination. Weave a ribbon in your hair, make a wreath, put on a beautiful belt, large earrings, bracelets. The main thing is in moderation and taste. After all, the Greek style is the choice of sophisticated and refined persons.

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