Ancient Egyptian clothing was shaped by the region’s harsh climate, strict social hierarchy, and deep‑rooted spiritual beliefs. From simple loincloths to pleated court robes, every garment broadcast status, identity, and faith.
In this guide, we explore the essentials of ancient Egyptian clothing—the dominance of linen, the wardrobes of men, women, and children, and the roles of make‑up, wigs, and jewellery in daily life.
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Children’s Clothing in Ancient Egypt
Before the age of six, most Egyptian children went naked, a practical choice for life in the desert. Older children wore lightweight linen wraps or tunics, often secured with a clasp or bead string. Protective amulets—commonly the Eye of Horus or the dwarf god Bes—hung from their necks to guard against illness and bad luck.
Linen: The Fabric of Egyptian Life
Linen, spun from Nile‑grown flax, dominated the Egyptian wardrobe. Its breathability and light colour made it perfect for the scorching summer heat. The finest varieties were almost transparent and reserved for nobility and temple priests, while coarser cloth clothed farmers and labourers.
Because white symbolised ritual purity, priests replaced their linen garments frequently. Egyptians rarely dyed linen; instead, they relied on its natural sheen and crisp pleats to create visual interest.
Men’s Clothing
Early Dynasties to the Old Kingdom
Men commonly wore a short, wrap‑around kilt called a shendyt. Labourers favoured plain, knee‑length kilts, while officials displayed longer, finely pleated versions that signalled rank.
Middle and New Kingdom Styles
By the Middle Kingdom, fashion grew more elaborate. Wealthy men adopted longer kilts with decorative front panels or layered a sheer overskirt on ceremonial occasions. Stiff pleats, starched edges, and carefully pressed folds showcased both status and textile skill.
Women’s Clothing
Sheath Dresses
The basic women’s garment was a slim‑fitting sheath dress that stretched from the chest or shoulders to the ankles, held up by two straps. Though the cut stayed simple, fine pleating, bead nets, and embroidered borders turned a straightforward dress into a statement piece.
New Kingdom Innovations
Later periods introduced flowing linen robes with draped sleeves. High‑status women embellished hems with lotus flowers, papyrus scrolls, or geometric patterns, blending fashion with symbolism.
Make‑up, Wigs, and Jewellery
Make‑up
Both sexes lined their eyes with black kohl (ground galena) to reduce sun glare and prevent infection. Green malachite served as eyeshadow and was believed to protect against evil spirits.
Wigs
Because shaving kept lice at bay, especially among elites, wigs became essential. Human hair, wool, or plant fibres were shaped into tight curls or sleek braids and fixed with beeswax. More elaborate wigs signified higher social rank.
Jewellery
Jewellery crossed every social barrier, though materials differed. Gold, lapis lazuli, and carnelian adorned the wealthy; faience and copper suited commoners. Amuletic scarabs, ankhs, and falcons provided spiritual protection while flashing personal style.
Footwear: Sandals and Bare Feet
Many Egyptians worked barefoot, but reed or leather sandals protected feet from hot stone floors and desert sand. Royal sandals could be inlaid with gold or carved with images of enemies—so each step symbolically crushed Egypt’s foes.
Clothing as a Mirror of Society
Egyptian garments went beyond comfort: they declared a person’s age, gender, occupation, wealth, and piety. Linen connected the living and the dead—from daily attire to mummy wrappings—while make‑up, wigs, and jewellery completed the look with beauty and meaning.
Conclusion about Ancient Egyptian Clothing
Lightweight linen kept Egyptians cool, while cleverly pleated kilts, elegant sheath dresses, protective make‑up, and ornate jewellery transformed practical clothing into art. Whether you are curious about children’s clothing, the rise of royal wigs, or the symbolism behind lotus‑embroidered hems, ancient Egyptian fashion offers a vivid window into a civilisation where every thread told a story.
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Theresa Smith is an experienced fashion blogger. She has been blogging for nearly 10 years, and her blog posts are often featured in major publications. Her blog posts cover everything from the latest trends to tips on how to wear certain pieces of clothing. Theresa’s favorite style icons include Audrey Hepburn and Michelle Obama, who she cites as having great style.
