Egypt’s fashion history stretches back thousands of years, and ancient dress still inspires designers today.
Linen and simple lines
Linen, made from flax, was by far the most common textile and kept people comfortable in the subtropical heat. Clothing was usually left in its natural colour, typically white, though plant dyes could be used. Women mostly wore the kalasiris, a simple ankle-length sheath held up by one or two straps, whose length indicated social class. Men wore wrap-around skirts, which became pleated in the Middle Kingdom, and the shenti was worn by everyone.
Jewellery and wigs
Plain linen was set off by jewellery. Earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces and bright collars were worn across social classes, and those who could not afford precious materials wore coloured pottery beads. The wealthy wore wigs of human hair, sometimes mixed with date palm fibre, styled in tight curls and narrow braids.
Take the idea
Clean silhouettes, natural fabrics and statement jewellery remain a timeless formula.
Sources: Wikipedia: Clothing in ancient Egypt.
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