Sewing Through Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome

Sewing and Style in Ancient Egypt

The first evidence of sewing dresses and garments comes from ancient Egypt, where people wore fabrics made of linen and cotton, joined together with simple stitches. Egyptians were pioneers not only in pyramids but also in fashion. Their clothing was practical yet deeply symbolic.
In Ancient Egypt (circa 3000 – 332 BCE), sewing was a true art, essential for making clothing as well as complex ornaments. Egyptians wore simple tunics made of cloth, usually linen. The finer the weave, the higher the social status of the person wearing it. The tunics were simple but often decorated with various details such as gold embellishments, indicating wealth. Egyptians used needles made of bone and metal, and sewing skills were highly valued.

The Art of Dressmaking in Ancient Greece

In Ancient Greece (circa 800 – 146 BCE),  needlework and fashion began to develop in increasingly sophisticated ways. Greek women wore the peplos – a long, draped garment typically made of wool. Textile artistry and weaving were not merely functional activities but also forms of aesthetic and cultural expression. The Greeks refined intricate methods for assembling and embellishing fabrics. Clothing often included decorative details and frequently served as a marker of social status.

Sewing Traditions of Ancient Rome

While Egyptians valued simplicity, the Phoenicians and Romans turned fashion into a symbol of power.
In Ancient Rome (circa 509 BCE – 476 CE), sewing and fashion became even more linked with functionality and prestige. Romans wore togas, tied in a specific way, and clothing that indicated their social class. Sewing played an important role in the military as well, since military cloaks had to be made precisely to serve their purpose. Fabrics were often decorated, and colors were a sign of wealth. In Rome, sewing became much more than a practical skill – it became a means of expressing cultural and social values.

• For example: Phoenician purple – extracted from sea snails, was 100 times more expensive than gold! Emperor Nero banned everyone except himself from wearing it.