Stepping Back in Time: A Detailed Guide to Dressing Like an Ancient Egyptian

The allure of Ancient Egypt, with its towering pyramids, enigmatic hieroglyphs, and powerful pharaohs, continues to captivate our imaginations. One way to connect with this rich history is by exploring the fashion of the time. Ancient Egyptian clothing, while seemingly simple, was imbued with symbolism and practicality, designed to suit the hot climate and reflect social status. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of recreating authentic-looking Ancient Egyptian attire, from the basic garments to the accessories that completed the look.

Understanding Ancient Egyptian Fashion

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to grasp the core principles of Ancient Egyptian clothing. The primary material was linen, a lightweight and breathable fabric perfect for the desert climate. Both men and women wore simple, flowing garments, but their styles and adornments differed significantly based on social class and occasion. The Egyptians were also highly skilled in dyeing fabrics, although brighter colors were often reserved for the elite.

Key characteristics of Ancient Egyptian fashion include:

• Linen: The dominant fabric, known for its breathability and adaptability to the climate.
• Simplicity: Garments were generally simple in design, focusing on functionality and comfort.
• Draping: Clothing often involved draping and wrapping rather than complex tailoring.
• Symbolism: Colors, patterns, and jewelry held symbolic meaning, reflecting status, religious beliefs, and even personal taste.
• Minimalism: While some elements could be ornate, the overall silhouettes were often minimal, emphasizing the natural form.

Recreating the Ancient Egyptian Look: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide will break down the elements of Ancient Egyptian clothing, offering instructions on how to create or source pieces that capture the essence of this fascinating era. We’ll cover both male and female attire, as well as options for recreating more elaborate outfits.

1. The Basic Garment: The Shenti (For Men)

The most common garment for men in Ancient Egypt was the shenti, a simple kilt-like skirt. Here’s how to create one:

Materials:

• Lightweight linen fabric (white or off-white is ideal)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Optional: Sewing machine or needle and thread

Instructions:

1. Measure: Measure around your waist and the desired length of the shenti. A length that falls to the knees is a common style, though variations exist. Add a few extra inches to both measurements for overlap and seam allowance.
2. Cut the Fabric: Cut the linen fabric to the measured dimensions. A simple rectangle of fabric will do.
3. Prepare the Hem: If you are sewing, create a basic hem by folding the edges of the fabric inward and stitching them down. If sewing is not an option, you can use fabric glue or simply leave the edges raw for a more rustic look.
4. Wrap and Fasten: Wrap the fabric around your waist, overlapping the edges at the front. Use a belt or tie (explained further below) to secure the shenti in place. Some shentis were pleated or gathered, which can be added to increase authenticity and detail, but is not essential for a basic version. For a basic version simply overlap and secure.
5. Optional Pleating: For a more detailed look, you can create pleats in the fabric before wrapping. Use a fabric press or manually fold small sections of the material to create vertical folds. Iron them flat. Then wrap the pleated fabric as described above.

Variations:

• Length: The length of the shenti varied. Some were quite short while others reached the knee or even below.
• Fit: Shenits could be close-fitting or more loose.
• Elaborations: For higher status, the shenti might have a more elaborate apron-like front panel, often decorated with embellishments.

2. The Basic Garment: The Kalasiris (For Women)

Women in Ancient Egypt primarily wore the kalasiris, a simple sheath dress. Here’s how to create one:

Materials:

• Lightweight linen fabric (white or off-white, or colored for higher status)
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Optional: Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Optional: Straps (linen or ribbon)

Instructions:

1. Measure: Measure from just below your bust to the desired length, often to the ankles. Also, measure the width of your body at your widest point. Add a few inches to both measurements for seams and ease.
2. Cut the Fabric: Cut a large rectangular piece of fabric to the measured dimensions.
3. Prepare the Seams: If you are sewing, sew the two short ends of the rectangle together to form a tube. If not using a sewing machine, leave a small gap at the top that will allow the head to pass through, but the two side seams can be connected with fabric glue or by hand sewing. If leaving the sides open, you will need to fold them over to give them a neater edge.
4. Prepare the Hem: Similarly, create a simple hem at the bottom by folding the fabric edges inward and sewing them down or use fabric glue.
5. Creating the Straps: If the kalasiris will have shoulder straps, cut two narrow strips of linen or ribbon and sew them to the front and back of the dress on either side of the shoulders, being careful to position them correctly to hold the dress in place. If your piece of material is particularly wide you may also opt to create the straps by simply cutting away sections of the dress, leaving two straps from the fabric itself.
6. Wearing the Kalasiris: Step into the tube of fabric and pull it up so that the dress reaches the desired length. The dress is designed to be relatively snug, but it should not be constricting.
7. Securing the Kalasiris: Some kalasiris were held in place using straps over the shoulders. Depending on the fit and your preferences the dress can be worn with or without straps.

Variations:

• Length: Kalasiris varied in length. Some were ankle-length, while others were shorter, often knee-length for more active activities.
• Width: The width of the kalasiris also varied. Some were more fitted, hugging the figure, while others were looser and more comfortable.
• Decoration: Kalasiris could be decorated with embroidery, patterns, or beadwork, especially among the elite classes.
• Translucent Fabrics: For more affluent women, the Kalasiris may be made from translucent linen, making it a little more revealing.

3. Belts and Sashes

Belts and sashes were essential accessories for both men and women. They served practical purposes, such as securing garments, but also could be ornamental, signifying status. Here’s how to create simple versions:

Materials:

• Strips of linen or cotton fabric (various colors)
• Scissors
• Optional: Beads or other embellishments

Instructions:

1. Cut the Fabric: Cut long strips of fabric to your desired width and length. Ensure you have enough to wrap around your waist and tie securely.
2. Simple Belt: Fold the strip of fabric in half lengthwise and sew it together, creating a long tie. Alternatively, fold it in half and tie a knot and use as a belt to hold the garment in place, ensuring a comfortable but secure fit.
3. Decorative Sashes: For a more decorative belt, sew or glue beads or other embellishments along the sash. Alternatively, you may use a strip of fabric with ornate patterns and embellishments already printed on it.
4. Wearing: Wrap the belt or sash around your waist, securing your garment. Tie the ends at the front or side.

4. The Nemes Headdress (For Pharaohs and Royalty)

The nemes headdress is an iconic symbol of Ancient Egyptian royalty. While creating an exact replica might be challenging, here’s a simplified version you can make:

Materials:

• Stiff, striped fabric (typically blue and yellow or gold, or solid yellow or gold)
• Stiff felt or craft foam for the band
• Scissors
• Glue or needle and thread
• Optional: Faux Uraeus (cobra) for the front

Instructions:

1. Measure: Measure the circumference of your head for the band. Cut a strip of felt or craft foam to this length.
2. Cut the Fabric: Cut a large piece of striped or solid colored fabric, and create two pieces to hang down on each side of the head. Then, cut a larger piece to go on the top of the head and come out over the shoulders.
3. Create the Band: Form the felt or foam into a head band, securing the edges with glue or by sewing.
4. Attach the Fabric: Carefully attach the fabric to the headband so that it drapes correctly. Ensure the stripes or pattern are positioned as accurately as possible. The pieces of fabric coming down the sides should reach the shoulders, and the piece of fabric at the back should reach the chest.
5. Uraeus: If desired, attach a faux Uraeus at the front of the headdress, above the forehead, for a more authentic royal touch.

5. Jewelry and Adornments

Ancient Egyptians loved their jewelry. It was worn by both men and women, serving as decoration and protection. Here are some key pieces to consider:

• Wide Collars: Crafted from beads, metal, or painted materials, wide collars were popular among both genders. You can create a version using beads and thread or craft foam and paint.
• Armbands and Bracelets: Crafted from beads, metal, or bone, these could be worn on the wrists and upper arms. Simple versions can be made with leather strips and beads.
• Anklets: Similar to bracelets, anklets could be made from beads or metal.
• Rings: Rings were worn on almost every finger and could be adorned with scarabs, geometric shapes or other symbols.
• Amulets: Scarabs, the Eye of Horus, and other protective symbols were common amulets, often worn as pendants.
• Headbands: Headbands or diademes were worn by all classes and could be made from a simple strip of material, or made ornate with patterns and embellishments.

Creating Jewelry:

• Beading: Use a variety of beads (blue, gold, green, and red were common) to string together necklaces, bracelets, and anklets.
• Craft Foam: Cut shapes from craft foam and paint them in gold or other metallic colors to mimic metal jewelry. You can also add painted patterns for added detail.
• Leather: Use leather scraps to create armbands and wristbands.

6. Footwear

Ancient Egyptians primarily went barefoot or wore simple sandals. These sandals were typically made from papyrus, leather, or woven plant fibers. While replicating authentic sandals might be challenging, you can find suitable, plain sandals that echo the look. Look for simple flat leather or rope sandals for men and women.

7. Makeup and Hairstyles

Makeup:

• Eye Makeup: Both men and women wore heavy eye makeup. Use kohl eyeliner to create thick, dramatic lines around the eyes, extending outwards at the corners. Green eyeshadow was also common.
• Cheek and Lip Color: A hint of red or ochre on the cheeks and lips would have been common to complete the look.

Hairstyles:

• Men: Men typically had short hair or shaved their heads and wore wigs. For a more authentic look, consider wearing a short wig, or ensuring your own hair is short and kept neat.
• Women: Women often wore long hair, sometimes braided. Wigs were common and could be worn with additional braids and hair decorations. Consider keeping your own hair in a neat braid or bun, or using a wig for added effect.

Tips for Authenticity

• Choose Natural Fabrics: Stick to linen or other natural fibers to capture the texture and look of Ancient Egyptian clothing.
• Keep it Simple: Avoid overly complex designs. The beauty of Ancient Egyptian attire lies in its simplicity.
• Research: Study images of Ancient Egyptian art and artifacts for inspiration. There are many sources online and in museums that will allow you to research the correct shapes, sizes, colors and embellishments used by different classes and genders.
• Details Matter: Pay attention to details like the placement of beads, the color of fabrics, and the style of jewelry. Even a small detail can make a big difference.
• Embrace Imperfection: Authentic Ancient Egyptian clothing would have had some handmade imperfections, so don’t worry about making everything perfectly neat and symmetrical.

Conclusion

Dressing like an Ancient Egyptian is a fun and rewarding way to explore the history and culture of this fascinating civilization. By focusing on simple garments, natural materials, and symbolic adornments, you can recreate the timeless elegance of Ancient Egyptian fashion. Whether you’re attending a historical reenactment, a costume party, or simply indulging your curiosity, this guide will help you step back in time and experience the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the Nile Valley.