
Title | 27 CE Female Roman Chiton and Palla |
Entry # | GGB2021.0001 |
Alternate Names | Chiton, Palla |
Year | 270CE |
Time range | 27 – 400 CE |
Era | Roman Empire |
Gender | Female |
region | Europe |
Countries/cultures | Europe |
Maker | Anna Plentyn |
Difficulty | 1 |
Confidence | Image Examples |
Intro:
This consists of one piece or two pieces of fabric sewn at the sides and tacked at the top to form the tunic like chiton and a piece of fabric wrapped around as the palla. These are great beginner garb for hot weather
Description:
These are light and cool and fast to make. The chiton is very much like a tunic. There are versions done with a single piece of fabric folded and tacked along to the top in a number of places or it can be done as two large rectangles of fabric that are sewn down the sides and tacked a few places along the top. Using a rope it can be cinched in at the waist. The palla can just be wrapped around and held. Sandals that work to complete the outfit can be found in modern shoe stores. Romans also had a variety of jewelry that can be made or purchased from retailers selling recreations or by modifying some modern costume jewelry.
Inspiration Images

Common Materials
- Fabrics:
- Most lower class garments in roman times were wool, but finding the right weights and weaves of wool now is hard.
- Upper classes would have some silks.
- Ornamentation:
Effective Substitutions
- Fabrics:
- Avoid polyester, polyester blends.
- Cottons can work.
- Linens are good.
- Very light and fine wools may be very accurate, but harder to find.
- Ornamentation:
Ensemble Components
- Chiton
- Palla
- belt
- sandals
- jewelry
Accessories
- “Roman” sandals are still sold today and work for starter garb.
- Belts can range from ropes to modern fashion chain belts.
- Many examples of roman jewelry are not complex and can be made easily. There are some styles that look very similar to modern costume jewelry.
Source/Links
https://titarufiaprisca.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/on-making-roman-clothing/
http://www.fashion-era.com/ancient_costume/ancient-greek-dress-chiton.htm
https://titarufiaprisca.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/on-making-roman-clothing/
https://vestificasericata.wordpress.com/documentation/
https://www.getting-my-medieval-on.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/romanwomensgarb-arriamarina.pdf
https://romanasum.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/intro-to-roman-clothing4.pdf
https://www.getting-my-medieval-on.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/romanwomensgarb-arriamarina.pdf
Version | 2 |
date | 3/6/2021 |
Source of Period Pic | Statue of Livia Drusilla wearing a stola and palla |
Model | Anna Plentyn 031113-13 |
Photographer | Vincent De Vere |