Step back in time and immerse yourself in one of the most fascinating and visually iconic periods in human history. Ancient Egypt captivates the imagination like few other cultures, making it a constant favorite among costume enthusiasts. From the grandeur of Pharaohs and the mystique of Egyptian gods and goddesses to the detailed hieroglyphs and iconic symbols like the Ankh and the Eye of Horus, this civilization offers a rich palette for creative expression.
Explore a treasure trove of costume possibilities, each telling a story of power, divinity, and everyday life along the Nile. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate gold jewelry of the royalty, the multicolored linen garments of the common folk, or the ceremonial attire worn in rituals, Ancient Egypt provides endless inspiration for stunning costumes that resonate with historical depth and cultural significance.
The costumes most associated with Ancient Egypt stems from the Old Kingdom, which ran from 2700 to 2200 BC. We can see the clothing they wore on wall murals found in temples and tombs.
Ancient Egyptian Clothing – A Reflection of Status and Climate
Clothing was a marker of status, wealth, and occupation, and usually made from linen due to its lightweight and breathable qualities, essential for the Nile Valley heat.
Everyday Wear
Men typically wore simple kilts known as shendyt, with lengths that varied according to social status. Women dressed in straight-fitting dresses called kalasiris, often reaching from the shoulders to the ankles, held up by straps. Wealthier individuals sported finely pleated and more transparent versions of these garments.
Commoners were simpler garments coarse linen or loincloths.
The Gala Dress and Procardium
The gala gown was worn for festive occasions by men and women. It was made of heavily starched, very fine linen. The construction is simple; a rectangular length of fabric twice the length of the wearer, and the width of their outstretched arms. It is folded in half and a hole made for the head.
The heavy starching allows the pleats to be made in the top front and along edges of the back, and the tightly girdled around the waist with a long decorated belt, and a jewelled collar.
The procardium was a length of material wrapped around the body and secured with one or two shoulder straps, and was either bust to ankle, or bust to calf. It was worn with or without a belt, which was tied at the bust with the long ends trailing to the hem.
Royal and Ceremonial Attire
Pharaohs and the nobility adorned themselves with luxurious garments, elaborate headdresses, and a profusion of jewelry, including gold and precious stones. During religious ceremonies, high priests and priestesses wore specific garments such as leopard skins, symbolizing a higher status and closer connection to the gods.
Collars
The Usekh or Wesekh is a broad collar that wrapped around and supported by the neck and shoulders. They were typically adorned with closely placed rows of colored stone beads or precious metals to showcase the wealth and position of the wearer. A counterweight would hang down to the back to balance the weight of the collar.
Broad collar of Senebtisi, 1850–1775 BC; faience, gold, carnelian and turquoise; Metropolitan Museum of Art
Hairstyles and Headgear
To combat the heat and maintain cleanliness, Egyptians often shaved or cut their hair short, opting for wigs made from human hair or plant fibers for aesthetic or ceremonial purposes.
The familiar Egyptian head covering was the klaft, which was made of a stiff fabric. It was worn low over the forehead, with the sidepieces arranged in a pyramidical form that reached to the shoulders.
The Nemes headdress was worn by royalty and had two tabas that fell past the shoulders.
Headband with Heads of Gazelles and a Stag Between Stars or Flowers from the Met Museum collection
Two boxes in the jewelry niche of Middle Kingdom Princess Sithathoryunet’s tomb may have held her ceremonial wigs. The wooden boxes and hair had completely decomposed, but 1,251 gold rings in two sizes that had decorated one of the wigs were preserved.
Image: The Met Museum
Footwear
While footwear was not common and many went barefoot, sandals made from papyrus or leather were sometimes worn by the higher classes during special occasions.
Jewellery
Colours were important to the Eygptians, and they augemented their clothes with brightly coloured jewellery and accessories.
As well as collars, they used rings, belts, cuffs and anklets to adorn their bodies.
