Ancient Greek culture was the first in the history of world civilization to establish the beauty and harmony of the human body and its spirit. It was in Hellas, a country located on the shores of the warm Aegean Sea, that a style later called classical was born, the material, spiritual and aesthetic foundations of the development of almost all European peoples were laid.
Having achieved great success in various fields of culture, the ancient Greeks also succeeded in dressing: they were the first to think that man in his splendor is like a god, and his body is a mirror that reflects the ideals of the universe.
Clothing harmoniously fit the natural lines, emphasizing impeccable posture, athletic figure, plastic movements, and the Greek style has become a classic style in the history of fashion.
Initially, the national Greek costume was distinguished by simplicity, and at the same time grace. Even the robe of gods and goddesses, captured in engravings and statues, does not shine with luxury and wealth. There are five distinctive characteristics of the ancient Greek costume: validity, harmony, coherence, stability, timeliness.
In ancient Greece, the main elements of the national costume were: tunic (underwear) and gimatiy (cloak, which is a rectangular piece of fabric that was skillfully draped, trying to emphasize the unity of clothing with the body). The art of making the fabric flow through the body, enveloping the bulges or enveloping the muscular figure, was higher in price and in recognition than the cost of the fabric and the elegance of the ornament.
Years passed, changing the system, people, interests, affections. The costume also underwent some changes: fabrics, decoration, accessories, jewelry became more and more intricate and sophisticated.
The manufacturing method remained unchanged: the fabric for the costume was not cut and practically did not sew.
The chic and charm of clothing was still imparted by the drapery, brought by the Greeks over the years to perfection in the art of emphasizing the advantages of the body and hiding its imperfections.
The adoption of Christianity by Greece affected not only the spiritual life of the population, but also influenced the national dress. Outfits began to cover most of the body, hats became fashionable.
But it should be noted that modern Greek style implies an outfit from ancient times, when people worshiped the divine inhabitants of Olympus and tried to dress in their image and likeness.
Men's suit
Ancient Hellene dressed in a tunic, which was made of a wide flap of fabric, and fastened on its shoulders with a fastener (brooch). A belt was tied at the waist. Knee length was considered average, young people and warriors shortened that length, elderly people and priests, on the contrary, lengthened it.
Adults in one tunic did not go outside and did not accept guests, since the tunic was considered underwear. Leaving home, a man put on a cloak or cloak. The most famous type of ancient Greek cloak is the hymatium, made from a piece of rectangular fabric and draped around the body.
Of the other varieties of the cloak, the mantle is known, which was preferred by young men, military men, shepherds and travelers. The difference between the costume of a warrior was that military equipment was put on the tunic, then mantle was attacked.
Costumes were divided into everyday and holiday. The outfits of representatives of various professions and classes differed.
Women costume
Based on the moral requirements of that time, the costume of the Greek woman was longer than the male one and covered a significant part of the body. Women's clothing, also consisting of tunic and gimatia, was much brighter and more colorful. The difference between the tunic of the classical period is that a lapel was made on the upper edge, the decoration of which was skillful embroidery, intricate ornament, applique made of fabric of a different shade or color.
Chitons made of thin, plastic fabric were generously draped and girdled crosswise under the chest and at the waist. Thanks to their large width, the appearance of the sleeve was created. The female hematium was smaller than the male one, however, this was offset by a rich ornament.
During magnificent ceremonies, peplos were worn, which was distinguished by the fact that it was longer and wider.
The national costume of the Greek woman is composed of a pectoral dress, a shirt with a wide sleeve, a long skirt, an apron. Clothing of women from the poor was very similar to the costume of noble people, but the volume was less, made of inexpensive fabric, complemented by modest jewelry.
Fabrics: colors, types, decoration
Spinning and weaving were the main occupation of Greek women. The inhabitants of ancient Greece wore tunics made of wool and linen. The fabric was made by hand, so it turned out to be soft and obedient, which was extremely important for creating unique draping touches.
Phoenician and Persian matter, as well as Syrian silk and Indian cotton, began to be delivered to Greece later, when Greece began to develop trade relations with other countries. The clothes of the Greeks are becoming more elegant. Dresses of rich Greek women are created from delicate airy fabrics that can create the silhouette of a goddess.
Among the ancient Greeks, the most beautiful and refined was the white color, which was considered the color of the gods and the privilege of the aristocracy. Later, white color divided the palm with purple. The purple fabric was the most expensive and could only be worn by generals.
Red and yellow clothes were worn by women. Brown and gray were considered colors of mourning.
Motley clothing by the Greeks was not welcome. One-color outfit was decorated with skillful embroidery or ornament. In suits of the late period, there are a dark vest and a crimson-red belt.
Footwear
In ancient Greece, shoes were a priority for adults. Most of the children ran barefoot. Traditional Greek shoes are sandals, which are flat soles, complemented by numerous narrow straps.
The manufacture of shoes was taken seriously and with all responsibility. The main requirements for shoes were comfort and elegance. The decoration and decoration were colored leather, gold-plated straps, metal plaques, silver and pearls.
Hats. Hairstyles
The headdress of the Greeks was not popular. During travel, in bad weather, they wore a petas, a wide-brimmed felt hat tied with long straps, to work in the field.
Women even less needed this attribute of clothing, since most of the time they were in the walls of their home. If necessary, they used a scarf, the edge of a cloak or a light scarf - a calipt.
Speaking of hats, one cannot but mention wreaths. They symbolized merit, title, a sign of respect from fellow citizens, social status and played an important role in the life of the natives of Hellas.
The Greeks paid exceptional attention to the hairstyle, in harmony with the clothes. Well-groomed short, hair, mustache and a round beard, which served as a symbol of courage - this is the image of a free Hellenic. The main female hairstyle was the “Greek knot”: the hair divided into a straight parting and lowered down on the forehead was laid in a knot at the back of the head. The form is simple, but using bandages, tiaras, ribbons, nets, combs, it was possible to create its innumerable variations.
Jewelry. Cosmetics
Jewelry craftsmanship in ancient Greece has reached perfection. Jewelry made of precious metals and stones was mostly women's accessories. Men could only afford a signet, a precious buckle. Elegant rings and bracelets, earrings and necklaces, tiaras and hair nets complemented the outfits and hairstyles of the beautiful half of Hellas. Jewelry was famous for its uniqueness and impeccability.
Greek women punctually watched their appearance. And the next point in achieving the ideal was cosmetics. Antimony, whitewash, blush, eyeliner and eyebrow eyeliner, perfume, aromatic oils - everything was used, but very subtly and delicately, because it was only to emphasize the natural beauty, and not to cross out it.
The harmony of physical and mental perfection is the main condition for human beauty. This aesthetic standard of ancient Greek culture is the reason that the Greek style has always been and always will be on top of Olympus Fashion.
Modern greek style
Today, a Greek-style costume is not only a part of the country's history, but also an inspiration for fashion designers and designers around the world to create new creations of modern fashion art.
The pursuit of the foundations of the ancient style based on lightness, elegance, harmony and plastic attracts more and more fashionistas who want to put on the clothes of Olympic goddesses in the ranks of fans of the Greek style.
The classical basis in its modern presentation allows you to put on such an outfit for a corporate party or soire, for graduation or wedding. This style will be to the face and the teenage girl gathered for a theme party or school ball.
If you were invited to a party in the Greek style, then you are able to create an interesting and unusual costume yourself.
To make traditional toga, you will need a large cut of white fabric. If not, take a sheet. Tie the corners of the cut with a knot or secure with pins, brooches. The foundation is ready.
You can wear a long shirt or t-shirt and petticoat under it. Accessories, hairstyle, shoes depend on your imagination. Weave a ribbon into your hair, make a wreath, put on a beautiful belt, large earrings, bracelets. The main thing is in moderation and taste.After all, the Greek style is the choice of sophisticated and sophisticated people.
