In Ancient Rome, wool was the most commonly used fabric for clothing. Other materials used included linen and hemp which were tough and durable, while silk and nettle were expensive and were only acquired by the rich. Animal pelts from cattle, pig or sheep were used to make heavy coats, belts and footwear.
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Women wore a breast cloth and longer tunics that were down to their ankles. Over the tunic, they also wore a stola which was a full length shawl draped over the body. Rich women wore long tunics woven from fine silk or cotton and they also wore abundant jewellery, heavy makeup and sophisticated hairstyles. They even had slaves who were trained to assist them in dressing, applying makeup and styling their hair.
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Girls wore a simply decorated white tunic that reached below the knees and was belted at the waist. Another longer tunic was worn on top when she went out.
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Roman men and boys wore sleeveless or short-sleeved tunic down the knees called a chilton. A cloak, similar to a shawl, was worn over the tunic and it was draped over the shoulder and wrapped around the body. Roman male citizens also wore a toga which was square or rectangular and wrapped around the body on top of a tunic. The quality of the material was very different for the rich and the poor. The rich wore fine, wool togas while the poor wore togas made of coarse material. The different colours of the togas were used to represent citizens of different classes and status, e.g. rich boys wore togas with puple borders and only the Emperor wore a purple toga.