Peplos

In ancient Greece, women's apparel included three general garment types: the chiton, the peplos, and the himation.  The peplos has several characteristics that distinguish it from other clothing traditions. Made of one large rectangular piece of cloth, it was formed into a cylinder and then folded along the topline into a deep cuff, creating an apoptygma, or capelet-like overfold. The neckline and armholes of the peplos were formed by fibulae, broochlike pins that attached the back to the front of the garment at either shoulder. Of all the identifying characteristics of a peplos, the fastening of its shoulders with fibulae is its single defining detail.

 

Peplos

A body length garment worn in ancient Greece. In ancient Greece, women's apparel included three general garment types: the chiton, the peplos, and the himation. The peplos was made of one large rectangular piece of cloth formed into a cylinder or tube with the top folded inside-out so the top of the tube is over the waist, the fold at the shoulders, and the bottom at the ankles. The folded over top of the tube drapes over the waist providing the appearance of two pieces of clothing. The open top (at the fold) pinned over the shoulders with fibulae, forming the neckline and armholes. Of all the identifying characteristics of a peplos, the fastening of its shoulders with fibulae is its single defining detail.