How did the great pharaohs and royalty of Ancient Egypt express their influence and power through fashion?
Ancient Egyptians had a unique sense of fashion! They favoured wearing lightweight materials such as linen and gauze, in bright colours like white, red, and yellow. They often accessorized with jewelry and elaborate headdresses. Women were known to wear long, fitted dresses, while men wore shorter kilts. They also decorated their clothing with intricate beadwork and gemstones. In addition to clothing, the Egyptians also had a thriving cosmetics industry. Eyeliner, perfume, and scented oils were popular items. From the evidence we have today, it appears that the Egyptians had a great appreciation for fashion and beauty!
Linen was the fabric worn by all economic classes as it was the most common and abundant textile. However, pharaohs and wealthy individuals were also able to afford animal textiles, such as wool and leather. Leaders could be seen in animal skins and pelts, a symbol of their rank in the Egyptian social hierarchy.
The Yorck Project, via Wikimedia Commons
Pleats were a popular style in ancient Egypt and were used to adorn both men and women's clothing. Clothing was often decorated with pleats and folds, as well as other
embellishments like decorative stitching, beading, and appliqué. Pleats were also used to create a fitted look, as many of the garments were made from fabrics that did not stretch. Pleats were made by folding the fabric in various ways and then pressing it. This created a decorative effect, as well as a way to easily adjust the garment's fit. Pleats were also used to create decorative patterns, such as geometric shapes or plant motifs. Overall, pleats were a popular style in ancient Egypt, as they allowed for a great deal of creativity and flexibility in fashion.
King Tut's Tomb Carleton Immersive Media Studio; Carleton University/J. Paul Getty Trust
Pharaohs were known for their elaborate and ornate clothing styles, which often included colourful, patterned linens and long, flowing robes. They also often wore headdresses, jewelry, and other accessories to show their wealth and power. The style of clothing varied from dynasty to dynasty, so it's interesting to explore the different styles worn by different pharaohs throughout history.
Bust of Queen Nefertiti, 1370-1336 BC.
Tutankhamun painting by Winifred Brunton
The jewellery commonly worn by pharaohs included broad collar necklaces with precious gemstones, a pectoral (pendant or ornament worn as a brooch or necklace), belts, bracelets, anklets and armlets.
Ancient Egyptians were known for their beauty, and makeup was an essential part of their culture. Eye makeup was especially popular, and it was believed to have magical and religious significance. Ancient Egyptians used kohl, a black powder made of galena, to line their eyes. This was believed to ward off evil and protect against eye diseases. They also used red and green pigments to colour their eyes. Other makeup, such as rouge, was used to enhance the complexion. Makeup was also used to signify social status and rank, with higher-status people wearing more elaborate makeup. Ancient Egyptians even used henna to dye their nails and hair.
If you're interested in the beauty practices of Ancient Egypt check out Erin Parsons, a make-up artist and make-up history expert who uses materials that would have been available back then to recreate the looks! Here she recreates Nerfertiti's rouge and lipstick!
The styles and beauty standards prominent in Ancient Egypt have been shown to the world countless times through documentaries, paintings and movies. What the average Egyptian actually wore through each dynasty is sometimes a topic of debate, but the dramatic and lavish styles that royalty and pharaohs displayed is unforgettable.
Cleopatra on terraces of Philae Frederick Arthur Bridgman