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How to Make an Athenian Dress

The Athenians were ancient Greeks who lived in the city of Athens, which was named after Athena, the goddess of wisdom. Due to the hot climate, Athenian garments were loose and flowing, usually made of one or two pieces of material wrapped around the body and pinned in place. This type of garment is called a chiton, and it could be worn in several different styles. An Athenian woman's garments were far more elaborate than those of the men's. Purple was a popular color, and the fine fabrics were often elaborately embroidered. There are several different ways to make your own Athenian dress, all of which are very simple.

Things You'll Need

Fabric
Measuring tape
Scissors
Needle and thread
Pins
Brooches
Gold decorative rope

Instructions

Doric Chiton
- 1
  Measure the height of the wearer and add 12 inches to that measurement for the length of the material. Measure the open arm span of the wearer for the width of the material. Mark these measurements onto the material and cut it to the correct size.
- 2
  Fold the excess 12 inches of fabric over at the top of the material. Wrap the chiton around the body of the wearer.
- 3
  Gather the material at the point in front of the underarm and the point behind the arm. Pull these two points up to the top of the shoulder and pin in place.
- 4
  Wrap a piece of decorative rope, which is available from fabric stores, around the waist. The loose 12 inches of fabric that were folded over at the top should hang loose, just above the waistline.
Athenian Goddess Costume
- 5
  Measure the height of the wearer, from the shoulders to the floor. Double this measurement and cut the material to the correct length. Ensure the width of the material is wide enough to meet at the sides of the body.
- 6
  Cut the material in half, so you have two long lengths of material, a front and a back.
- 7
  Place the two pieces of material on top of each other. Hold the two outside points of the two pieces of material and gather together to create shoulder straps. Pin the gathered material in place. You should now have a head hole in between the two gathered areas.
- 8
  Pin a brooch to the top of each gathered area and slip the dress over the head of the wearer. Take a piece of decorative rope, and wrap it around the body, from the waist to under the bust.

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