Greek clothing styles around 427 BC

Sophocles wrote Oedipus around 427 BC, and it can be assumed that, although the theatre costumes would be more extravagant, they would still reflect the clothing styles of this era.

During this time the Greek fashion consisted of several layers of fabrics and wraps.
-Men and women both wore a tunic, it was a light tissue, sometimes made of wool or silk and worn next to the skin. It was constructed of two square pieces of fabric sewn together with claps that held it together over the shoulder. *Note: Jocasta was wearing a tunic when Oedipus removed the broaches at her shoulders*

Greek women wearing the common dress of the time

-Women would commonly wear a girdle with the tunic. It was also not uncommon to wear two girdles of different sizes.
-Philosophers and other male figures would sometimes abstain from wearing tunics and instead throw a cloak or mantle over their naked bodies.
-Women would also wear a second garment that would tie around the chest and was secured by clasps.
-Both sexes would also wear a peplum, which was wound around the body. Under the arms and then over the shoulders was most common. This was reserved for ceremonies most commonly.
-Traveling men would often be seen with a flat broad brimmed hat tied under the chin to protect them from the sun.
-Shoes during this time were not often worn. Sometimes a simple sole with strings tied around the ankle would be enough to wear. Other times shoes consisted of a sole with a covering of animal fur over the foot and strings tied around the ankle.
-It is also a misconception that all Greek fashion was white or gray colored, vases have shown that Greek fashion was quite colorful.
-Oedipus was a the king of Thebes and such he would be dressed very grandly. Probably adorning an olive branch wreath to show peace.

"Clothing of Ancient Greek Women." Web. 29 Oct. 2010. <http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Greeks/costume/costume.html>.

Hope, Thomas. Costumes of the Greeks and Romans. New York: Dover Publications, 1962. Print.