chlamys

clothing

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

The chlamys was a short, oblong mantle worn by young men in ancient Greece. Typically made of dark wool, it was draped over the left shoulder and fastened with a fibula at the right shoulder, leaving the right arm free. This garment was particularly favored by soldiers and messengers because it offered protection from the elements while allowing for freedom of movement. The himation, a larger rectangle of fabric, was another type of mantle worn by both men and women in ancient Greece.12

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dress
Ancient Greece
The smaller one—the chlamys—was of dark wool and was worn pinned on one shoulder, usually leaving the right arm free. The larger wrap was the himation, worn by both sexes. Draped in many different ways, it covered the body and could be drawn up over the head. In…
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The smaller one—the chlamys—was of dark wool and was worn pinned on one shoulder, usually leaving the right arm free. The larger wrap was the himation, worn by both sexes. Draped in many different ways, it covered the body and could be drawn up over the head. In…
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mantle
The Greek chlamys (worn only by men) was a short mantle draped around the upper shoulders, pinned on the right shoulder with a brooch. It left the right arm free and was often used by travellers and military men. The Greek himation, draped in various ways, was…
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The Greek chlamys (worn only by men) was a short mantle draped around the upper shoulders, pinned on the right shoulder with a brooch. It left the right arm free and was often used by travellers and military men. The Greek himation, draped in various ways, was…
Read More

stagecraft
Classical theatrical costume
…and short cloaks (himations and chlamyses). Aeschylus was renowned for the brilliant mounting and costuming of his tragedies, and by the time of his death, in the mid-5th century bce, a traditional tragic costume had evolved. Each costume was rendered in a symbolic colour.
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…and short cloaks (himations and chlamyses). Aeschylus was renowned for the brilliant mounting and costuming of his tragedies, and by the time of his death, in the mid-5th century bce, a traditional tragic costume had evolved. Each costume was rendered in a symbolic colour.
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