toga praetexta

clothing

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July 14, 2026

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The toga praetexta was a white robe with a purple border, worn by ancient Roman magistrates, priests, and boys before they assumed the toga virilis (toga of manhood) around age 14, and by girls until marriage. This garment was a distinct form of the toga, which was the characteristic draped outer garment of Roman citizens. The toga itself evolved from an Etruscan origin and was originally worn by all classes and sexes, but eventually became the formal attire of upper-class men and officials. The color and pattern of togas were strictly regulated, with the toga praetexta signifying a specific status.123

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toga
…wore a purple-bordered toga (toga praetexta); after reaching puberty, adolescents began to wear the plain man’s toga (toga pura, or toga virilis); people in mourning wore dark colours (toga pulla); and for triumphs and, in the later period, as worn by consuls, the toga was richly embroidered and patterned…
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…wore a purple-bordered toga (toga praetexta); after reaching puberty, adolescents began to wear the plain man’s toga (toga pura, or toga virilis); people in mourning wore dark colours (toga pulla); and for triumphs and, in the later period, as worn by consuls, the toga was richly embroidered and patterned…
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