toga pulla

The toga pulla was a dark-coloured toga worn by Romans in mourning. The toga itself was a characteristic draped outer garment of Roman citizens, originally adopted from the Etruscans. While initially worn by both sexes and all classes, it gradually became exclusive to women, then laborers, and finally patricians. It remained the state dress for emperors and high officials.1

The toga was made from an oval piece of material and had voluminous folds that required skill to drape, often necessitating a slave for assistance. Its bulkiness prevented active pursuits, making it a distinctive garment of the upper classes. Colors and patterns were strictly regulated; for instance, senators wore white togas (toga candida), boys wore a purple-bordered toga (toga praetexta), and for triumphs, a richly embroidered toga (toga picta) was worn.1