How to Make an Authentic Roman Toga

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A Roman toga is a simple outfit that provides an authentic look for a toga party or as a fun costume. To make your own toga, cut a large piece of fabric in a semicircle shape that's 18 ft (5.5 m) long with a radius of 7 to 8 ft (2.1 to 2.4 m). Hem the edges of the fabric together and position the toga over your left shoulder so it covers the right side of your body. You can decorate your toga with belts, broaches, or other colored fabrics to create a more elaborate look.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Toga Fabric

PDF download Download Article
  1. Traditional togas were made with wool fabric, but you can use cotton to make a good looking toga as well. Roman togas were typically almost white, but children, politicians and important people wore bright white togas with purple accents. You need a large amount of fabric to use for making an authentic Roman toga.
    • Buy a piece of fabric that is four to six yards long. Four yards is a good length to make a child’s toga and six yards is recommended to make an adult male’s toga.
  2. You need to cut the fabric into a semicircle shape to be able to wrap your toga correctly. Lay the fabric out on a table or the floor. Use a pencil to make a small mark near the edge at the center of the fabric. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. Cut an arc from one corner of the fabric to the center mark. Fold the fabric in half, and then lay it back out on the table or floor with the cut side up. Cut the bottom side to match the arc of the top side. Unfold the fabric and the fabric should have one straight edge and one semi circle edge.
    • Your toga should be approximately 18 feet long with a semicircle radius around 7 to 8 feet.
  4. Fold the edges of the fabric over 1 inch to create a hem. Use straight pins to attach the folded fabric over. Use a straight stitch on a sewing machine or a hand stitch to create a hem around the entire edge of the fabric. The hem will prevent the fabric from unraveling.
    • You can add a decorative edge of colored fabric as you create the hem by sewing a thin colored strip to the edge of the fabric along the curved edge of the semicircle.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Wrapping the Toga

PDF download Download Article
  1. Drape one end of the semicircle over your shoulder in front of you. The long end should be in behind you.
    • The end of the fabric hanging over your shoulder in front of you should come to just above your ankles.
    • The remaining length of the fabric will be behind your body.
  2. The toga will wrap around the front of your body to cover your back and right side.
  3. The toga will now wrap around your entire body. The fabric will be open on the left side, but the bulk of the fabric will come together to cover you completely.
    • Pull any remaining fabric that is hanging on the ground around the left side of your body to the front.
    • The fabric should wrap around your body snugly so it doesn't slip off when you move. Ideally the fabric will still be loose enough to appear full and flowing.
  4. c Secure your toga in place with the rope as a belt. The toga should cover your entire body except for your right shoulder. [2]
    • You can attach a safety pin where the fabric overlaps on your left shoulder to help hold the toga in place. Conceal the pin under the fabric to maintain the authenticity of the look.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Accessories

PDF download Download Article
  1. A large costume jewelry broach can add flair to the toga. Consider golden or jeweled broaches to pin on the left shoulder to help hold the toga in place.
  2. Braided ropes such as decorative curtain pulls can make a great belt for a roman toga. Double the rope to wrap it around your body twice to get a fuller look. [3]
  3. Strappy leather sandals such a gladiator sandals are a good addition to a Roman style toga. Sandals fashioned from rope also provide an authentic look.
  4. Fashion a headband from thin tree branches by twisting the branches around each other to form a circle. You can also use a decorative fabric like a golden lamé to create a headband by adding some elastic to a thin strip of fabric.
  5. If you are wearing the toga on a cold night, consider adding a purple or golden velvet shawl or stole to cover your shoulders.
  6. The only jewelry worn by Roman men was rings. Women also wore necklaces bracelets and earrings, however men kept their jewelry more simplistic. [4]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Decorate the fabric by attaching a colored strip of fabric to the edge of the semicircle. Roman dignitaries had togas with purple trim.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Use a broach or pin to secure the fabric over your left shoulder.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Wear a white t-shirt or tank top under the toga to make the costume more modest.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Wrap a Toga
      How to
      Make a Simple Toga Out of a Bedsheet
      How to
      Make a Paper Scroll
      How to
      Tie a Toga
      How to
      Wrap a Female Toga
      How to
      Make a Pilgrim Costume
      How to
      Make a Toga
      How to
      Make an Elizabethan Ruff
      How to
      Dress Like an Ancient Egyptian
      How to
      Wear a Viking Cloak
      How to
      Dress Like a Woman in the 1800s
      How to
      Make a Renaissance Costume
      How to
      Make a Masquerade Mask
      How to
      Do Grecian Hairstyles
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.fashion-era.com/ancient_costume/roman-costume-history-toga.htm
      2. ↑ http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/no-costume-grab-sheet-and-rock-toga-180953199/?no-ist
      3. ↑ http://www.garbtheworld.com/items/g0078.shtml
      4. ↑ http://www.crystalinks.com/romeclothing.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 121,212 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement