Pompeii provides a valuable window into the daily lives of its inhabitants, including their fashion. Through the analysis of frescoes, sculptures, and textile remains, archaeologists have been able to reconstruct a fascinating picture of fashion clothing and accessories in Pompeii.
Clothing:
The Toga: This draped garment, a symbol of Roman social status and citizenship, was reserved for formal occasions and men of high rank. The toga was made of white wool and its color and the width of the purple border (clavus) indicated the social position of the wearer.
The Tunic: Simpler and more practical than the toga, the tunic was a basic garment worn by men, women and children. It could be of various lengths and colors, with short or long sleeves. The quality of the fabric and decorations indicated wealth and social status.
Cloaks and Overcoats: Over the tunic, various types of cloaks and overcoats were worn, such as the paenula, lacerna, and sagum. These garments offered protection from the elements and could be made of wool, linen or leather.
Clothing for Work: Sources reveal the use of specific clothing for different professions. For example, fabri tignarii, carpenters, used tools such as bronze and iron plumb line weights.
Accessories:
Footwear: Footwear in Pompeii varied according to gender, social status, and occasion. Options included calcei (closed shoes), sandals (soleae) and socci (house slippers).
Jewelry: Pompeii's inhabitants, both men and women, valued jewelry as a symbol of wealth and beauty. Excavations have unearthed a variety of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings and brooches, made of gold, silver, bronze and precious stones.
Belts: Belts were a common accessory for both men and women. They could be made of leather or fabric, decorated with elaborate buckles, and were used to hold clothing in place or to carry small objects.
Bags and Saddlebags: Women often carried small cloth or leather bags to store personal items, while men used saddlebags to carry bulkier items.
Hair and Cosmetics: Hairstyles were an important aspect of fashion in Pompeii for both men and women. Women styled their hair in elaborate hairstyles, using braids, curls, and accessories such as ribbons (vittae), reticules (reticula), and pins (acus crinales). Men usually wore their hair short and groomed.
Fashion Trends:
Greek and Etruscan Influence: Fashion in Pompeii was influenced by Greek and Etruscan cultures, as evidenced by the use of the toga and tunic.
Importance of Social Status: Clothing and accessories were an important way to communicate social status and wealth. The quality of fabrics, colors, decorations, and jewelry indicated an individual's social position.
Personal Care: The people of Pompeii attached great importance to personal care. The baths were a place for social gatherings and personal hygiene.
Evolution of Fashion: Fashion in Pompeii evolved over time, with the introduction of new styles and trends. For example, the wearing of beards became fashionable during the age of the Antonine emperors.
Conclusions:
Fashion in ancient Pompeii was a vibrant expression of the culture and society of the time. Through the analysis of clothing, accessories and trends, archaeologists have been able to reconstruct a detailed picture of how the inhabitants of this fascinating Roman city dressed and adorned themselves. The study of fashion in Pompeii continues to fascinate and provide valuable information about daily life in the past.