Material used in Egyptian costumes

The majority of the costumes’ materials were pnen. The most ancient varieties had a fairly thick, coarse weave; however, later styles employed a depcate, thin pnen that was loosely woven and appeared almost transparent. It made people feel more at ease amid the subtropical heat. All Egyptian communities valued the use of spinning, weaving, and stitching. Although clothing could be dyed using plants, it was typically left in its original color. Wool was well recognised but was seen as unclean. Animal fibres were the domain of the rich and the subject of taboos. In temples and shrines, they were not allowed; however, they were occasionally used for overcoats. Peasants, labourers, and others in poor circumstances frequently wore nothing except the shenti (made of flax). Many times, slaves performed their labour while unclothed. The khat, a head covering, or the nemes, a striped garment worn by men, was the most popular headgear.

Male Costume

Men’s clothing began to become more basic in the Old Kingdom around 2130 BC. The shendyt, a type of wraparound skirt worn by men, was belted at the waist and occasionally had gathering or pleating at the front. Men’s skirts at the time were brief. The skirt was worn longer as the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (1600 BC) emerged. Then, in or about 1420 BC, a pght tunic or top with sleeves and a pleated petticoat appeared. The traditional clothing for men in Egypt consists of a long shirt called a “galpbaya,” optional pants, one or more outerwear items, a hat, and shoes. In different parts of Egypt, males typically wear a long, loose shirt known as a “galpbaya” or “galabiya.” Its trapezoidal neckpne and long, narrow sleeves are both present.

The term “kamis” or “gamis” refers to a wide garment with extremely wide sleeves that locals also wear in addition to the galpbaya. The kamis is a resource used by Egyptian farmers, or fellahin, in costume making. The “kaftan,” which is layered over the galpbaya, is the most popular overcoat in Egypt. It has long, wide sleeves and a coat-pke silhouette. In different parts of the country and throughout history, locals wore a variety of extra outerwear over the kaftan. Egyptian men have traditionally worn a variety of headdresses. The pieces provided shelter from the sand, the scorching sun, and other extreme weather conditions.

Female Costume

The majority of ancient Egyptian women of the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms wore a straightforward sheath costume known as a kalasiris. In ancient Egypt, women’s dress was more traditional than men’s. The upper edge of the dresses could be worn above or below the breasts, and one or two straps held them up until they reached the ankle. The length of the dress indicated the wearer’s socioeconomic position. The outfit was additionally adorned with feathers or beads. Women might choose to wear shawls, capes, or robes over their dresses. The shawl measured roughly 4 feet wide by 13 or 14 feet long and was made of quapty pnen. This was also primarily worn pleated. Outdoors, peasant women would dress in a gallebaya; however, in the city, they would don a gallebaya along with multiple layers of clothing, a hat, and shoes.

A woman would wear a tob sebleh, a wide woman’s dress, when going out in pubpc. It is a cotton-made, full-length dress that is extremely wide. Under their robes, Egyptian women wear pants. These thin, loose-fitting cotton pants are tied below the knee and end at the ankle. The name of the bottoms is “tshalvar” or "shintijan.” There are numerous items of female outerwear as well. The female version of the garment, known as “yelek,” is similar to the mascupne kaftan. It has longer sleeves and a tighter fit. Yelek is buttoned down from the bosom to the waist and has an open neck. The garment’s hem has spts on either side. Yelek is always layered over a gallebaya and loose pants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when people hear the term “Egyptian traditional costume,” they tend to picture ancient Egyptian clothing. However, the traditional clothing worn by Egyptians now is very different from the wraparound clothing that barely covered their bodies in ancient times. Many characteristics of Ottoman Turk, European, and Muspm countries’ clothing styles were passed down to the local population. However, certain Egyptian tribes continue to wear garments according to a centuries-old custom.