The History of the Roman Toga
Look for Sexy Toga Costumes Now!
Clothes in ancient Rome were full of symbolism. Apart from their role in covering the human body, clothes represented the social status and sometimes even the political rank of the individual. Thus, while the armors and shields were worn only by soldiers and tunics were worn by all Roman citizens during normal week days, the toga had a special status. A toga was a garment specific for high rank individuals and were generally worn only on special occasions, such as banquets, weddings, feasts, Senate reunions or gladiator fights. The emperor wore a toga each and every day, for showing his distinction.
Wearing togas was imperative during the period of the Roman Republic, as well as at the beginning of the Roman Empire. Yet, not all people forced by their rank to wear togas were very happy with endorsing this type of clothing. The woolen garment was extremely heavy, uncomfortable and hard to put on, so that most of the times several slaves were trained to help the officials put on their togas. In addition to that, there was no difference between winter and summer garments, which made the woolen toga unbearable under the hot summer sun.
The toga was an exclusively male type of clothing. Wearing a toga was degrading for a woman and only prostitutes were venturing to get inside those male garments. When the toga was first introduced, they were worn with no other piece of clothing underneath, but with the passing of time, the Roman aristocracy started wearing a tunic underneath the toga to add more prestige to the overall appearance of a high rank person.
Toga! Toga!
Nowadays, Roman togas are extremely popular among college students. With the famous toga parties back in fashion, it is no wonder that these costumes have gained so much adepts lately. The history of toga parties starts in the 1950s when college students from different fraternities threw Roman themed parties wearing bed sheets and sandals imitating the Roman outfit. They were trying to recreate, through clothing and attitude, the decadent roman banquets. No wonder sexy toga costumes are so popular!
The peak of toga parties was reached immediately after the release of the famous comedy National Lampoon’s Animal House. Since then toga parties have become a must in each and every college from United States and Canada.
No matter how popular toga parties are, the toga costumes are not exclusively designed for this type of party. Toga fans gather each and every year for Roman themed parties as well as Halloween parties. Whether they wear the toga costume each and every year as a sign of attachment to the Roman gods (especially Bacchus) or they are first time toga wearers, people tend to have lots of fun in this ancient garment, and the jokes about what it is underneath never go out of fashion!
There are plenty of toga costumes available nowadays for both men and women. Simple white togas for more conservative persons, which can be worn with or without a tunic, as well as more elaborate togas for those who want a more exquisite appearance can be found online, at any costume shop.
- Look for togas at Buycostumes.com
- View all togas at Costumecraze.com
- Search for toga outfits at Amazon
Women can choose a more distinguished toga and disguise as a goddess, while men can purchase one of the famous red, royal togas and become Caesar for Halloween. There are also different colorful togas which can satisfy even the pickiest Roman “followers”.
Whether you go for the simple, “sheet”-like toga or you are looking for a more elaborate Roman look for this year’s Halloween or for the next college toga party, you will certainly be a hit with your costume. Wear it with your head held up and be proud to be part of the Roman aristocracy!
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