The clothing worn during the Roman Empire played a significant role in shaping the attire of early Christians. From the simple tunics of everyday Romans to the elaborate ceremonial garments of the elite, Roman fashion laid the foundation for Christian liturgical and everyday dress. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, it absorbed and adapted many aspects of Roman clothing, resulting in distinct Christian attire that symbolized religious identity and dignity. This article explores how Roman empire clothing influenced Christian attire, focusing on both everyday clothing and liturgical garments.
1. Roman Clothing Basics

To understand the influence of Roman clothing on Christian attire, it’s important to first look at the typical garments worn in the Roman Empire. Roman clothing was often made from wool, linen, and sometimes silk, with styles varying based on gender, social status, and occasion.
Key Roman Garments:

  • Tunica: A simple, knee-length garment worn by both men and women. For common people, the tunica was typically made of wool, while wealthier individuals wore finer materials.
  • Toga: A large, draped cloth worn over the tunica by Roman citizens. The toga was a symbol of Roman citizenship, and it was typically worn by men during formal occasions.
  • Stola: The Roman equivalent of a long dress, worn by women, often over a tunica. It was a symbol of a woman’s modesty and marital status.
  • Palla: A shawl worn by Roman women over their stola when going out in public.
  • Chlamys: A short cloak worn by soldiers and officials, often fastened at the shoulder with a brooch.

These garments were practical for the Roman lifestyle but also carried social and political significance. Over time, as Christianity emerged and spread, many of these garments underwent symbolic transformations, especially in liturgical contexts.