The primary Greek article of clothing was the Chiton (a type of tunic). It was fairly simple in construction, though there were a couple of varieties that could look quite different from each other. These are just some examples...
Doric
Chiton The later part of the 5th century also sees the return of the Peplos, now called the Doric Chiton. This fashion is wider than the Peplos (an earlier version of the Chiton) and is usually of a lightweight fabric. It still has an Apotygma, the deep overfold and occasionally sleeves are formed. It can be worn closed on both sides or worn open on one full side. The open style is more closely associated with the women of Sparta. Spartan women appear to have favored wearing it completely open on the left side. It earned them and the style the vulgar euphemism meaning "shows her bare thigh"! But the Spartans as a people seem to have been much more accustomed to showing nudity outside the Gymnasium or military than the Athenians.
Ionic
Chiton The Ionic Chiton, which must have had its origins somewhere in the Archaic Period, is similar to the Peplos. It too, begins as a rectangle woven to size for the wearer. It is a more sophisticated garment and often appears both more sheer and fuller than the Peplos. More importantly, it has no overfold. the excess length is bloused over the girdle and may be as deep as the hips. The shoulders are then fastened with a series of small pins along the top edge, forming a unique sleeved garment. This drawing shows the amount of fullness being controlled by the girdle and forming the sleeves. In this instance there is no Kolpos formed from excess length.
The Greeks Himation tended to be without decoration when worn by men. And it is the favored garment of the politicians and the intellectuals. The ease and graceful way in which this woolen garment was worn affected one's social prestige. Plato, not one to shrink from making definitive arguments, stated that it was absolutely necessary that a man should know how to throw his Himation from left to right as a gentleman should, and that a gentleman should never extend his arm outside his Himation.
In addition, a Chlamys was sometimes used for additional protection. The Chlamys
was a small mantle
or cloak used for travel
or riding. It was often used by
warriors on the march. It measures about 72" by 54". It was fastened with a
fibula in front or on one shoulder. Messengers are often depicted as wearing
only the Chlamys and a large brimmed hat, the petasos.
Today, the best moving companies use very similar material for traveling, fragile items.
While other moving companies might opt out, the material similar to the chlamys is highly
rated for moving companies to use for delicate items to reach the destination unscathed in travel.