by Kimberly Wolf

Created on: October 04, 2008

When we think of what Egyptians wore centuries ago, what typically comes to mind is ornately decorated royalty or simple loincloths and robes worn by commoners. It may seem like a stretch to imagine how either of these ancient fashions could possibly influence what we wear today, however there are more commonalities that one may think. Egyptian fashion influence can be found in practically every wardrobe and jewelry box around the world.

Perhaps you own a linen shirt, suit, or pair of trousers. If so, you are outfitting your wardrobe with the most common fabric worn in Ancient Egypt. Unlike today, the ancient Egyptians had a limited choice of fabric because they had to use what the environment around them could provide. Their environment rendered them with Flax, a plant whose fibers were used to create linen. This light cloth provided the Egyptians with comfortable clothing to wear in the desert climate that they lived in which explains why we tend to wear linen in the warmer months. You can find linen clothing in retail stores and designer boutiques alike with some suits costing up to $300.00! The common use of this fabric today proves that although it is ancient, linen is certainly not out of style.

Another strong element of Egyptian fashion reflected today is jewelry. Jewelry was worn by everyone in Egyptian society from the wealthy noble to the poorest commoner although the quality and value differed between classes. They wore bracelets, necklaces, rings, anklets, armbands and earrings. Unlike their limited choice of fabric, Egyptians had a wide variety of colorful stones, metals, and glass beads to fashion unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry. Amongst the stones and metals were garnet, amethyst, onyx, turquoise, quartz, crystal, gold, and copper. You can find these stones and metals commonly worn by Egyptians in stores and jewelry boxes around the world today, possibly in your own.

Make-up, wigs, and body art are influential fashion accessories often worn by Egyptians. The most commonly recognizable form of make-up shown in paintings and hieroglyphs is the heavy black eye make-up worn by Egyptian men and women. Vanity was not its only purpose as it was effective in reducing the glare of the sun when worn. Women painted their lips and cheeks as well as their nails. Like jewelry, everyone wore make up and once again, the quality and value differed between classes.

Men and women that wear wigs today try to conceal that fact from everyone and some would be moderately embarrassed if they were found out. There couldn't be more a opposite viewpoint for Egyptians who boasted the fact that they wore wigs. The only embarrassing fact about a wig to an Egyptian was not being able to afford one. Some were made of human hair just like they are in modern times. Some wigs were braided while others were curly and straight.

The art of tattooing is said to have originated in Egypt, the earliest evidence of tattoos dating back to 2000 B.C. Nowadays you would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't have a tattoo.

Whether it is wearing a linen shirt or painting your nails, most of us are affected by some element of Ancient Egypt's fashion history.

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