In ancient Rome, the way children were dressed was a reflection of the social status of the family , and also had a practical function, adapted to everyday needs and living conditions. Children's clothing varied depending on age, gender, and the position of the parents in the social hierarchy, and their style evolved as the child grew up. In this article, we will discuss what children's clothing looked like in ancient Rome, what functions it served, and what differences could be seen between children from different social classes.
1. Baby and toddler clothing
In ancient Rome, infants and young children were dressed in simple, practical clothing that provided comfort and freedom of movement. The basic form of clothing was loose clothing and fabrics wrapped around the body to facilitate changing and feeding.
Fasciae – diapers and bandages
Babies were often wrapped in fabrics called "fasciae" which acted as swaddling clothes and protected the baby from the cold. Fasciae were wide strips of material that wrapped around the baby to provide warmth and support for the developing bones.
Tunicule – the first garment
As children got a little older and began to walk on their own, they wore simple tunics called "tunicula" . These were short, loose tunics that reached to the knees or mid-thigh, allowing for freedom of movement while playing. The tunic was the basic garment for both boys and girls.
2. Clothes for older children – school age
As children reached about 7 years of age, their clothing began to resemble adult clothing more closely, although it still had some distinctive childlike features. The clothing of older children in ancient Rome was still based on the tunic, but could be enhanced with additional elements depending on the occasion or social status.
The praetext's toga
Boys from the upper classes , such as the sons of patricians, wore the "toga praetexta" - togas with a purple sash that symbolized belonging to the upper classes and protected against the "evil eye". The toga praetexta was worn by boys until around the age of 14-16, when upon reaching adulthood they were given the toga virilis - the toga of an adult man.
Tunic with a belt
Boys often wore tunics tied at the waist , which gave them a more fitted look and prevented the material from billowing too much. These tunics were usually light, in natural fabric colors such as white, beige, or light gray, because such colors were practical and easier to keep clean.
Palla and stola for girls
Girls from higher social classes also wore tunics, but as they grew older, their clothing became more like that of adult women. Over the tunic, they often wore a "palla" - a long cloth that was wrapped around the body, similar to a modern shawl. In some cases, girls might also wear a stola - a longer dress that was reserved for married women but could be worn by young girls of the aristocracy on special occasions.
3. Dressing for special occasions and ceremonies
In ancient Rome, children's clothing for special occasions could differ from everyday attire, especially in the case of patrician or senatorial families who cared about the appropriate image of their descendants.
Bulla – a protective amulet
Boys of the upper classes wore a special amulet called a "bulla" which was supposed to protect them from evil spirits and bring them luck. The bulla was a small bag hung around the neck, made of gold, leather or other material, depending on social status. This amulet was put on in childhood and worn until adulthood, when it was ceremonially taken off.
Special costumes for religious holidays
During religious festivals, children might wear more ornate tunics or togas . For example, during the "Liberalia" – a festival of transition to adulthood – boys would wear the "toga virilis" for the first time, symbolizing their entry into the adult world.
4. Differences in clothing of children from different social classes
In ancient Rome, social status had a huge impact on how children dressed. Children from higher social classes , such as patricians, senators, and equestrians, wore clothes made of better materials, such as wool, linen, or silk, and could afford ornate embroidery and decorations.
Children from lower social classes
Children from plebeian or slave families typically wore simple, modest tunics made of thicker, less delicate materials, such as coarse wool or rough linen. They also did not have access to more ornate garments, such as the toga praetexta. Their clothing was primarily functional, adapted to work and everyday duties.
Clothes of slave children
Children of slaves were usually dressed in the most basic and simple clothing , which was intended only to protect them from the cold. Depending on their role in the home or farm, they might wear only loincloths or simple tunics. Their clothing was often worn and made of less durable materials.
5. Materials used to produce children's clothing
In ancient Rome, different materials were used to make children's clothing, depending on availability and the social status of the family.
Wool and linen
Wool and linen were the most commonly used materials for clothing in ancient Rome. Wool was commonly used for tunics because it was readily available and provided warmth. Linen , on the other hand, was preferred in warm weather because it was lightweight and breathable.
Silk
Silk was very expensive and hard to come by, so it was mainly used in clothing for children of the highest social classes and for ceremonial clothing. Silk clothes were worn on special occasions and were a symbol of wealth and status.
Summary
Children's clothing in ancient Rome depended on age, gender, and social status. The basic wardrobe item was the tunic, and additional garments such as the toga praetexta, bulla, or stola were worn by children from higher social classes. These garments not only served a practical purpose, but also symbolized status and position in Roman society. Although children's style of dress was simpler than that of adults, clothing still played an important role in shaping identity and preparing children for their future social roles.
