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The chiton (ancient Greek χιτών / khitṓn) was a garment worn in Ancient Greece.
It was a kind of tunic formed by a piece of fabric folded vertically and sewn sideways; one side could be left open or closed with staples.

Fibulae (Pins used to fasten garments) or straps were usually used to attach it to both shoulders, leaving openings for the head and arms; by simply unhooking the fibula on the right shoulder.

This garment was unisex and worn by both men and women.

The male chiton

The chiton covered the skin directly. Men wore it short, like a sleeveless tunic, without closing it on the right side to leave more freedom for the right arm, which was the custom particularly suited to the work of slaves and laborers.

This "male chiton" could cover the left arm as well as the left shoulder and left chest, leaving the right chest and right nipple exposed, and fell over the leg to mid-thigh.

The female chiton

The chiton was longer than its male counterpart (usually made of canvas, sometimes of wool).

Women could sometimes wear a lighter garment underneath. (It could be sewn from linen, sometimes pleated and belted at the waist, by a simple cord)

Finally, unlike its male counterpart, the "female chiton" did not expose breasts.

See Also

• greek_armor
• greek_clothing