Chiton was a loose, flowing garment worn next to the skin by men and women in ancient Greece. It was a sleeveless, hanging garment fastened at the shoulders and belted or tied at the waist. Chitons were made of rectangular pieces of cloth, usually of handwoven linen or wool. Chitons could be short or long, and the extra cloth could be pulled up and draped over the belt like a blouse. Women wore a long chiton that reached the ankles. Most men wore a short chiton that reached to the knee, sometimes with just the left shoulder pinned and the right shoulder left bare. Charioteers and priests wore a full-length version, and actors wore sleeved chitons. The chiton was similar to the tunic, worn under the toga by ancient Romans. See also Greece, Ancient (Food, clothing, and shelter) .
