The Etruscan Women's Wardrobe: Fashion in Ancient Italy

A new analysis of Etruscan women's fashion, based on Larissa Bonfante's book 'Vestire all'etrusca', reveals a distinct style that evolved from the 7th century BCE to the Roman era. Unlike their Greek and Roman contemporaries, Etruscan women wore 'bikini'-like garments, long braids, conical hats, pointed shoes, and elaborate jewelry such as bullae and diadems. Key materials included wool and linen, with linen imported from Egypt. The chiton, a long tunic, underwent four phases: the dedalic, proto-Ionic, Ionic, and Hellenistic styles. Mantles like the tebenna (semicircular) were uniquely Etruscan. Footwear included articulated sandals and calcei repandi (upturned shoes). Hairstyles featured a central braid and later the tutulus bun. Jewelry served as status symbols. The study draws on votive bronzes, urns, statues, and painted terracottas, though artistic license may affect accuracy.