Egyptian civilization originated along the lower Nile River valley over 5,000 years ago. It was divided into the Old Kingdom from 2800-2420 BC and the New Kingdom from 1580-1058 BC. Ancient Egyptians wore lightweight linen clothing, and ornamentation like jewelry and cosmetics indicated social status. Clothing styles evolved over time, from full-length dresses to pleated garments in the New Kingdom. Makeup and wigs were also commonly worn. Egyptian civilization had a significant influence on clothing and beauty traditions in other ancient cultures.

1. Egyptian Civilization
By- Girija Chowgule
23/10/2012
Introduction :-

2. Egyptian civilization is one of the oldest civilization
which was concentrated along the lower reaches of
the river Nile. It was divided into two pain parts :- a)
the old kingdom
b) the new kingdom
CHRONOLOGY OF EGYPT :-
1. Pre-history – before 3000 B.C.
2. Old- kingdom- 2800 B.C.
3. Late old kingdom- 2420 B.C.
4. Middle kingdom- 2065 B.C.
5. New kingdom- 1580- 1058 B.C.
6. Later period- 1085- 525 B.C.
The Egyptian’s mainly wore clothing made from
plant fibers predominantly linen. Animal skin’s
moreover leopard skin was worn by the priests and
the pharos as they were first servants of god.
At times the clothing was decorative and adorned
with feathers which was worn by the king and
queen during auspicious occasions. At first the cloth
was woven on horizontal looms and later during the
New kingdom the cloth was woven in vertical
looms.

3. Leopard skin worn by priests as they have to
perform rituals to their gods.

4. Content :-
The dresses worn by ancient Egyptians not only
consisted of clothes but also included elaborate
costume jewelry along with striking cosmetics and
wigs which were worn by them.
The picture above depicts the flax growing
process.
Before 3000 B.C, 2800 B.C. and 2420 B.C.
Pre history and Old/Late old kingdom:- Ancient
Egyptian wore light clothes made from linen. Linen
that was made from flax (a plant that was grown
along the river Nile.)
Men :- The men wore wrap- around skirt along with
a belt tied at the waist. At times the material was
tied around the legs as well. The length of the skirt
was till the knee.
Women :- Earlier Egyptian women wore full length
dresses which were of thin material till the ankle
with one or two shoulder straps.

5. Children :-Ancient Egyptian children did not wear
clothes until they were about six years old when they
would wear the same clothes as men and women.
Footwear :-The Ancient Egyptians went barefoot most
of the time but wore sandals for special occasions or if
their feet were likely to get hurt.The sandals worn by
the poor were made of woven papyrus or palm.

6. Jewelry :-The Ancient Egyptians wore jewelry to show
their wealth and also because they believed it made
them more attractive to the Gods.
They wore rings, ear-rings, bracelets, decorated
buttons, necklaces, neck collars and pendants.
Only the very rich could afford jewelry made of gold and
precious stones. Ordinary people made jewelry from
colored pottery beads.
Cosmetics :- Egyptian men and women wore make
up.Two colors black and green were popularly used. In
the Old Kingdom it was applied liberally from the
eyebrow to the base of the nose.They even used oils
and creams and strong perfumes. And wore wigs over
their own cropped hair.

7. Middle Kingdom (2065 B.C.)
Men :-In the middle kingdom men followed
wearing the wrap- around skirt along with a belt.
The only difference was that it was of calf length.
Women :- Women continued to wear the dresses that
were worn in the old kingdoms.
Cosmetics :-Middle Kingdom green eye paint continued
to be used for the brows and corners of the eyes

8. New Kingdom (1580- 1058 B.C.) And Later period.
(1085- 525 B.C.)
Men :-During the New Kingdom period it was
fashionable to wear a pleated garments. Rich Egyptian
men were able to afford the best quality linen which
was very fine and almost see-through. Rich Egyptian
men also wore as much jewelry as they could afford
and decorated their clothes. They also wore
headdresses for special occasions.
Women :-During the New Kingdom period it became
fashionable for dresses to be pleated or draped. The
dresses worn by rich Egyptian women were made from
fine transparent linen. Like the men, rich Egyptian
women decorated their clothes and wore jewelry and

9. headdresses.
Footwear :- The Egyptians belonging to rich families
wore footwear that was made of leather material.
Cosmetics :-They used black kohl eyeliner to line their
eyes and darken their eye lashes and eye brows. They
colored their eye lids with blue or green eye shadow
made from powdered minerals. Henna dye was used to
color their lips and nails.
Jewelry :-In the New Kingdom They wore earrings that
had wide holes punched in the ear lobes. Plain,
mushroom shaped ear plugs, usually made of stone,

10. glass or glazed composition, were also popular. Limb
ornaments consisted of armlets, bracelets and anklets.
Conclusion :-
The Egyptian civilization is the oldest civilizations that
had a variety of interesting era’s that took place. They
came with various clothing, cosmetics, jewelry and
footwear. The Egyptian civilization came up with a lot of
innovative ideas that helped other civilizations and the
upcoming era’s in their clothing, styling, cosmetics and
footwear.
Credits:-
www.historyonthenet.com
www.egyptian-civilization.html
google images