Why Trousers Were Forbidden in Ancient Rome and How They Became the Norm

Nowadays, trousers are a universal item of clothing that can be found in both men's and women's wardrobes. Of course, there were times when ladies were not allowed to wear them. But few people know that in Ancient Rome, trousers were banned for everyone, regardless of gender or social status. What made the Romans give up such a convenient and practical item? And why did they eventually give in?

The main element of the wardrobe of the ancient Romans was the tunic, which left the legs open. Everyone wore it - men, women and children. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, such clothes were quite comfortable. The tunic was distinguished by its extreme simplicity: a rectangular piece of linen or woolen fabric with slits for the head and arms.

The richest Romans could afford silk tunics. Often, the clothes were decorated with embroidery or brooches to emphasize the high rank or wealth of the owner. Slaves and small children usually wore only loincloths, and this did not bother anyone at all. Even a completely naked person on the street attracted less attention than a man in trousers.

In Ancient Rome, trousers were associated with barbarity. They were worn by representatives of the Gallic and Germanic tribes, the Huns and other "savages" with whom Ancient Rome was constantly at war. If someone appeared in trousers in Rome, he was either a foreigner or a person who openly challenged social norms.

Trousers were seen as a symbol of backwardness and uncivilization, and those who wore them were either looked down upon or condescended to, as if they were incapable of understanding true style. There is a famous case where Cicero, defending a client in court, mentioned his trousers as a mitigating circumstance. Like, what can you expect from a guy who puts on this horror?

Over time, the Romans' attitude toward trousers began to change. A hundred years after Cicero's death, the historian Publius Cornelius Tacitus already described them as part of the national costume of barbarian tribes. True, now they no longer caused ridicule or contempt - they were simply considered a feature of a foreign culture.

During the wars with the Gauls, the Romans noticed that trousers were great for keeping warm in the cool climate of Western Europe. They were also very comfortable for riding. However, Gallic trousers were more like breeches or leggings – their legs ended above the ankles.

The Romans, freezing in their tunics in Gaul and Britain, soon began wearing trousers. At first, they became part of the warriors' wardrobe: legionnaires wore them during campaigns. However, in Rome itself, trousers were considered unacceptable for a long time. Over time, in the 3rd and 4th centuries, the situation changed - trousers appeared in both the West and the East of the Roman Empire. But already in the 4th century, a decree was issued banning trousers. Violators faced lifelong exile and confiscation of property.

Historians are sure that barbarity has nothing to do with it. At that time, the Roman Empire was shaken by unrest, and the army played a key role in its life. Trousers then became the official clothing of the military. The authorities needed to clearly distinguish legionnaires from ordinary citizens. This is reminiscent of modern bans in many countries where civilians are not allowed to wear military uniforms.

Despite the repression against wearing trousers, this garment became increasingly popular in the Roman Empire. Soon it became common for everyone and no longer caused irritation or laughter. This change occurred after the fall of Rome under the onslaught of the Germanic tribes. However, tunics were not abandoned - they were often worn over trousers that covered the legs.

In the 5th and 6th centuries, wearing trousers at the court of the emperors of Constantinople became mandatory. The once disgraced garment turned into a kind of uniform. The usual set of men's clothing for the nobility included a fitted tunic with long sleeves and long trousers.

The ban on trousers in ancient Rome reflected the Romans' intolerance of foreign cultures and their desire for external unity. However, practicality ultimately won out. The history of trousers in Rome is an example of how fashion and customs gradually change under the influence of the real needs of society.

Do you think such bans could exist in our time? Write in the comments!