What is the difference between a Greek and a Roman costume?

While similar, Roman costumes often feature a toga (a large draped semi-circular cloth) or a stola with a palla drape, whereas Greek costumes rely on a chiton or peplos pinned at both shoulders.

How do you tie a DIY toga with a bedsheet?

Hold one corner of the sheet over your left shoulder, wrap the rest of the sheet around your back, under your right arm, across your chest, and throw the remaining end back over your left shoulder, tying the two ends together.

What shoes should I wear with a Roman costume?

Flat leather-look sandals, especially gladiator-style sandals with straps that wrap up the calf, are the most historically accurate and comfortable choice.

AI-generated example

Ancient Roman Costume

Channel the empire with a classic, easy-to-style Roman toga and tunic.

The Ancient Roman look is a timeless choice for Halloween, historical parties, and toga events. Representing the height of classical antiquity, this costume typically features a draped white tunic or toga accented with gold trim and accessories. It is incredibly versatile, allowing you to dress as a noble citizen, a senator, or an empress.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $15–60

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Ancient Roman costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Ancient Roman costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Ancient Roman costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Ancient Roman at Spirit ↗

White Tunic or Toga
A knee-length white cotton or polyester tunic for men, or a floor-length stola for women, draped elegantly over one shoulder.
DIY: Wrap a white bedsheet around your body, securing it over one shoulder with safety pins.
Amazon
Gold Laurel Wreath
A metallic gold crown shaped like laurel leaves to wear on your head.
DIY: Cut leaf shapes out of gold construction paper and glue them to a thin headband.
Amazon
Gold Rope Belt
A thick gold cord or braided rope tied around the waist to cinch the tunic.
DIY: Use any yellow or gold cord, or braid three strands of gold yarn together.
Amazon
Roman Sandals
Brown or gold leather-look flat sandals with straps that wrap around the ankles.
DIY: Wear simple brown flip-flops and wrap brown ribbons up your calves.
Amazon
Gold Armbands or Cuffs
Polished gold-tone metal cuffs worn on the upper arms or wrists.
DIY: Wrap gold metallic tape or foil around cardboard toilet paper rolls cut to size.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Ancient Roman costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the base white tunic or drape your DIY bedsheet toga over your left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder bare.
2
Secure any loose fabric at the shoulder with a decorative gold brooch or safety pin.
3
Tie the gold braided rope belt tightly around your waist, letting the excess cord hang down the front.
4
Place the gold laurel wreath crown flat on your head, angling it slightly forward.
5
Slip on the brown or gold gladiator sandals, wrapping and tying the straps securely around your lower calves.
6
Slide the gold armbands onto your upper arms or wrists to complete the noble Roman look.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup natural with warm, sun-kissed bronzer and gold highlighter. For hair, style it in loose, classic waves, or pin it back into a soft, braided half-updo.

Ancient Roman for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up as a Roman Emperor and Empress, or a Gladiator and a Roman Senator.
group: Gather a group to form a Roman Senate, all wearing matching white togas with different colored shoulder drapes (pallas).
kids: A simple white t-shirt extended into a tunic with a gold ribbon belt makes an easy, comfortable kid's costume.
Plus size: A draped toga is highly adjustable; choose a loose-fitting white maxi dress or an oversized sheet for a custom, comfortable fit.
pet: A small red cape and a miniature gold felt laurel wreath collar for a regal pet look.

Tips

Wear light-colored, seamless undergarments beneath white sheets or thin costume fabrics to prevent them from showing through.
If using a real bedsheet for a DIY toga, use safety pins on the inside of the folds to keep the drapes secure all night.
Bring a light shawl or red shoulder drape (palla) if you expect cooler weather.
Stand tall and strike a regal, oratorical pose with one hand raised for authentic-looking photos.

Ancient Roman costume FAQ

What is the difference between a Greek and a Roman costume?: While similar, Roman costumes often feature a toga (a large draped semi-circular cloth) or a stola with a palla drape, whereas Greek costumes rely on a chiton or peplos pinned at both shoulders.
How do you tie a DIY toga with a bedsheet?: Hold one corner of the sheet over your left shoulder, wrap the rest of the sheet around your back, under your right arm, across your chest, and throw the remaining end back over your left shoulder, tying the two ends together.
What shoes should I wear with a Roman costume?: Flat leather-look sandals, especially gladiator-style sandals with straps that wrap up the calf, are the most historically accurate and comfortable choice.

Did you know? In ancient Rome, the toga was a symbol of citizenship, and wearing a pure white toga (toga candida) was specifically reserved for those running for public office—which is where our word 'candidate' comes from.