What were the clothes like in Jesus' time?
That would greatly depend on your wealth or social class. The poor would have clothes made from wool, hemp, and maybe cotton while the more wealthy would have clothes that were made from silk. Some loin clothes or waist cloths were made of linen or leather. Cloaks were outer garments used as night coverings. Jesus' tunic was probably the garment for which the Roman soldiers cast lots at His death. Long sleeveless external robes of blue or purple fabric were worn by royalty, prophets, and the wealthy. Another kind of outer garment was the ephod, usually a special white robe. Women's clothing must have had a noticeable difference since wearing clothes of the opposite sex was strictly forbidden. The undergarments were loose fitting or baggy apparel, and the outer robes were more flowing. Women also wore a head cloth of brightly colored or patterned material that could be used as a wrapped support for carrying loads, a veil, or a hanging protective garment against the hot sun. A long train or veil adorned women of high social stature.A partial list: One garment mentioned by Jesus himself was a robe. (Greek: "Stole'") According to him it was worn by religious leaders to impress people. (Luk 20:46) This "stole'" was also worn by the "prodigal son" in Jesus' parable (Luke 15:22)A fancier robe (Greek: "Esthes´") was worn by royalty or military commanders etc. A purple Esthes' was put upon Jesus in a mocking way at his execution. John19:2, 5.The "himation" (Greek) was like a cloak that was taken off when indoors or on certain occasions. The "khi·ton´" was the inner garment which is also called a "tunic". This was the basic garment worn by normal people. (Matthew 5:40 And to him desiring to sue you, and to take away your tunic, let him have your coat also; Luke 6:29 "And to him who takes away your garment, do not forbid your tunic also. "A heavier cloak, the "phelo´nes" (Greek) might have protected one from the elements. ( Ti 4:13)A girdle (Greek: zo´ne) was worn around the loins and hips even by men. (Matthew 3:4 "And the same John had his clothing of camel's hair and a leather girdle about his loins. And his food was locusts and wild honey.")The Jews wore a fringe around the edges of their garments, with a blue thread above it. (Num 15:38 "Speak to the sons of Israel and command them that they make fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue.") And their cloaks were to have 4 tassels, one on each corner. (Deut 22:12 "You shall make for yourself tassels on the four corners of your cloak with which you cover.")Women adorned themselves with pearls and braids, etc., since early Christians were counselled not to overdo it. (1 Timothy 2:9; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.)
