Toga

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For making and wearing a toga, see Toga (Nova Roma).

The toga is the definitive garment of the Roman male. It is worn over a tunic.

Types of Toga

As far as the colouring of the wool itself, there were several types of toga:

Toga pura (or toga virilis): The ordinary citizen's toga. It is undyed, and thus off-white or cream coloured.

Toga praetexta: The toga worn by magistrates (and also by boys under the age of 16). It bears the purple stripe, the width of which varies according to the wearer. Senators and magistrates holding imperium wear a broad (3") purple stripe. Members of the Ordo Equester and magistrates without imperium wear a thin (1") purple stripe. Such stripes do not go all the way around the toga, but instead are placed on edge BEFA on the diagram (the upper-half of the toga).

Toga candida: The stark-white toga worn by candidates running for office. The English word "candidate" comes from this usage.

Toga pulla: A dark toga, either brown, dark gray, or even black, worn while in mourning.

Toga picta: A special toga worn only by military commanders being given a triumph. It is pure purple with decorations in golden thread.

Toga trabea: A multi-coloured toga, bearing purple and scarlet stripes, worn by Augurs.