The Minoan Woman: The Fashion in Ancient Crete

In the previous article, we refereed to the appearance and clothing of a man in Minoan Crete; in this one, we will speak about the woman and her clothing at that time. In contrast to later Classical Greece, where clothes were mainly draped fabrics, such as the tunic, Minoan women seem to have worn sewn and waisted garments that emphasised the lines of the body. 

As in the case of men's clothing, our main sources for the fashion of the era are the famous frescoes in the Minoan palaces and various parts of the Aegean, as well as clay figurines such as the famous Snake Goddess. 

Basic Components of Dress

  • The Bodice (Perikormio): It was a narrow, fitted vest with short sleeves. Its most characteristic element was the deep opening at the chest, which left the breasts exposed or covered with a very thin, transparent fabric.
  • Bell-shaped Skirt: A long, bell-shaped skirt that reached down to the ankles. It often consisted of successive horizontal flounces and colourful woven patterns.
  • The Apron: Over the skirt, they often wore a short, double apron-front and back-with rounded edges, which strongly resembled the structure of the later traditional Cretan costume.
  • The Belt: The waist was heavily emphasised with a tight, often metallic or leather belt.
Hair: Their hair was long, elaborately braided into curls and decorated with beads, ribbons, or gold coins. 

Jewellery: They wore rich necklaces, earnings, bracelets, and rich made of gold or semi-precious stones (agate, amethyst, and faience).

Footwear: In frescoes, they often appear barefoot, but they also used leather sandals and closed shoes for outdoor activities.

Famous Frescoes

La parisienne: Found at the palace of Knossos. It was named so by the excavators due to the heavy makeup, elegant hairstyle, and large eye; she is believed to be a priestess.


The Ladies in Blue: Also a fresco from Knossos, depicting three aristocratic women with rich jewellery, elaborate hairstyles, and the characteristic blue garments. 




The Saffron Gatherers: From Akrotiri on Thera (Santorini). They depict young women gathering what appears to be saffron. They are valuable because they show the details of the fabrics and the various stages of the women's ages through their hairstyles.


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References:
           Arkangelakis, R. (2024, October 26). Ancient Cretan women’s fashion: Dressing like a minoan. Minoan Magissa. https://minoanmagissa.com/2022/07/27/ancient-cretan-womens-fashion-dressing-like-a-minoan/
             Wilkinson, G., & Raddato, C. (2026). Beauty in the Bronze Age - Minoan & Mycenaean Fashion. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1723/beauty-in-the-bronze-age---minoan--mycenaean-fashi/
              Paters, M. (2021, March 3). Fashion in Minoan Crete | By Elissos Travelling Philosophy. Elissos. https://www.elissos.com/fashion-in-minoan-crete/
              Fashion in the Minoan Period | Encyclopedia.com. (n.d.). https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/culture-magazines/fashion-minoan-period
              Quick, H. (2018, May 17). How the Ancient Minoans are inspiring summer style | British Vogue. British Vogue. https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/how-the-ancient-minoans-are-inspiring-summer-style

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Location: Λονδίνο, Ηνωμένο Βασίλειο

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