things else, the Athenians exemplify their oft-praised virtue of
simplicity.


35. The Dress of the Women.--The dress of the women is like that
of the men, but differs, of course, in complexity. They also have
a chiton,[*] which is more elaborately made, especially in the
arrangement of the blouse; and probably there is involved a certain
amount of real SEWING[+]; not merely of PINNING.

[*]This robe was sometimes known by the Homeric name of PEPLOS.

[+]Probably with almost all Greek garments the main use of the
needle was in the embroidery merely, or in the darning of holes
and rents. It was by no means an essential in the real manufacture.

Greater care is needed in the adjustment of the "zone" (girdle),
and half sleeves are the rule with women, while full sleeves are
not unknown. A Greek lady again cannot imitate her husband, and
appear in public in her chiton only. A himation, deftly adjusted,
is absolutely indispensable whenever she shows herself outside the
house.

These feminine garments are all, as a rule, more elaborately
embroidered, more adorned with fringes and tassels, than those of
the men. In arranging her dress the Athenian lady is not bound
by the rigid precepts of fashion. Every separate toilette is an
opportunity for a thousand little niceties and coquetries which she
understands exceedingly well. If there is the least excuse for an
expedition outside the house, her ladyship's bevy of serving maids