Overview

Amid the luxury the empire’s wealth brought, dress became more elaborate and graceful than ever.

Key garments and style

Both sexes wore thin, finely pleated linen — folded gowns and bag tunics — the sheer cloth revealing the line of the body. Large wigs, cones of perfumed fat, broad collars and fine cosmetics completed the look; the banquet scene from the tomb of Nebamun is the classic example.

Transition

In the Third Intermediate Period this sumptuous style was carried on more conservatively.