Overview
In this age of ordered bureaucracy, dress clearly marked rank, and statues and tomb reliefs preserve its idealised form.
Key garments and style
Men wore the short shendyt wrapped at the waist and women the close sheath dress (kalasiris) with shoulder straps, both in white linen, with a broad bead collar (wesekh) and wig. The painted statues of Rahotep and Nofret are the classic example.
Transition
Even as kingship fragmented in the First Intermediate Period, the basics of this dress were kept.