Overview
The dress of the Medes, who rose on the Iranian plateau, was a tailored garment suited to riding, and it passed to the Achaemenids.
Key garments and style
Men wore trousers with a sleeved tunic and coat (a caftan-like over-garment) and a round felt cap. This “Median” dress was prized as practical wear for riding and war.
Transition
Under the Achaemenids, this riding dress was worn alongside the ceremonial, heavily pleated Persian robe.