How to Tie a Toga in a Few Easy Steps

I have tied a surprising number of Togas. That is not a sentence that someone thinks they are going to ever type, but it is true. From my college recreational experiences to my teaching of classic Greek and Roman literature and math concepts, I reckon that I have easily tied over one hundred Togas. I suppose that makes me a relative expert on how to tie a toga.

The good news is that tying a toga is very easy. The bad news is that if you don't do it correctly, you could end up very embarrassed. Learning how to tie a toga according to the steps in this guide will be a breeze.

How to tie a toga - necessary materials:

1 bed sheet or a cut of fabric
Safety pins
Purpose for wearing a toga
Bravery or slight exhibitionist quality

How to tie a toga - general tips:

You can use a sheet for a toga, but many people prefer to use fabric from a fabric store. If you choose to purchase fabric, you will need a a piece of fabric that is at least 48 inches wide and 3 yards long. Solid fabrics work best. If you are using a sheet, choose a solid color (white is traditional) and use a queen or king sheet. Your body style and size will dictate how much fabric you need.

Men traditionally use less fabric than women. Women will want to make sure their toga is tied tighter; you may even want to ensure modesty with a few well-placed safety pins.

Togas can vary in length depending on the purpose or use. Traditionally, togas reached the floor, but if you want a shorter length, tuck and pin the excess fabric.

How to tie a toga - the steps:

Step one - The first wrap: Take your sheet or your fabric and drape it over your left shoulder. The fabric should drape over your back by 8 - 10 inches (this will become part of a knot). Then, wrap the remaining fabric across your chest and tuck it under your right arm.

Step two - Adjust if necessary: This is a great time to adjust the length of your toga. If it is too long, simply lay the fabric or sheet out, and fold the top down and pin it if necessary. You can then repeat step one and move on to step three.

Step three - The second wrap: Continue the wrap across your back and under your left arm. Women will want to take care to wrap as tightly as comfortable, and, if necessary, secure it with a pin.

Step four - The third wrap: Wrap the remaining corner back around, under your right arm, and bring it to the corner that you had originally draped over your shoulder in step one. Tie the two corners together with a double knot. If you are worried about modesty, secure your knot with a safety pin.

Step five - Adjust: Tighten the layers as necessary for purpose and presentation. If there are any "peek-a-boos," secure those areas with a safety pin.

There you have it; you know how to tie a toga. You can then hit the party, the stage, or the classroom in (classical) style. To complete the outfit, consider spray painting some fake leaves gold and creating a crown and carrying a chalice of for refreshments. Whatever you do, remember to have fun. Toga quality events don't come around too often.