How to Make a Toga out of a Bedsheet

Co-authored by Chloée Ohayon-Crosby

Last Updated: October 17, 2023 Fact Checked

A toga is essential wear for anyone regularly attending college fraternity or sorority parties in the US, and it's fun for all people when an occasion like Halloween or a fancy dress party arises. While a bed sheet is not the ideal fabric for fashioning a toga, it's a versatile source you can use, since being caught off guard is no reason to be sans-toga.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Wearing a Basic Toga

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Leave about 6-8" (15 - 20 cm) of the sheet in one hand to tie the knot with. Hold the bed sheet above either shoulder with the corresponding hand (left hand to left shoulder, right hand to right shoulder, etc.).
Then tuck it under the opposite arm.^{[1]
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If the toga is too long, fold one edge over by about six inches (15 cm), and try again. Keep adjusting until you get the right length, which is around the knee area.
Tuck the sheet under the arm you're holding it with, then once more around the front of your chest, under the opposite arm, and across your back.
Bring the second corner of the sheet up over your back to the corner in your hand. Secure the two ends with a brooch, pin, or simple knot.
Make sure that your toga doesn't fall and that it is well fixed at the waist. Use a couple of safety pins inside the toga if necessary.^{[2]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Donning a Sari-Style Toga

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It should be covering the front of your body, and not the back.
Wrap until it overlaps the first corner by a few inches.
It should fit securely, forming a waist band.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fashioning a Women’s Greek Chiton

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It is recommended to use a twin sheet, though a full sheet can work (especially if you are taller). Fold the sheet lengthwise until it is the desired length of the final dress. For a short toga, fold the sheet in half. For a longer toga, fold down only the top 6” to 1’.
This should be done such that one half covers the back of your body and the other half covers the front.^{[3]
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Research source} The folded down section should be at the top and outside of the rest of the material.
Use a single pin for each shoulder or a number of pins. Pin the front section of sheet to the back section of sheet where your clavicle meets with your shoulder.^{[4]
X
Research source} You can buy fancy pins for the occasion or you can use 2” or similar round button (like political buttons).
A hole should have been formed by the pinning on the side where the front of the sheet meets the back. Place your arm through this hole.
Use string, a ribbon, or a tight-fitting belt to tie the waist. You will probably need to overlap the open sides a bit before you secure the waist, to ensure that your skin is not exposed.
Have fun telling people that this is a historically accurate Greek dress...if you’re into that kind of thing.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I make the toga look royal?

Community Answer

Wear a wreath of olive branches on your head and place a gold brooch on the shoulder strap. Add a purple accent and wear strappy sandals.

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Can I use these techniques to make a toga for a child?

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Yes, but you might might want to fold the sheet in half, or use a smaller sheet.

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I have to look like Athena; how do I make this costume look more like a Greek God?

Community Answer

Wear a wreath of olive branches around your head (Athena invented them). Maybe add a helmet or a chest plate for armor. Adding a shield and spear will help too.

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Tips

Girls didn't usually wear togas back in the Greek/Roman time, but in this case you can. After all, it's fancy dress and anachronisms don't matter.

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A patterned sheet can add flair, especially when you're trying to be fancier than other fancy dress folk.

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Use a white twin sheet if possible. This gives the cleanest and most toga-like effect.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Wear light-coloured undergarments to keep your toga from being too revealing.
For little kids, try cutting the sheet shorter or use a towel instead.

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Warnings

Be sure to wash the sheet before using. You don't want to go around smelling.

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Make sure that you are not tripping on it.

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Be careful, you may not trust the toga for covering parts that want to be covered (it may fall off).

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