A Glimpse into Traditional Ithacan Attire
Until the 20th century, Ithacans largely relied on locally-produced fabrics for their clothing. Linen and wool were the primary materials, and some households even possess tools used for processing linen to this day.
Men’s Fashion: Practical and Distinctive
Men traditionally wore trousers and jackets made from a blend of black linen and wool. Older men favored wide, sailor-style linen trousers in a deep marine blue. Hand-knitted woolen socks peeked out from the trousers, and headwear varied depending on wealth. Wealthier men sported woven caps with silk tassels, while others wore simpler styles. For warmth in winter, Ithacan men donned shaggy goat’s wool coats. Footwear was practical, with brogans made from ox or pig leather for everyday wear. Sundays and special occasions called for a more formal pair of shoes.
Women’s Fashion: Embracing European Trends
Unlike the men’s more traditional attire, Ithacan women’s clothing tended to follow European fashions. This suggests a greater openness to outside influences in women’s clothing styles.
Sources
- Ithaca Then and Now- Spiros Dendrinos Editions, Spyros X. Dendrinos – Alekos F. Kallinikos
- Historical and Folklore Tales of Ithaca – Andreas L. Anagnostou
- Ithacan Dirge (Ithaca Calendar, 1929)
- *Images are created with AI and do not represent real attires.
