Seasons. Keeping warm in most parts of Greece was a problem only in winter, and even then not an especially difficult one, with temperatures rarely approaching freezing. Protection from the sun was more of a problem, but it too was easily accomplished. The absolute need for clothing, then, was relatively small, and its production and use was driven much more by fashion than necessity.

Wool. Most Greek clothing was made of wool, for reasons having to do with economics, technology, and climate. Wool is warm and water-resistant: to this day it is the best natural fiber for warmth, and its ability to wick away moisture makes it suitable for warm weather as well. The climate of Greece is well-suited not only for humans wearing wool, but also for its original wearers, the sheep. These animals can survive on fairly poor...