Tunic

The Roman Soldier’s Everyday Clothes

Under all that armor, a Roman soldier wore something much simpler: a tunic. Think of it as an everyday shirt, but long enough to cover most of the body and worn without trousers.

It was simple, comfortable, and practical, with plenty of room to march, work, cook, haul gear, or fight. When armor went on, it added a layer between the soldier and all that metal, leather, and hardware.

And soldiers weren’t dressed for battle every minute. Around camp, a man might get through most of the day in little more than tunic, belt, and boots.

Armor may get all the attention, but the humble tunic did most of the everyday work.