This video is kindly sponsored by Brooklinen. Get $20 off your Brooklinen order over $100! Just click here bit.ly/VBirchwood_BrooklinenJan24 and enter my promo code VBirchwood. Thank you soooo much for watching! This video was such a joy to put together. What do you think, should I dye the final garment a deeper blue colour or keep it as it is? Do you think you'll make your own chiton?

@countalma9800

4 ай бұрын

Your beauty is remarkable, dear Birchwood. I am in love. My heart is melting. God bless you and good luck with everything!

@BiddyBiccy

4 ай бұрын

I think the colour suits you very well as it is, it's such a pretty look.

@samtoo8685

4 ай бұрын

Don’t you mean 2024?

@freman007

4 ай бұрын

Middle Eastern clothing was also designed for a hot climate.

Historical fashion _must_ have aspects that are suited for hot weather, because people in hot climates had to dress for the weather in the past as well. Historical fashion is far more than Northern Europe during the little ice age.

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Completely agreed! It is such a broad term that encompasses so many unique cultures and time periods.

@pandapuffzee8255

4 ай бұрын

Definitely. A lot of layers would just not be used. Nudity was often an option but sunscreen wasn't a thing so covering up was more used but light layers.

@linroos5252

3 ай бұрын

I started looking into historical clothing, and more specifically materials, some years ago. I swear it's gotten so much easier to handle both summer and winter after I started using more historical methods. Getting clothes in natural fibers might be a bit more expensive, but the quality has been way better and definitely worth the investment in my opinion 😊

If you're interested in historic warm weather clothing, I would strongly suggest looking into what we wear in Eastern Europe. The blouses in particular. In Romania we call them "iie", in Ukrainian they're "vyshyvanka", there's Bulgarian versions, and even Hungarian versions. They're so light and airy and breathable and I bet they would fit right into your wardrobe. And making one would probably be a wonderful project to work embroidery and smocking.

@lisakilmer2667

4 ай бұрын

Yes - I have a Hungarian one and it is very light and pretty.

@Mori_Kinoko

4 ай бұрын

I love Romanian blouses with all that embroidery. A few years ago I found the youtube channel the Pretty Shepherd /Remeny Farm of Anna (she is Hungarian but she mixes in Romanian Transylvania clothing into her wardrobe besides Hungarian folk clothing) and it sparked my interest in those type of blouses and folk clothing from these 2 countries.

@MalharetasLair

4 ай бұрын

YES! All the yes! I love my vyšyvankas! Can't imagine going through summer without them, really. How do people do it?..😂 The embroidery on those is brilliant as well, no matter the culture; they're almost never plain! Historically it was basically considered bad luck if they were lacking embroidery, at least in my culture. (I'm Belarusian, just for context)

“there you are little pin. come back to mummy!” i’m going to say this everytime i find a pin now😂

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Hahahaha 😂

@-Breen-

Ай бұрын

Me too

17:09 I can imagine young Greek girls laughing trying to do their hair without their mothers for the first time. I imagine one girl, holding up a beautiful polished metal mirror her grandmother gifted to her, saying “No, like this!” and the other getting frustrated and then excited when she finally figures out how to hold the hair and pin it correctly.

It's both! The proper is your first pronunciation and the other is the anglicized pronunciation. the CH is always aspirated in Greek as is Slavic and Hebraic languages.

Love this. We've made a Roman toga and a Ancient Greek peplos. We were too intimidated by the Ionic chiton. Looks like it's worth revisiting. Happy sewing!

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! Definitely revisit it - it’s simpler than it looks!

am I the only one that got a giggle out of the sponsor being bedding? All I can think of is the 80's movies where they had Toga parties and people ran around in sheets! LOL

I loved this! Also, my boyfriend's father actually reads and speaks ancient greek (he studied anciet literature). So I sent him χιτών (the garment) and asked how to say it! He had to explain via text so it might not be perfect, but he said its something along the lines of ki-TOhn. But not so hard on the oh... Almost like the o in open, but softer/rounder on the emphasized second syllable (edit: orignally said first). Also, ionian/ionic isn't said like the chemistry terms, but like eye-OH-nee-en. I'm gonna go make myself one now, yours is so gorgeous! ❤

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for the pronunciation help! 😊 I’m so glad you loved the video. I hope you enjoy your future chiton as well!

@haleyhoudini

4 ай бұрын

He just corrected himself, the emphasis is on the second syllable!

@LaineyBug2020

4 ай бұрын

Is the Ki like Kite or Key or Kill?

@catherinejustcatherine1778

4 ай бұрын

I second the pronunciation of the i (which is it, please).... short, long, or something else?

@marys.8379

4 ай бұрын

​@@LaineyBug2020neither, it's like chi (hi), like the same sound as he So heton

I loved this video! I'm actually a hair and makeup artist with experience doing historical work like this. Your hair didn't stay because it needed to either be in twists or plaits before going into the chignon, and then you needed to do a lot of stitches to attach the chignon to the hair on your head. A better resource is the channel Janet Stephens. She's a hair historian who has really deciphered the hairstyles of statues, and really walks you through the process. It is easier if you have someone to help you (a la a visatrix), but there are some basic ones you can do on yourself.

Anyone who thinks that period clothing wouldn't suit hot weather (like here in Australia), forgets that our ancestors *lived* in these clothes. I can't remember the vintage fashion site, but I'm remembering I once saw an Edwardian dress that had been adapted to 1920's- the site noted they could tell it was period, & not a reproduction due to things like the period neckline (it was long-sleeved, & high-necked), the Art Deco-style rhinestone-buckle belt, & the shortened hem - it also noted that it didn't have the under-layers, that it would have had in the past- so it actually looked quite risqué! (as a lacy Edwardian era tea dress would...)

@SingingSealRiana

15 күн бұрын

Nothing modern is as comfortable in hot weather then a chiton or caftan made from lightweight wool, linen or hemp! Covered skin does not heat up in the sun, swat gets soaked up and gets a big surface area to dry of which is cooling, and feels a lot less wet and gross . . .it really should be commen sense to look at how people in the past dealt with a struggle. It is such an immense fallicy to assume modern means more practical/efficient/better . . . Only for production

Pretty! As someone who has done more costume-y Ancient Greek things, the key to the buttons in the sleeves is to use ones with shanks and just sew them on inbetween the 2 sides as you sew the sleeve tops together in those specific spots. No extra sewing, no buttonholes.

@misskelevra

4 ай бұрын

That is such a simple and clever idea!!

@MomShots

3 ай бұрын

Good idea!!!👍

In terms of later historical fashion, people forget how light and cool many layers of starched cotton or linen can be - many petticoats and farthingales/hoopskirts, etc would act like fans and conduct breezes. They took inspiration from Ancient Greek clothing also for hot weather, just adapted it to their own needs. Glad you have a summer wardrobe you really enjoy!

(Commenting before watching this during my break) Years ago, I once went into this rabbit hole reading through endless books on the Internet Archive (Spartan women were the undisputed queens IMO), and, someway, somehow, it led me to a lady called Janet Stephens, she’s dedicated her craft to faithfully recreating ancient Greco-Roman hairstyles, to see you also taking that part into account is great and I hope you further explore this type of topic because it’s such a complementary part of the outfits; so glad to see some love for the Greeks! Edit: skipped to the hairstyle portion of the video and heard the Silvousplaits shoutout, I miss when she uploaded frequently, her Viking hairstyles were unmatched!

@j.nereim9055

4 ай бұрын

MAD respect for Janet Stephens!! It was my entire privilege to attend a talk she gave (with live models!) on the Flavian (?) "orbus comarum hairstyle at the Getty Villa. She talked about how the images on an ancient woman's tombstone were most likely of makeup tools, based on her own experiments with how various animal bones shattered to produce the tools. I'm not remembering this quite accurately, but WOW I respected the research.

@akechijubeimitsuhide

4 ай бұрын

I tried some of those tutorials, and it's pretty easy after some practice (I filed down a large sewing needle's tip and got some thicker black thread). It's nice because the weight of the hair is distributed evenly and there are no pins that might pull on it. It's a good way to secure a crown braid, too.

You look so good in this Greek style! My favourite part of this era is how the fabric was so ruffled and baggy, it just looks so loose and comfortable but also super pretty and delicate.

Your transformation was gorgeous! I love the freedom and vigor in your videos lately, since your big confessional video a few months ago. You seem so much happier and liberated! I feel like we are getting to know you better. Great work and thank you for sharing!

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much! I definitely feel a lot more free and liberated, especially as I continue healing 😊

3:22 you tried to transform yourself into an ancient Greek LADY and failed. You transformed yourself into an ancient Greek GODDESS 😍🥰

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🥹

its fascinating how the "monobrow"(or bodyhair in generell) changed its "value" in fashion all the time... like so much... thanks for your videos and the immense research behind it!!!

Omg this would be perfect for where i live! I'm an Aussie so alot of clothes are too hot for here, i would love to make so many historical clothes but i overheat really easily😅 Honestly this looks perfect for an Aussie summer, light soft and breathable😊

Look at you! Almost 100K subscribers!!! I'm so proud of you!

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!! It feels a bit surreal 😊

Check out Janet Stephens or Morgan Donner’s channels - I think they have some good hairstyle tips for the look you want. Morgan did a whole video on ancient pins. Also, with your length of fabric, start with holding up your bun in the back and then tightly crossing the long ends over the top and tucking the ends in the back under the bun might give both the look and support your hair, as well.

You look absolutely lovely. That mint green linen is beautiful. The final look is really elegant.

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

You want ancient Egypt, and use linen. Cotton is hot. It’s 95 F with 90% humidity here in summer now.

You look fetching at all stages of your transformation , including sans makeup. Btw, the differences in the pronunciation of "chiton" may relate to linguistic changes in Greek over time, this is certainly common in many languages. Your chiton looks like it will be marvelously comfortable in summer. As someone who started watching your channel out of my interest in reenacting, it might be interesting to see you collaborate with some men where you could both demo clothing of various periods.

The Chiton is proounced in Greek with "H"iton. Foor some reason the Greek h letter is usually translated to "ch" in english.

@ragnkja

4 ай бұрын

English doesn’t really have the “chi” sound.

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for letting me know! So even all the online pronunciation guides were incorrect too 😅

@ragnkja

4 ай бұрын

“Kh” probably indicates the sound most clearly to modern people, as the sound has softened a lot since ancient times (this is also a difference between Old Norse and modern Icelandic, by the way).

@hjorturerlend

4 ай бұрын

@@VBirchwood Yes, tho they were correct on the "I". If in doubt go with the non-English "I", as the English "I" is very much an outlier.

@japspeedgirl6216

4 ай бұрын

@@ragnkjanot really, as modern people pronounce it with too much k and not enough h (or aspiration). The closest sound is h.

I love the color! It's very springtime and refreshing from bold dark colors we typically wear in the winter. I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to wear something like this but it looks fun. I hope you enjoy it this coming summer.😊

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!! I hope your winter is going well 🥰

I have a degree in ancient history so it is really exciting to see your final look, a glimpse into the past !!! Fantastic video as always :')

This is so pretty! As someone who doesn’t wear makeup myself, I think yours came out great. Happy creating💚 🪡🧵💚

Janet Stephens has great video’s on classical hairstyles! Btw the make-up really suits you

As a Indian Caribbean 🇬🇾🇹🇹🇮🇳 I have connections to indo-Greeks and Himalayas but I love the Greek makeup I love how historical it is ❤

I live in a very hot climate and think this would be an excellent and fairly easy solution. Do you wear a chemise underneath the chiton? Also, yes, as someone with curly hair, I completely understand the time involved in a curl refresh. Your final creation is beautiful!

I’ve often been tempted to make myself some loose Early Medieval wool gowns for winter, and silk shifts to wear under them (a rare luxury then, I know, but it feels better than linen). So many winter clothes nowadays are made of plastics (synthetic fibers), which I can’t stand. I prefer wearing dresses, especially at home, they don’t ride up or pinch like pants do.

YESSS I love it! Another chiton convert! These and stolas are truly the best and most comfy things to wear in the heat. Love the color, too! Hope you get lots of use out of it 🧡

Looks great! One accessory that any greek lady would have had would have been a loooooooong almost transparent veil which would help keep the sun off.

Why isn't this garment more popular, its so good and it makes you look fantastic!

@SingingSealRiana

15 күн бұрын

Because the modern siluette is skin tight and something that flawy is seen as unflattering . . .

Ancient and Modern Greek both use the same vowel as in the word "key". The initial consonant in Ancient Greek was the way you said it, while in Modern Greek the initial vowel is like Russian х, but a bit more forward in the mouth, like the y in yes, but it's also a somewhat different word (chitonas) so you might as well stick with the pronunciation you were using.

Absolutely no worries with the colour - it looks lovely on you, as does the dress! I'm not sure I'd describe Alkanet root as 'extremely toxic' (as white lead obviously is) - yes, it needs to be used with caution, taken internally it can damage the liver, but it also has many healing properties too - as with many medicinals, it's all about the dosage - I've never found much about topical applications, and so always advised people with dodgy livers, or who are pregnant to use beetroot powder instead.

That sponsorship talk about your bedroom decor actually for me a little excited. I would totally love to see some interior/decor/season-udate videos! Maybe with some thrifting or upcycling...

This enture ensemble turned out so fabulous!!!

Chiton is more like "hee-TONE". Accent on the second syllable.

@johannesgh90

4 ай бұрын

I agree it's an ee sound. In Ancient Greek χιτών would also have the 'o' sound double the length of the 'i' sound. χ - 'ch' as in 'loch' ι - 'ee' as in 'meet' τ - 't' as in 'coat' ώ - 'ou' as in 'thought' ν - 'n' as in 'tone'

@ravenpotter5131

4 ай бұрын

Thanks to the both of you!!!! I always thought it was cheet like cheetah un like onion! Geez I was so far off but now I can say it right!!!

@patrickbateman3146

4 ай бұрын

@@johannesgh90 are you sure it's like the vowel in "thought"? I know in modern Greek it's more like "tone" than "thought"

@johannesgh90

4 ай бұрын

@@patrickbateman3146 Yes, it's different in Modern Greek and there were a lot of local variations, not to mention temporal since Ancient/Classical Greek covers many, many centuries, but the reconstruction I think is most reliable, not that I'm an expert, has it that way. Video here on YT is called Lucian Pronunciation of Ancient Greek and omega is pronounced at 1:48

@patrickbateman3146

4 ай бұрын

@@johannesgh90 oh cool. Thanks

You look SO beautiful, like a real Greek Goddess!! Love that whole look on you. I think the fabric and sewing design are perfect 😮❤

The end result is so pretty and suits you so well 🥰

Not all the way through the video, but for the past couple of videos you have had this small smile of happiness on. Just makes me think that the last couple of pieces you have done are hitting a more happiness and fulfilling feeling from the look of it.

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Nothing to do with the content itself, my ongoing therapy treatment is just helping me immensely.

@BCKammen

4 ай бұрын

@@VBirchwood Happy to hear that it is doing wonders for you.

I was already deeply hooked to your style of videos (your filming skills, music, realisation, etc), your style of sewing, and your personality. Now, with this video I think that I am in love. Such a beauty, such a wonderful smile and communicative laugh! I can see that you really love what you are doing, and it bring joy and light in my heart. What a beautiful person! ❤

i made myself a peplos (for early anglo saxon dress) wearing a peplos with a nice drapey fabric and a lot of heavy jewelry really makes me feel like i'm ~~The Sh*t ~~

wow, gorgeous!! i so want to try out this look now!

It looks sooo comfortable and breezy! I like how easily you can change up the look of this garment, simply by tying the ribbon in different styles.

As an art historian I love to see people add colour into history. All the now white statues used to be colourful, but the original colour faded over time and gave us the image of white statues. An aesthetic that came back into fashion again in the classic period, when some churches where drained of most colour (especially the statues) to match this ideal. I once went to a church with almost no colours on the inside. I wondered why it was that way, when I found out, that the original gothic statues where colourful, until the colours came out of style and the layer of colour was removed, until the only colour remaining was the grey of the stone. If we only could time travel and see all the colours of the past.b

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

It would be so amazing to see all the rich and vibrant colours of the past!

The dress looks beautiful and the smoky eye look suits you so well!!

I absolutely love the historical detail you put into your videos. Also the final reveal was not at all what I was expecting. It turned out great.

I'm a guy and I don't sew or know anything about sewing for that matter however I found your channel a while back when I was watching a video from Karolina. Been watching you ever since awaiting for videos. It's just very chill and relaxing even if I don't understand much of what you do. :)

I loved the way you put everything together! The crossed wrap with the belt was especially interesting as I had always assumed the ancient Greeks just did a simple belt around the waist. Your version was much more fun!

woow the end result looks soo good! The accessories definetly put the whole look together!^^

You're correct in that the chiton is one of the best for beginners to drape. When I did my bachelor, it was the first garment we were taught to drape and make and it really helped to start there. It gives an excellent introduction to manipulating fabric on a dress form or a human body, as you showed here, and is very forgiving when it comes to corrections.

Love seeing you explore other time periods, this is stunning 😮 Makes me think I want to do something like this, even though I'm originally not interested in ancient Greece

Absolutely beautiful! I might have to try making one of these. Everything came together so well. I think you did a good job with the hair and makeup. ❤

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you!! 😊

Love this video! Alkanet isn't toxic, and is still used in some cosmetics today. I wonder if you were thinking of aconite, which was also used in cosmetics but is VERY toxic.

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you for the correction! I got it confused with Alkanna root in my research 🥲

K’Ton with the accent on the second syllable was how I learned it. And I think prefinity is a great word … even implies preference in the mix!😂

Such a gorgeous simple look! You did a fantastic job! Though I think you could have gone even more heavy on the eye makeup!

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! I was so terrified because it's been years since I've applied black eyeliner 😂

@ragnkja

4 ай бұрын

Dark eye makeup actually had practical origins, since it makes sun glare slightly less bad.

@damaracarpenter8316

4 ай бұрын

@@ragnkja trueI I wore super heavy eyeliner top and bottom when I visited spain because of this!

Wow.. absolutely stunning! What treat it would be to see someone wearing that & to have hand sewn it! Just incredible V & you look so beautiful. Well done.

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Thank you! 🥰

Beautiful. I love the whole look.

WOW! I do not know how you appeared in my algo, but holy cow. I have never sewn any clothes, but I am a huge fan of history, and you made this so fascinating and fun that I watched the whole thing and now I am watching your whole catalogue of videos. I love them! Thank you for making these so we can glimpse a slice of life in historical times. Very much appreciated! Love from Canada!

@VBirchwood

3 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!! Welcome to the channel ☺️

This was so much fun to watch! You look glowy and suit this ancient Greek style so much

I will forever applaud your skill/bravery for trying to get those eyes brows closer together. The eyebrow tails will always be kind of their own conversation but I feel the centre of the eyebrows, especially monobrow is literally part of the focal point of your face so if it is off it’s quite noticeable. Very Cool 😎

This looks so gorgeous I’m in awe! I never thought Ancient Greek clothing looked pretty but now I want one!

This is basically my uniform for the Australian summer (ancient Greek and Roman clothing). It's light and breezy but still allows me to HB my wardrobe when Victwardian is too hot.

What a Talent you are! ⚘Your presentations are so appealing and this one is is very .. educational, historic, transforming too. Lovely. You're such a beauty! Thank you!

STUNNING! Absolutely a Wow! Your choices in background music are exquisite too.

I have been thinking about Greek dancing costumes with my bf being Greek so, perfect video. I sent him this and said, “I want to see what I can appropriate”. So let’s go! I love your outfit at the beginning, love the circlet. 💞 Now I definitely want a chiton for summer, maybe in that same color, or maybe a light green.

Absolutely beautiful!!! All of it! I’ve been creating historical costumes for my music students for years but have never done this time period because we know so little about their music. But now I’m gonna make a chiton and we will explore the music of Greece this summer at camp. Thank you so much for the idea and inspiration🥰

Ok. This suits you so well!

I actually made an ionic chiton from a Sari that I purchased from etsy that had a very fun woven fish pattern in it! I then just cut it to size and sewed on medusa-head buttons!

Janet Stephens on youtube is the one that really shows how simplistic the greek hair fashions were, it was the roman ones who were wayyy more elaborate and she even shows how to do them, she does a lot of historical lectures on the ancient hair styles of women.

Most paintings, and thus images of historical clothes, is probably from around the time of what we call the little ice-age. But if we're talking history, Rome and Greece are still Mediterranean. They did not just invent warm summers of late. Archaeologists have been doing experiments with things such as stone tools to get a better understanding of stone age cultures. People like you, who are into historical fashion can help a great deal, simply by doing what you love and making the experience of history available today.

That minty green colour looks great on you. I think that colour is almost universal

Well, me and my scorching summer are thanking you. A lot !!!!

The final reveal is SO beautiful! I can definitely see were Europeans in the early 1800s Regency period took inspiration from ancient greek fashion

Another method to secure a bun would be the use of a hair pin(s). Either one or double pronged.

Wonderful idea! I'm so trued of shorts, jeans etc. Back to feminine clothes. Thank you😊

I really admire your work and hope you keep it up! I follow several channels seeking to recreate various aspects of historical settings and yours is quickly becoming one of my favorites!

Hun, you positively glowed in the end 😊 Made my heart warm seeing how happy you were with the look, and you absolutely should be happy with it, it was SO gorgeous! I’m excited for you to get to go out during the Summer, and I’m gonna be jealous of everyone who gets to be transported back in time to a little slice of Greece whenever you walk past! Also, the Brooklinen ad honestly could not have come at a better time for me! My sheets just started ripping about a week ago, and I have GOT to get new ones!

With or without make-up, you are stunning. I am new here and really love your content. You looks and clothing are truly beautiful. It shows that modesty is magical. Thanks

You look beautiful!

the final look is just so beautiful and elegant yet looks extremely comfortable! I definitely must make myself a chiton for next summer, even if only for the purpose of cosplay and wearing around the house (I'm not nearly brave enough to wear it outside). I did make myself a summer dress inspired by a chiton though, but with set on sleeves and big pockets, and I love it very much. Maybe next step is a more accurate chiton?

Some things I like: old things, quiet things, slow things, durable things, things from different cultures, people who talk calmly, carefully and purposefully, women's hands and nails that are taken care of and presented in a tasteful manner (it's mostly an aesthetic preference but sometimes it speaks to deeper aspects of the person). I just found a new 'happy place' in this channel.

I would totally wear this in the summer. The color is also so pretty.

Wow that makeup looks amazing on you!

Wow, the end effect made me speechless. Amazing job!

You are looking radiant today! I LOVE the color of your material! It sure screams 'summer' to me. Think I will try to make this one 😁 Love your channel ❤❤

You look amazing in that outfit, very pretty. I'd also like to thank you, your channel has helped me to find confidence in expressing myself in historical clothing as I've always dreamed of doing.

You look amazing! I think this colour suits you. I also love how happy you look in your recent videos, you seem to have so much fun making stuff! ❤ And with the chronic health issues, I hope you feel better and will feel better for long time, preferably always ❤

the efficiency of hot weather clothes also depends on the humidity. clothes made for dry hot weather won't work at cooling in humid weather

Fantastic look.

I loved seeing your journey down ancient paths. ❤

You have the best smile. I love your videos. ❤️ i am also a big fan of ancient greek fashion and architecture. I am happy to see you make such a beautiful garmet. I also feel the color really suits you. The greeks love blue :)

☺The fun you had doing this really comes through. And yes, the result looks grand.

YES, i think about ancient greek clothing, too! gorgeous dress and make-up! thank you for another great video!! :)

I always end up finishing up my winter weather just in time for summer and vice versa. 😂

Thanks for a great and interesting (as always) video💛💙

@VBirchwood

4 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching!

This is so lovely. The final outfit looks so comfortable for warm weather as well. I love the color you chose.