Clothing of Ancient Egyptian Government Officials

Ranked just below the pharaoh, ancient Egyptian government officials were members of the pharaoh’s family or other noble families; they were the pharaoh's assistants and helped him carry out his plans. Both men and women served as government officials. Although members of all social classes wore the same style of clothing, government officials and other nobility wore heavily adorned clothing made from finer fabric to set themselves apart from common citizens.

During the Old Kingdom ( 2700- 2200 B.C.), women wore long ankle-length sheath dresses. Men from all social classes wore linen kilts. The quality of the linen and style differentiated government officials and other members of the upper class from peasants. The more expensive kilts boasted fringed edges, pleats and decorative panels. It is likely during that during the winter months government officials wore ankle-length cloaks. Although on occasions officials may have worn sandals made from reed, most went barefoot.

By the time of the New Kingdom ( 1550-1070 B.C.), ancient Egypt's political influence extended eastward into Asia. As a result of this interaction, Egyptian fashion began to incorporate styles from Asian cultures. Government officials and other upper class Egyptians, donned sheer layers of kilts, shirts that tied at the neck and long, flowing, heavily-pleated linen robes.