---
node: fashion_early_dynastic
type: fashion
slug: early_dynastic_egypt_fashion
title: "Fashion in the Early Dynastic Period"
lead: "In the Early Dynastic Period the linen kilt and sheath dress became established and royal dress — the shendyt and the crowns — began to take shape, recorded on early reliefs such as the Narmer Palette."
published: 2026-07-28
updated: 2026-07-28
image_file: early_dynastic_egypt_fashion.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Narmer_palette_(obverse).jpg"
image_author: "Narmer Palette (Early Dynastic, c. 3100 BC)"
image_license: "Public domain"
change: "Created as a fashion sub-page under the history section, with a period image (egypt region)"
requester: internal
reason: "Per the owner's decision, fashion lives under each history era"
---

## Overview

With the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, dress began to carry a system that marked kingship and rank.

## Key garments and style

Men wore the shendyt kilt wrapped at the waist and women a close sheath dress with shoulder straps. The king wore crowns such as the White and Red crowns and a ceremonial false beard, and dress became a symbol of rule.

## Transition

In the Old Kingdom this dress developed into the refined style of the pyramid age.