---
node: garment_exomis
type: garment
slug: exomis
title: "Exomis"
lead: "The exomis is the simplest working tunic of ancient Greece, a short chiton pinned at only one shoulder so the right arm and chest are left bare. It was the dress of labourers, craftsmen, and light-armed soldiers."
published: 2026-08-10
updated: 2026-08-10
image_file: exomis.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hephaestus,_findspot_unknown,_1st_or_2nd_century_CE_copy_or_adaptation_of_Greek_original_-_Nelson-Atkins_Museum_of_Art_-_DSC08202.JPG"
image_author: "Daderot"
image_license: "Public domain"
---

## Overview

An exomis is a short chiton fastened at the left shoulder alone, or worn with the right shoulder unpinned and slipped down, freeing the arm completely for hard work. Made of coarse wool and belted, it is the plainest form of Greek dress.

## How it is worn

It is pinned at one shoulder and belted at the waist, the bare right shoulder and arm left free to swing a hammer, pull an oar, or wield a weapon. It marked the wearer at once as a working man rather than a citizen at leisure in his himation.

## History

The exomis was worn throughout Greek antiquity by slaves, artisans, sailors, and the god Hephaestus in his forge. Practical and humble, it is the counterpart to the citizen's draped himation and appears on vases wherever labour is shown.