---
node: fashion_medes
type: fashion
slug: median_empire_fashion
title: "Fashion in the Median Empire"
lead: "The Median Empire handed on the classic Iranian riding dress that Persia later took up — trousers, a sleeved tunic and coat, and a round felt cap — carved on the reliefs of Persepolis."
published: 2026-07-28
updated: 2026-07-28
change: "Created as a fashion sub-page under the history section (iran region)"
requester: internal
reason: "Per the owner's decision, fashion lives under each history era"
---

## Overview

The dress of the Medes, who rose on the Iranian plateau, was a tailored garment suited to riding, and it passed to the Achaemenids.

## Key garments and style

Men wore trousers with a sleeved tunic and coat (a caftan-like over-garment) and a round felt cap. This "Median" dress was prized as practical wear for riding and war.

## Transition

Under the Achaemenids, this riding dress was worn alongside the ceremonial, heavily pleated Persian robe.