---
node: fashion_middle_kingdom
type: fashion
slug: middle_kingdom_of_egypt_fashion
title: "Fashion in the Middle Kingdom"
lead: "In the Middle Kingdom, with unity restored, dress recovered its refinement: women's long sheath dresses, men's longer kilts, and fine jewellery such as pectorals reached a high level of craft."
published: 2026-07-28
updated: 2026-07-28
image_file: middle_kingdom_of_egypt_fashion.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stela_of_the_Steward_Mentuwoser_MET_DP322066.jpg"
image_author: "Stela of Mentuwoser (Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty)"
image_license: "CC0"
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

In this reunified age, court dress continued the Old Kingdom pattern while taking on a more sober dignity.

## Key garments and style

Women wore long, ankle-length sheath dresses and men longer kilts or a garment covering waist to chest. Pectorals of gold and semi-precious stones and broad collars are the finest jewellery of the age.

## Transition

In the Second Intermediate Period, Near Eastern elements arrived through the Hyksos who ruled the north.