In ancient Egypt, for example, locally produced see-through linen was the fabric of choice, and it was ideal for a warm climate. But since linen could not be dyed easily, it was usually just one color​—bleached white. Still, Egyptian fashion designers pleated the material so that their clothes had a pleasing drape and silhouette. Thus one of the world’s most enduring styles was born.

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This ancient Egyptian linen garment was one of the world’s most enduring fashions

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Photograph taken by courtesy of the British Museum