A toga party is a modern party where attendees dress in revealing approximations of ancient Roman dress. The origins date back to the 18th century, but the modern version gained popularity after the film Animal House. Planning a toga party is similar to organizing a regular party, and attendees usually wear improvised or commercially produced togas.
A toga party is a party where attendees dress in approximations of ancient Roman dress. Romans would probably have a hard time recognizing the “togas” worn at these festivals, as they are usually made of linens that are draped in a very revealing way, in contrast to the heavy, hidden folds of the original toga. Toga parties tend to be especially popular on college campuses, especially fraternities and sororities, although people who aren’t in college can throw them.
The origins of the toga festival appear to date back to the 18th century, when people held parties in Roman dress as a form of entertainment. The nature of this 18th century fad underwent a dramatic change in the 18th when the blockbuster film Animal House portrayed a much raucous take on the toga party. The idea behind the modern toga party is a party that is meant to reference the legendary and decadent parties held in ancient Rome, with an assortment of drinks, games and food to keep guests entertained.
While the ancient toga was worn over a linen tunic, attendees of a modern toga party usually wear a sheet strategically draped along with their underwear and, in the case of female attendees, jewelry such as bracelets and necklaces. Sandals, especially Roman-style tying sandals, are also a common part of attire, and some people may wear wreaths. Many people like to wear togas that they’ve improvised, making a toga party relatively inexpensive in the realm of fancy dress parties, but it’s also possible to purchase commercially produced togas that can be tailored for a more revealing, form-fitting look.
Planning a toga party doesn’t take much more effort than organizing a regular party. It’s generally advisable to give guests about a week’s notice, as well as stock up on a range of snacks and drinks. Finding someone to act as a DJ will help keep the music moving, and at parties where people want to throw games, it might be helpful to recruit a game planner and coordinator who gets the crowd excited.
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