What garment was the symbol of citizenship in ancient Rome?

The toga, worn by male citizens of Rome, was a distinctive garment that symbolized their civic status and identity as full-fledged members of society. It was typically made of wool and was characterized by its draped appearance, requiring skillful arrangement to wear correctly. Unlike other garments of the time, the toga was reserved specifically for citizens and was often worn for public ceremonies and formal events. The right to wear a toga was associated with the privileges of Roman citizenship, distinguishing citizens from non-citizens and slaves, who did not have the right to wear this garment.

In contrast, the tunic was a common basic garment worn by both men and women and did not symbolize citizenship. The stola was a garment worn by Roman women, particularly those of higher status, which, while it indicated social standing, was not exclusively linked to citizenship. The chlamys was a short cloak often associated with soldiers and travelers, thus not indicative of Roman citizenship. Therefore, the toga stands out as the iconic representation of citizenship in ancient Rome.