From this time onward another garment, distinct in itself, came into
general use, and remained until the end of the Classic Greek Period.
This was the himation, an essential part of a Greek woman's
costume, and indispensable with the Ionic chiton. It was often worn in
the house, and always out of doors. In shape it resembled a shawl, and
was an oblong piece of woollen or linen material, twelve to fifteen
feet long, and in breadth about equal to the height of the wearer.