Tunica hems

[Gordak]

I’ve actually been doing lots of research lately, I’ve even visited a few artisans who make clothing on looms regularly.
Here is what I was told.

You can't just make a panel with 4 selvedges, the ends of the warp can come apart, no matter how dense it’s packed.

So it appears the proper tunic has a selvage on the top and bottom with hemmed armholes.

Modern (machine made) wool bolts are 60 inches long, too long for a Roman tunic to have the top and bottom selvage...
BUT
Since real tunics have been discovered with tucks at the waist. A reasonable reproduction could be made out of factory wool with selvedges at both ends.

Cutting a bolt down in the center, (thus leaving the selvages intact) and stitching it back together, thus shortening the length. (Your belt will hide the seam)

Wallah you have a tunic that won’t fray for a VERY VERY long time.

I already made one this way, Ill post pictures of it when I get a chance.
The result it’s a great tunic that drapes much more dramatically due to the lack of hems.

p.s. However, if you want accurate clavi, you need a loom.