SNAPPY SOLDIER TUNIC PLEAT

[Tarbicus]

Otherwise, if we assume the soldiers are intentionally hitching up their tunics to make these "snappy" pleats, as some sort of fashion statement, then we have to come up with a cultural reason for bakers, slaves, boys, and many other classes to do the same since we see the same features in their representations. I think that's a stretch.

To look attractive to the ladies; fashion overall; I personally think it's very simple. Hairstyles changed, beards were in then beards were out, then in again; no feminalia, then feminalia were in.

It's only natural that a fashionable look would be picked up by many in society as a whole. Today, the cut of our clothes may differ to make them look different styles, but the rules still apply to there being two legs to a pair of jeans, etc.

Is it not feasible that slave owners wanted their slaves to look "cool" as a reflection on themselves? Also, if it was fashionable to wear pleats at the time, don't forget the hesitance of the Romans to distinguish the slaves by sight, for fear they may see how numerous they are, so therefore slaves having pleated tunics would fit in more.