An undergarment called the tunica
interior or intima, or, as it was also called,
interala or indusium, was worn next the skin.
Beneath that women wore brassieres, called strophium or
mammilare, made of soft leather. Thetunica
interior was closed all round except for the
armholes and neckline, with short sleeves. It was of the same
width throughout, and reached to the feet.
This was the matrona's house
dress, and was at first made of wool; as time went on,
however, it was usually of cotton or silk, or even, especially
in the late days of the Empire, of transparent "Coan"
material. In the case last mentioned it was long and full, and
had a long train, and was worn sometimes with a girdle and
sometimes without. In most cases it was adorned at the
shoulders with clasps or buttons.