…the purpose of clothing had changed significantly. At a time focused on building new social orders, individuals of rank or status relied more on the layering of fabric, rather than the shape or lines of garments. The “T” shape of the Roman tunic became more elaborate as time went on. The tunic was a rather shapeless garment of fabric wrapped around the body and tied in various ways to keep it from falling off. Social order was illustrated by the number and type of tunic; the more tunics, the higher status.
(Drawing: Most Romans wore just one fitted tunic underneath, and one on top.)