Greek Evzones Uniform and History
Guardians of the Tomb
The evzones are the elite ceremonial unit of the Greek presidential guard, instantly recognizable in their distinctive uniform: white kilt (fustanella), pom-pom shoes (tsarouchia), and red beret-style cap (fario). Their slow-motion march in front of the Hellenic Parliament in Athens is one of Greece's most photographed traditions.
The Fustanella
The fustanella is a white pleated kilt that evolved from the garments worn by Greek fighters during the War of Independence (1821-1829). The ceremonial fustanella has exactly 400 pleats — said to represent the 400 years of Ottoman occupation.
- Made from 30 meters of white cotton fabric
- Each pleat is hand-pressed and stitched
- Worn with a wide leather belt with cartridge pouches
- A white silk shirt with very wide sleeves is worn underneath
The Tsarouchia
The tsarouchia are red leather shoes with black pompoms on the toes. Each shoe weighs approximately 3 kilograms and has a wooden sole studded with hobnails for grip. The pompom (called the "tug") symbolizes the toe of a Byzantine emperor's shoe — a claim to imperial continuity.
Other Uniform Elements
- Fario — red felt cap with a long black silk tassel
- Fermeli — embroidered waistcoat in dark blue with gold or white thread
- Krossia — blue and white fringed cords on the shoulders
- Periskelides — white wool stockings held up by garters
Daily Life
Evzones serve in hourly shifts at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Their slow, choreographed movements — raising the leg high, stamping the tsarouchia — are designed to show absolute discipline and control. Every Sunday at 11am, a full ceremonial changing of the guard takes place with the entire unit in attendance.
