The basic clothing for both men and women was the tunic. It was much like a sack with holes cut out for the head and arms. A piece of leather or folded cloth was worn at the waist like a belt and was known as a girdle. When it was time to work, the long tunic would get in the way. They brought the loose ends and tucked them into the girdle, which gave their legs freedom of movement. This was called girding up your loins. In the Gospel usage, girding up your loins means to prepare yourself, work hard, and give service in the kingdom.