To date, we have a large number of images on terracotta figurines, on the Mazdeic chests for the bones of the deceased (ossuaries) and especially on wall paintings in temples and the houses of rich citizens. There are many detailed images made by Chinese artisans as well. There is still not enough information about the clothing of these famous people regardless of such favorable circumstances. Information on the appearance of ordinary citizens of Sogdia and diasporas in colonies is particularly wanting.
The main difficulty in studies of clothing based on the Sogdian monuments of art is that there is very high proportion of fantastical characters in them, as in most countries of the world at that time. They are pagan gods, legendary ancient kings, and personages from heroic epics and fairy tales.
The high proportion of religious images means we have to take great care in drawing conclusions about the locality and contemporaneity of the clothing depicted. One can usually see images of men from the ruling elite during feasts and religious ceremonies and occasionally engaged in hunting and other entertainment (included music and dancing, and the performers as well as the servants at the feasts were most often pictures of common people). Large rooms with various subject paintings have been preserved, where among a significant number of characters we will hardly find representatives of the indigenous population - Sogdians.
You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "Sogdia: the Heart of the Silk Road" (XXXV volume) from the series "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections".
The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.
Misleading myths when studying of Sogdian clothing
The costume of the ancient Sogdians has a long history. Like any important element of culture it changed according to the spirit of time, fashion, or the will of rulers and was influenced by conquerors.