Making a (first century AD) tunic

[Tarbicus]

I've heard that instead of a belt a long waistband (a fascia ventralis) was used....

This is far from certain and is based largely on interpretations of some of the sculptures of soldiers tombstones such as the broken stele from Cassaco in Northern Italy. However a recently discovered tablet from Vindolanda refers to the repair of a ventralem so it is possible this item was a part of the military kit. Pliny Nat Hist book VIII 193 mentions a ventralis which he describes as a money belt. As the rectangular object seen on soldiers tombstones possibly tucked into a waistband has often been identified as a purse this would seem to reinforce the idea that waistbands were worn. As to size and method of putting them on we can only guess and use analogies with more recent examples such as those used by the French Foreign Legion. I believe one re-enactor has suggested the scarf doubled up as the waistband when it was not used under armour. However the Vindolanda tablet refers to a ventralem not a focale. In addition a mosaic from Apamea in Syria shows a hunter wearing a red tunic with both a white scarf and a waistband.

There are also the papyrii of Tarentianus acknowledging receipt of a 'girdled tunic'. That one really makes me wonder.
http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?p=91064

Finally, Jim can you post me a better quality picture of your tunic?

Haven't got one yet, Graham, sorry (I completely forgot about these posts). Work keeps getting in the way of doing anything right now.