National costume

National costume

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Email this to a friend National costume

National costume

Faroese folk dance club with some members in national costumes

National costume, also known as national dress, regional costume or folk dress, expresses an identity through costume which usually relates to a geographic area or a period of time in history, but can also indicate social, marital and/or religious status. Such costumes often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for festivals and formal wear.

It should be noted that some people, particularly in the United States, view the term "costume" as somewhat offensive in this context, as it suggests fantasy or theatricality. "National dress" may be preferred to avoid this connotation.

Following the outbreak of romantic nationalism, the peasantry of Europe came to serve as models for all that appeared genuine and desirable. Their dress crystallised into so-called "typical" forms, and enthusiasts adopted it as part of their symbolism.

Examples of national costumes

Near East

Afghanistan - Kurta (male) and Shalwar Kameez (female), Turban
Arab world - Fez, Keffiyeh, Hijab (by Muslims)
Israel - Yarmulke, Tallit, Tefillin (religious clothes of Jewish people), Tichel/Sheitel/Snood/Shpitzel, Tzniut

South Asia

Bangladesh - Pajamas and Lungi, Kurta/Panjabi (male) and Sari, Shalwar Kameez (female)
South India - Dhoti and Lungi, Kurta (male) and Shalwar Kameez (female), Sari, Turban
Nepal - Daura and Sharwal, (male) and Sari, Gunyo Cholo (female)
Pakistan - Shalwar Kameez (male and female), Turban
Sri Lanka - Dhoti and Lungi, Sari

East Asia

China - Hanfu, Changshan (male) and Qipao (female)
Japan - Kimono
Korea - Hanbok

Southeast Asia and Pacific

Cambodia - Sampot
Indonesia - Batik, Kebaya (female)
Malaysia - Baju Melayu (male), Baju Kurung (women), Baju Kebaya (women)
Maldives - Dhivehi libaas (women) Sarong, long sleeved white shirt (men)
Myanmar - Lungi
New Zealand - Maori Flax Skirts
Philippines - Barong Tagalog (male) and Baro't saya (female)
Thailand - Suea Phra Ratchathan (male) and Thai Chakkri, Thai Boromphiman, Thai Siwalai, Thai Dusit, Thai Chakkraphat, Thai Amarin, Thai Chitlada, Thai Ruean Ton (female), Sampot
Tonga - tupenu and ta'ovala
Vietnam - Áo dài (women) and Áo g?m (men)

Europe

Albania - Albanian Traditional Clothing
Austria - Tracht, Dirndl
Bavaria - Dirndl, Lederhosen
Bohemia - Kroje
England - Pearly Kings and Queens, Morris dancer costumes
Germany - Tracht (Southern Germany only)
Greece - Fustanella, Peplos
Iceland - Þjóðbúningurinn
Republic of Macedonia - Traditional clothing
Malta - G?onnella (Faldetta)
Moravia - Kroje
Netherlands - Dutch cap, sabot
Norway - Bunad
Rome - Toga, Stola
Russia - Sarafan
Scotland - Kilt
Sweden - sverigedräkten
Wales - Welsh hat

Americas

Canada - Touque, Anorak, Ceinture fléchée
Mexico - sombrero, Mariachi suit, Charro suit, Huipil, Rebozo, Sarape
Panama - Pollera
Peru - Chullo, Poncho
United States - Blue Jeans, t-shirt, various forms of Native American clothing. Traditional dress in Texas and the Southwest includes Cowboy Hats and boots, and bolos.

Africa

Ethiopia - Ethiopian suit (male), Ethiopian coffee dress (female)
Ghana - Kente cloth
Morocco - Djellaba, Fez hat
Nigeria - the Agbada, or Boubou (clothing) (male), Wrapper (clothing) (female), Kufi, Aso Oke Hat
Senegal - Senegalese kaftan (male), Kaftan (boubou) (female)
West Africa - Dashiki, Kufi
Zanzibar - Gowni

National costume

Examples of national costumes

See also