50 Women’s traditional dress around the world

Last Updated: December 2, 2022By

Traditional dress, which is inextricably linked to the people’s history, is a valuable source for studying its culture. Clothing is one of the most stable ethnic characteristics, reflecting the people’s national character more than any other element of material culture. Traditional dresses are influenced by economic and geographical conditions, as well as ethnology, cultural and historical relations, and the mutual influence of nations.

Afghanistan traditional dress

Women usually wear a dress with loose-fitting Tunbaan pants that reach the ankles below. Ladies wear Chador (head scarf) to cover their hair. The hijab, which is typically women wear in Iran and other Islamic countries, is also a popular way for Afghan women to cover their hair today.

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Australia Tradition dress

This traditional costume is a piece of traditional Australian attire. The word ‘Akubra’ refers to a head covering in Aboriginal. Another interesting fact is that it takes seven rabbit skins to make one bush hat. Which many people wear and never leave the city, and still available everywhere today.

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Azerbaijan traditional dress

women’s traditional outfit is mostly made of silk and velvet. Women wore headgear at home, in the yard, and at visitors’ homes. When they went outside, they usually wore a white charshab (veil). Little girls and elderly women were traditionally not permitted to wear charshab outside.

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Azerbaijan traditional dress

Bangladesh traditional dress

Bangladeshi women typically wear the Shari, though some younger women also wear the salwar kameez. Women also wear Western clothing in urban areas. The types of Shari or any other fashionable dress, such as the salwar kameez, that the women prefer to wear

Bangladesh traditional dress

Bhutan tradition dress

The fashionable item of clothing Toego enhances the appearance of the women’s clothing. Women wear it as a short jacket-like garment to accentuate “Kira.” It typically upgrades the entire outfit by changing the long robe’s pattern, fabric, and color.

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Bhutan tradition dress

Brazil

Traditions, beliefs, ethnic groups, environments, weather, and temperature are other elements that influence a nation’s national attire. Brazilian traditional clothing is vivid, colorful, and highly ornamented. Due to the high temperatures, fabrics are typically thin and breathable, though people like naturally, heavier fabrics in cooler mountainous regions.

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Brazil traditional dress

China

 Chinese traditional dresses exude a distinct oriental charm. It has entered the palace of world culture as the embodiment of Chinese culture. The cheongsam, also known as the Qipao, is a traditional Chinese dress that combines the elaborate elegance of Chinese tradition with unique elements of style. It has a high neck, a closed collar, a loose chest, an asymmetrical fastening, a fitted waist, and side slits. The cheongsam, according to fans, embodies a woman’s modesty, softness, and beauty. It is intended to highlight the natural softness of the female form while also creating the illusion of long, slender legs.

Chinese traditional dress

Indian traditional dresses

A traditional outfit for Indian women is the saree. It is made of a single fabric piece that is two to four feet wide and five to nine yards long. Depending on the situation, the material is wrapped in a variety of ways. Commonly, the fabric is wrapped around the waist with the other end draped over the shoulder, leaving the midriff exposed.

Indian traditional dresses

Indonesia

In the past, women would wrap a piece of fabric around their torsos, fold and secure the edge, tie it with a rope, and then cover it with an Angkin. Today, a tailored Kemben is available that is fastened with zippers, straps, or buttons similar to western corsets. In the past, Javanese women covered their upper bodies with a kemben and their lower bodies with a lower garment that was wrapped around their hips.

Indonesia

Iran

Women can be identified by their full, layered, colorful skirts and long, under-the-chin-pinned headscarves, which let their loose hair frame their faces. The women’s clothing is made up of long pleated shirts layered over black velvet vests embellished with colorful embroidery, and floor-length skirts instead of the typical wide-legged trousers worn by Iranian women in traditional attire.

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Irani traditional dress

Iraq

The abaya, a long, black cloak worn as outerwear over a dress or pair of pants, is a staple piece of Arab women’s traditional attire. The Asha, which covers the hair, and the foot, which covers the mouth and chin, are two additional separate scarves. A woman is also typically seen wearing a tonne of jewelry, such as silver rings, anklets, pendants, and bracelets.

Traditional dress of Iraq

Ireland

Ireland’s ocean climate is typically mild, but unexpected rain and strong breezes are frequent. Locals wear layering clothes that they can remove or add when the weather suddenly changes from hot to cool, wet, and windy. Cloaks played a significant role in Irish traditional attire. The cloaks were long, cut in a broad circle, and frequently black because the sheep were primarily this colour. A broach was used to stabilize it.

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Irish traditional dress

Israel

Some groups of women have a propensity to over-cover and dress, including by donning veils, multiple layers of shawls, and aprons on top of their regular clothing. In the desert regions people wear, light clothing made of linen, flax, and cotton. The color white reflects the sun’s rays, keeping the inhabitants of this land cool. Israel’s traditional attire is comparable to western fashion.

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Israel traditional dress

Italy

women, occasionally wearing a bodice. The majority of items were made from basic fabrics, with wool being very popular. The only available colors were low-cost grey and black dyes. Orbace, a type of waterproof wool, is a well-known traditional Italian fabric. The women dress in light-weight chemises or blouses over colorfully embroidered skirts and bodices, and they accessorize with elaborate hats with floral or fruit decorations. Traditional men’s clothing is typically less complex but still features embroidery, metal buttons, and pins.

Italic traditional dress

Japan

Japanese kimono literally translates to “thing to wear.” A kimono outfit that people occasionally wear in modern times, typically for formal events like weddings, tea ceremonies, formal traditional gatherings, and funerals. Kimonos come in a wide variety of types and styles, depending on the situation, the wearer’s age, and their marital status.

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Japan traditional dress

Kuwait

The traditional outfit of Kuwaiti women while running errands is a black abaya, which covers the entire body from head to toe. Additionally, some Kuwaiti women favor covering their hands and faces. They typically also cover their hair. However, they continue to dance in their traditional attire, such as the thob (a long overdress). Traditional dress for Kuwaiti women consists of a full-length, full-sleeved abaya that hides whatever is underneath. A hijab is also a part of their traditional dress to conceal hair. Some women also cover their entire faces with a black niqab veil. While On special occasions, they also like Jalabiyas with more color.

Kuwait traditional dress

Malaysia

The traditional dress for Malay women in the past, known as kemban, included sarongs tied above the chest. Women currently wear baju kurung, which consists of a long skirt called kain and a knee-length, full-sleeved blouse. One side of the skirt is pleated. A scarf typically covers the head while wearing this outfit. The kebaya, a two-piece skin-fit outfit, is a semi-formal variation.

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Malaysia tradiona dress

Nepal

The sari, which Nepalese women have been wearing for decades is a widely popular dress. It is similar to the saris worn by Indian women and consists of a petticoat, a blouse, and a sari draped around the shoulder. Most often, ladies wear saris along with a lot of gold jewelry and accessories. Saris are traditionally worn during celebrations and are even accepted as appropriate attire for Nepalese women. Daura Suruwal woman’s equivalent attire. In addition to being the national dress of Nepal, the gun you cholo has special significance. It serves to identify a girl’s precise age.

Nepal traditional dress

New Zealand

There is no official national attire in New Zealand. The only type of clothing that is uniquely New Zealand is the traditional Mori garb. State funerals and royal tours are two examples of official occasions where kahu (cloaks) add a great deal of mana and honor.

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New Zealand traditional dress

Pakistan

The shalwar kameez, Achkan/Sherwani, Kurta, Shalwar Kameez or Kurta Pajama is the national dress of Pakistan. And both men and women wear it in the five provinces of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir. However different regions of Pakistan have also their own traditional dresses.

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Pakistani traditional dress

Philippines

In the Philippines, Women use barong Tagalog as traditional dress. However, there are a lot more gorgeous and feminine clothes for women. As in mestiza clothing. It is a lace-and-richly embroidered formal dress. Butterfly sleeves are on it. And it has a really cute appearance. Actually, Mestiza dress is a more upscale variation of Baro at Saya. There are many different ways to say “blouse and skirt,” or “Baro at Saya.”

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Philippines traditional dress

Portugal

The suit is Portugal’s national attire because of the vibrant and colorfully handmade and embroidered components. The country woman’s attire typically consists of a linen embroidered shirt that is always long-sleeved no matter how hot it is. And a fringed scarf tied around the hair, and boots. A long, flowing skirt with a waist jacket with exquisite embroidery that is typically black, blue, red, or green. And it is made of sturdy yet elegant fabrics like linen, wool, velour, and cotton. They adorn their neck with yet another vibrant scarf.

Portugal traditional dress

Russia

The Rubakha, which is the traditional outfit for both men and women, was the fundamental piece of any traditional Russian wardrobe. This is essentially the vintage version of the modern shirt. Rubakhas was popular as both home and street attire by both the rich and the poor. The sarafan was the centerpiece of the female wardrobe. Sarafans tended to wear red, light, or deep blue, wine, and white the most frequently. Dresses worn by Sarafans frequently featured intricate embroidery.

traditional dress

Saudi Arabia

It consists of a long dress, an “abaya” (outer cloak), and a “Shayla” (scarf). Saudi women always cover their bodies, though occasionally they only leave their faces and wrists exposed and occasionally just their eyes.

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Saudi Arabia’s traditional dress

Singapore

Malaysia and Singapore’s national attire is the Baju Kurung, a traditional costume. Sultan Abu Bakar of Johar popularized this traditional attire in the late 19th century. The term “Baju Kurung” is used to refer to both male and female clothing.

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Singapore’s traditional dress

South Africa

Their primary clothing consists of long skirts and aprons made of gorgeously patterned or embroidered fabrics. Ithumbu, elaborately beaded neckpieces, as well as beaded anklets and bracelets, are worn. Married women traditionally wear the headscarf or Iqhiya.

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South African traditional dress

Spain

The mantilla, Peineta, and gilet are the most typical items that are still in use today in Spanish traditional dress. During religious celebrations, people wear the mantilla, a traditional Spanish veil item. A large decorative comb called a peineta is placed into the hair to support the mantilla. The Gillet The Spanish word Jileco, or chaleco in the modern Spanish word. It is a vest-like, sleeveless jacket that is an essential component of traditional Spanish attire.

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Spanish traditional dress

Sri Lanka

Sarees are exclusively women’s dresses. Women in Sri Lanka frequently dress in the traditional Kandyan saree (osaria), which is appropriate for a variety of occasions. Some women dress in sarees every day or because it is a part of their work uniform. When it is customary, tea pluckers, office workers, and school teachers wear the sari. Traditional attire for official occasions and ceremonies is a saree, which must be extremely vibrant, and colorful.

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Sri Lankan traditional dress

Sudan

“Toob” is the name of the national costume that women in Sudan wear. It is a long, encircling garment worn over a shirt and skirt or pants. It completely covers the body. The fabric to make these costumes are Cotton, satin, polyester, jersey, and denim. A thawb can have any color and pattern on its fabric. A thawb can be very attractive and colorful. Although younger women typically wear multicolored toobs without accessories and older women prefer white thawbs,

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Sudan traditional dress

Ukraine

Married women are required to cover their heads with shawls and complete their outfits with maxi skirts and waistcoats, girls are only required to wear shirts without outerwear. The focus of the attire, however, is on the belts, jewelry, and headpieces (such as a shawl or floral wreath), which are adorned with ribbons, real and fake flowers, and a profusion of beads and ducats (coins), which signify the status of the women.

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Ukraine traditional dress

United Arab Emirates

The women dress in black, while the men wear mostly white and occasionally lighter shades of color. Abaya is the traditional dress of Emirati women. a chic, black, flowing, loose-fitting cloak. Abayas are always popular around the world among Muslims. Women dress in traditional or western attire beneath the cloak. The dark covering also helps to conceal the colorful clothing.

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The United Arab Emirates’ traditional dress

United Kingdom

The most striking outer cloth costume pieces were made of “Alatza (woven cotton), usually in cross-traditional colors like deep red, blue, yellow, orange, and green, or white light and thin vertical stripes. Frequently blue with white stripes, “Alatza” was used for everyday men’s shirts and dresses for women.

United Kingdom

Uruguay

The “Bombacho de campo,” consists of wide pants that are tighter around the calf. people wear it inside the leather boots known as “Botas de zuela,” which is a part of traditional clothing. The best clothing for horseback riding is this. People who work in rural areas still frequently use these brothels, as well as for official occasions involving rural topics.

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Uruguay traditional dress

Uzbekistan

Uzbek women typically dress in one of two main categories. The first is made up of an ikat dress and a pair of pants. Girls typically wear a tiny velvety cap on their heads. A headscarf or cap is popular under the sizable shawl, frequently white or a light color, which is the more elaborate headdress for married women. On special occasions, the dress—which is typically made of ikat fabric or a plain fabric embellished with embroidery—is covered by a coat.

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Uzbekistan traditional dress

Yemen

The Zina is a traditional clothing here that means “beauty,” and is a loose knee-length dress with long sleeves and a Vneck. It is suitable for baggy pants. In Yemen, the headscarf known as the hijab is practically always worn by women.

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Yemen’s traditional dress

Zimbabwe

Traditional Attire with Beautiful beads is adorned on Zimbabwean women. In fact, these sizable ornaments are an essential component of women’s traditional attire. Women take great pride in how they look. Their traditional clothing is vibrant and colorful with exquisite beadwork.

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Zimbabwe’s traditional dress

Turkey

Turkish women dress similarly to European women, though somewhat a little more modestly. Even religious women in Turkey do not adhere to a dress code like those in the majority of Islamic nations. They are fashionable and colorful, and they wear loose clothing and headscarves. Traditional Ottoman clothing may still be in demand in Turkey today for some ceremonies, such as weddings and circumcisions.

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Turkey traditional dress

Thailand

The Chakkri dress, one of Thailand’s most well-known and exquisite traditional garments, exudes a grandeur suitable for any formal setting. The ensemble consists of a Sabai and a long tube skirt with two front pleats.

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Thailand traditional dress

Syria

The “Taqiyah,” a three-piece set worn as a scarf, is the most critical piece of the dress. According to the user’s class and budget, it is available in various colors and materials.

This headwear set was regarded as the most significant and practical component of dressing because it provided protection from the sun, sandstorms, and cold. Additionally, it represented displays of affection, curiosity, or even disregard.

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Syrian traditional dress

Somalia’s traditional dress

A long, loose cotton dress made in a variety of patterns and colors is worn by Somali women. Women frequently use scarves to hide their hair

Somalia’s traditional

Nigeria

Nigerian fashion is distinctive and appealing. In Nigeria, dresses are made from a variety of materials, including lace, jacquard, adire, and ankara. Buba, kaba, iro, gele, and iborun or ipele are examples of Nigerian clothing for women. Buba, fila, sokoto, abeti-aja, and agbada are examples of Nigerian clothing for men.

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Nigerian traditional dress

Malaysia

Baju Kurung is the name of the current traditional clothing worn by Malaysian women. It is the most popular traditional dress. A long-sleeved, knee-length (or occasionally shorter) blouse and long skirt make up the traditional Baju Kurung.

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Malaysia traditional dress

Maldives

Libaas’ is the traditional attire for women. Usually worn for special events, festivals, and dance performances, the costume resembles a dress. The best ones are hand stitched and typically decorated with threads in gold or silver. The costumes not only look great but also make a great moment.

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Maldives traditional dress

Korean traditional dress 

The traditional clothing of the Korean people is ‘Hanbok’. It is only these days on special occasions or on anniversaries. Many Koreans keep a hanbok on hand for formal occasions because it is a formal outfit. The traditional hanbok was lovely in its own right, but over the years, the style has gradually evolved.

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Korean traditional dress

Germany traditional dress

A woman’s traditional clothing known as a dirndl is popular in southern Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and the Italian Alpine regions.

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Germany traditional dress

France Traditional dress

There are other traditional French garments, each unique to a region of France, but the Beret is likely the most well-known.

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Egypt’s traditional dress

Women preferred to wear Kalasiris, a straightforward sheath dress held on by straps. Royal or high society women wore their dresses all the way down to their ankles, while lower-class women wore them shorter. This revealed the social status of the women. Feathers or beading were very popular in Egyptian women’s clothing.

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Egypt’s traditional dress

The United States of America

Western clothing, such as flannel shirts, cowboy hats, and denim jeans, is typically a symbol of the traditional dress of the United States. Long-sleeve shirts in this category are typically made of wool, though cotton versions are also available here.

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The United States of American traditional dress

 Austria traditional dress

                The traditional Austrian “dirndl” dress has gained new admiration among foreign and domestic fashionistas in recent years thanks to its distinctive white blouse, full skirt, and apron.

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Austria’s traditional dress

Greece Traditional dress

Greek traditional women’s dress varies from region to region. The majority of women’s traditional costumes consist of a basic cotton dress underneath a sleeveless wool vest. Women may wear this with aprons, sashes, and—possibly most significantly—large head scarves.

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Greek traditional dress

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