8 Traditional costumes worn by women from other cultures

Native Streetstyle: 8 Traditional costumes worn by women from different cultures

Angela Goh

25 Apr 2016

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Pha nung
The pha nung, as it is called in Thailand, is similar to the sampot and variations are worn across many neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. Typically a long, rectangular cloth that wraps the lower section of the body, the garment can be arranged in several different ways and can be featured in many different colours, usually bold and bright.
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Jalisco dress
The Jalisco dress is a beautiful work of art. It is also known as the escaramuza dress and several variations exist. The outfit is usually worn for traditional “baile folklórico”, which is a term used to describe traditional Latin American dances that display highly choreographed, exaggerated movements. The dresses are vibrantly coloured, with long ruffled skirts trimmed in bright contrasting ribbons.
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Sari
This South Asian garment can be a heavy outfit to don. Consisting of a long drape that varies between 4 to 8 metres in length, the fabric is typically wrapped around the waist, with the loose end thrown over the shoulder, baring the midriff. The sari is commonly regarded as a symbol of grace. It can certainly be quite a feat to select the best fabric and prints to suit your taste, as there are an endless number of styles to choose from.
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Bunad
The bunad is a Norwegian term that describes traditional rural clothes as well as modern folk costumes. Various styles are worn across Norway and neighbouring countries that include Germany and Denmark. Designs are typically elaborate, with embroidery that can be quite intricate. Bunads nowadays are often seen as a status symbol and can be quite expensive to tailor.
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Ollantaytambo costume
The traditional clothing worn by women in Peru can vary according to the different communities, but they draw their roots from pre-Spanish and Spanish colonial garments. The traditional costumes worn by Ollantaytambo women consist of hand-woven shoulder cloths that are fastened at the front, and colourful layered skirts made from wool. Often, they would wear unique hats that identify the village they belong to.
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Hanbok
The traditional Korean hanbok (or Joseon-ot, as it is called in North Korea) is often vibrant and simple. Usually worn as a formal or semi-formal garment during traditional festivals and celebrations, the women's hanbok consists of a blouse shirt and a full wrap-around skirt that is usually a bright colour.
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Swiss smock dress
Women in Switzerland traditionally wear colourful, vibrant full-length smock dresses with puffy sleeves and tight corset-like tops that feature beautiful decorations. Lace bonnets are commonly worn.
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Kimono
The kimono needs no introduction. In fact, the traditional Japanese outfit has been used as inspiration for those light cardigan-type garments that have gained popularity recently, also called "kimonos". Typically full-length, straight-lined robes, the kimono can seem like a restrictive sort of garment. They are usually worn during important festivals or formal events.

From dance outfits to formal wear, many communities around the world have incredible and unique style when it comes to traditional costumes.

Various cultures around the world have their own unique celebrations and traditions, and it is not uncommon for them to have a native outfit that is worn for just such occasions. In Japan, for example, a kimono is worn by women during important events such as paying a formal visit to a shrine, or during a tea ceremony.

Native costumes around the world are usually bright and vibrant, with elaborate designs and beautiful embroidery. In many ways, cultural outfits have inspired fashion designers all over the world to incorporate the eclectic styles and looks that these centuries-old costumes are famous for.

You don't have to travel all the way to Switzerland or Peru to observe the traditional dress codes of the women there - head up to the gallery above to see just how incredible some of these garments are.

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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