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Switzerland Traditional Dress
During the Medieval Era, farmers in Europe wore simple robes which made working easy. It was only in the 18th century that the growing awareness of the world around and the increased level of prosperity brought in changes in clothing. The new generation desired to explore the outside world. |
The sons of farmers engaged in mercenary work traveled to foreign lands. By virtue of this exposure, new trends in fashion and novel ideas of living crept into society. Even the lower strata desired to dress like the upper classes.Switzerland was exposed to these trends in particular as it was an important intersection point in European trade routes. The designs of costumes were passed through generations with regional distinctions. Today, the country boasts of diversity in folk costumes. The dialect and costumes play a prominent role in the identification of the roots. The 17th and 18th centuries witnessed an amazing high in the economy of Switzerland. This economic resurgence cast an effect on the culture and folk life as well. Thanks to the political policy of neutrality, the country was saved from the horrors of the war and thereby agriculture and industry boomed. Handicraft also flourished with the cottage weaver, embroiderers and lace makers earning decent amounts. As a consequence, their creativity was motivated and this in turn benefited in the development of the traditional clothing. Just as each tribe was characterized by its origin and background, the individuality of their costume illustrated their style of living, their viewpoints and their magnificence. For instance, in the areas dominated by Protestants, the traditional costumes are rather modest in their outlook in contrast to the vibrant and adorned attires of the Catholics.
In general, the traditional dress of Switzerland comprises of a puffy white blouse, the tight ribbon crest top or vest with skirt or trousers. The preferred colors are green, white, red and black. The costume worn by women on Sundays is adorned with embroideries of garden flowers, while embroidery showing alpine flowers decorate the men's smocks. A red handkerchief with the tip showing from the man's left trouser pocket is an important part of the costume. However, this is a feature of dressing only applicable to bachelors. The cattle herders of Gruyere wear a short blue canvas jacket; the ladies wear long-sleeved jackets, silk aprons and straw with ribbons hanging from the brim or gold lace caps. In Unterwalden, the women are seen in silver decorated costumes and in the Alpine areas, men wear traditional leather shorts with leather boots.
Most of the traditional clothes of Switzerland have embroidered shirt cuffs, scarves and hats. Wearing tights is an old tradition in the country. Even today boys wear tights of dark shades and girls are seen in red or white tights. Smocks are another very prominent traditional style of dressing in Switzerland.
Nowadays, most of the Swiss have adapted to the western style of clothing. However, traditional costumes are still worn during parades and festivals.
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