In the age of globalization and multiculturalism, it can sometimes be challenging not to forget your nation’s specifics, especially when it comes to clothes. Now that we all have comfortable jeans and hoodies, it is easy to forget about the national dresses and costumes that used to be so popular back in the day. However, while in some countries, traditional costumes are only worn at special events, in others they are still used in everyday life. Here are three examples of traditional clothes that are still worn today:

The Hanbok

The hanbok is a South Korean traditional garment worn by both men and women. It is worn for formal or semi-formal occasions and events such as festivals, celebrations, and rituals, for example at weddings or baek-il, the 100th day after a child’s birth. It usually has a wrapped front top and a long, high-waisted skirt and it is thought to have originated during the Goguryeo Kingdom in 37 BCE–668 CE, with an almost unchanged design ever since. Hanboks are usually created in bright colors that symbolize the five yin and yang elements, and they can also be used to indicate one’s social or marital status. In South Korea, this traditional clothing even has its own national day, which is celebrated every year on the 21^st of October.

In South Korea, this traditional clothing even has its own national day, which is celebrated every year on the 21st of October. Similarly, the traditional Philippine national costume is worn for ceremonial events such as weddings and parties.

The Aran sweater

Although it would be a bit too soon to call these garments traditional clothing, because they were only created at the beginning of the 20^th century, Aran sweaters have made their way to become one of the staples of Ireland. These sweaters originated on the Aran Islands, where they got their name from. Back in the day, they were considered a poor person’s clothing, since they were created by the local women for their husbands who made their living by fishing in the ice cold sea and wind. Today, Aran sweaters are worn everyday not only by the islanders, but also by many people all over the world, including celebrities and Hollywood stars such as Adam Sandler and Steven Spielberg. They have unique patterns and designs, and if you would like to have such traditional clothing in your wardrobe, Sealine Products viser “på lager” have authentic sweaters.

The bunad

The bunad is a traditional costume of Norway that is worn by men and women. The term itself refers to both traditional rural clothes, which mostly date to the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as modern 20th-century folk costumes. There is no exact consensus on when exactly the clothing was invented, but it is believed to have appeared at the beginning of the 20^th century.  Just like many other traditional clothing, the bunad is not an everyday garment, but it is worn on special occasions such as weddings, traditional birthdays, dances, and religious holidays. This garment is different in every region, but traditionally it represents a tight-fitting woolen dress that is worn with a shawl for women and stockings, a vest, and a collared shirt for men. These days, bunads are not only traditional costumes, but also a symbol of prestige and social status, since the price for one such garment can range from $2000 to even $10,000 depending on the desired design, material, embroidery, gold, silver, and accessories.

Tom Gardner