Traditional Clothing of Estonia

Like other northern European nations, Estonia is home to vibrant folk clothing traditions that are still appreciated today. While most modern Estonian people dress in styles similar to the rest of Europe, you can still glimpse traditional costumes at special events. But what makes Estonian folk clothing unique? And what is the meaning behind its diverse styles and patterns? Read on to find out more.

Daily Dress in Estonian History

There are several basic trends and styles in Estonian folk costume, but bear in mind that regional differences exist up to the present day. As in many places, you could once tell where a person was from in part by the cut, colors, and patterns of their clothing. Today, various regions of Estonia preserve their unique styles, so no two town festivals are quite the same.

Additionally, pronounced differences existed between the upper, middle, and lower classes. While the wealthiest members of Estonian society tended to favor German-inspired fashions, the common people were more likely to pass down older clothing styles.

The most common materials used for clothing in historical Estonia were linen and wool. Linen is a versatile, lightweight fabric that not only breathes in summer but holds in heat in winter. Dresses, vests, and trousers were usually made with linen, while heavier outer-garments used wool. Wool provided the insulation necessary to work and travel during cold Estonian winters. For everyday wear, colors typically reflected the natural hues of these materials: white, black, and brown.

Women’s costume mainly consisted of a full-sleeved white blouse and a long, full skirt. Married women often wore headscarves and an apron as well. These were given to a bride on her wedding day and signaled her shift into the traditional roles of womanhood.

Men, meanwhile, wore long or knee-high trousers pinned at the knees, paired with a long-sleeved shirt and vest. Both genders wore long, embroidered wool socks when available.

Formal Clothing of Estonian Cultures

On a typical day, most people of Estonia in the 19th and early 20th centuries wore relatively plain clothing. They needed practical clothing to work in, usually made with rougher fibers and few adornments. Formal clothing, however, could be quite intricate and beautiful. As global trade increased, bright dyes in red, green, blue, yellow, and more became popular. Women embroidered colorful patterns into clothing and their skirts often incorporated vibrant striped patterns. Weddings were the most lavish of all ceremonies. In many parts of Estonia, brides wore heavy silver jewelry to mark the special day.

Traditional Clothing in Modern Estonia

Of course, today the average Estonian person wears typical Western-style clothing. Traditional clothing is usually only seen on special occasions, such as weddings, holidays, and folk festivals. During the tumultuous events of the 20th century, which saw Estonia repeatedly invaded and eventually annexed into the USSR, folk costumes became a symbol of national pride. This has helped to ensure their lasting popularity and longevity in the modern, independent nation. Traditional lifestyles persist to some extent on the more remote islands of Estonia, where visitors may still see historical apparel in daily use.

References

“Dressing Traditionally - Folk Costumes in Estonia.” Visit Estonia, EAS, 22 Apr. 2021, www.visitestonia.com/en/why-estonia/dressing-traditionally-estonian-folk-costumes.

Smith, Pamela. “Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.” Encyclopedia of National Dress: Traditional Clothing Around the World, edited by Jill Condra, ABC-CLIO, 2013.

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