Stitched in Identity: Traditional Clothes Around the World
You could say fashion started the same everywhere — animal skin and fur used to keep the body warm and protect against the surrounding climate — but it evolved into so much more. Traditional clothing around the world would be used to distinguish marital status, your cultural beliefs, and your status. Clothes presented a window into an individual's story.
With the upcoming Spring / Summer 2027 fashion week, and the global rise in heritage-inspired outfits, we are looking back at the history and cultural significance of traditional clothes around the world.
MONGOLIA
The deel has been worn by Mongolian nomads for centuries, and even today it’s still common to see locals in rural areas wearing a deel whilst out and about, and during big celebrations such as the Naadam festival. The traditional robe is worn both by men and women, and is secured with a sash or a belt, the material of which would depend on the climate — for summer, silk and cotton would be the chosen fabric, whilst in winter it consists mostly of sheep and goat wool, especially cashmere. Like any culture, traditional clothing evolved depending on the environment, needs of the people, and political climates. Historically, Mongolian clothing would include intricate embroidery that could instantly tell those around them of their societal status, cultural beliefs, regional identity, and clan affiliation.
Men’s clothes are usually more simple with darker colours, while women’s outfits would more often have elaborate embroidery and gorgeous jewellery. The hems of each item would include fine geometric patterns that could symbolise nature, strength, and personal identity. Married Khalkha (the largest subgroup of Mongols) women would wear winged silver and filigree headdresses that would be adorned with precious stones and would frame their braids.
GEORGIA
This mountainous country needs no introduction, from delicious food to scenic landscapes. With so many different cultures and civilisations passing through this region, many different groups of Georgians have distinct clothing. Georgians are a people of immense pride and honour; it’s not surprising that their clothing represents these core beliefs.
When you think of Georgian clothing, the first thing that might come to mind is the sheepskin hat called papakha. There is a saying throughout the Caucasus that if the head is still intact, the papakha must always be worn atop it; the only time men would take it off was during prayer, entering a house as a sign of respect to the host, making an oath, and during fighting. This symbol represented manhood, and the papakha would often be passed down from father to son upon his death. If someone knocked a papakha off a man’s head, it was seen as a grave insult and could result in a duel. What started as a way to keep warm in the freezing mountain temperatures soon became a symbol of honour and manliness.
PAKISTAN
The Kalash people are an Indigenous mountain tribe native to the Hindu Kush mountain range in Pakistan. Although the men have long adopted the Pakistani shalwar kameez, a long tunic with loose trousers, the women still wear the traditional tribal black robes with bold-coloured embroidery adorned with beaded jewellery and braided headdresses.
The black dress represents equality; the Kalash people are an egalitarian community, and whilst other cultures will use clothing as a way to illustrate a person’s status, it's the opposite case for the Kalash. Traditionally, the black woollen dresses would have no colourful embroidery, but roughly around the 1990s, dresses became more colourful with the embroidery that is seen all over the valley now. Now, the dresses are made from a mix material, mostly cotton, switching the heavy wool for a lighter and less stiff dress.
GHANA
Ghana is a country full of unspoilt beaches, tropical rainforests, and friendly locals;if our bookings are anything to go by, intrepid travellers are starting to realise what a rewarding country to visit this is.
The kente cloth of the Ashanti people was once worn strictly by royalty, but has been popularised not only in the country but around the world and is now worn everywhere with pride. The kente cloth is easily identified by the colourful, geometric design, with each colour symbolising a specific message; you may wear blue for peace and harmony, gold for royalty and monetary wealth, white for cleansing rites, red for pain and mourning. The design can tell stories; new kente cloths would be named and would tell the story of a king’s reign. To this day, kente cloths are created by master weavers.
SOUTH KOREA
The term hanbok means “Korean clothes” and was coined in the late 19th century to differentiate from the recently introduced Western clothing, which is now the more popular attire in the country. The traditional hanbok outfit consists of jeogori, a long-sleeved vest that is worn by both men and women and tied with fabric ribbons called goreum; a chima is a high-waisted wrap-around billowing skirt worn by women; baji are loose-fitting trousers worn by men; a po is an overcoat that can be added for colder weather.
Hanbok is most often worn during celebrations such as national holidays, weddings, and formal ceremonies; however there is an increase in it being worn more casually. The Korean government designated October 21st as Hanbok Day, supporting and encouraging people to wear them on ordinary days as well as appreciating the methods of making the clothes. All hanbok is made on a flat surface, differing from the sewing of clothes in places like the West where a mannequin is often used.
ARGENTINA
Everyone knows what a cowboy is, but fewer have heard of a gaucho — a Latin American skilled horseman and cattle herder. They are a major symbol in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and parts of Chile and Bolivia — an embodiment of ruggedness, individualism and freedom; their clothing was specifically tailored for moveability. Whilst cowboys are known for their denim jeans, gauchos are known for bombachas de campo, a loose-fitting trouser made from strong cotton. The faja is a long belt (around 3 metres long) that would be used to wrap around the waist to be used as a belt for the bombachas de campo and as a support for the back during long rides. The famous poncho is a highly versatile item of clothing, protecting the rider from cold and rain, used as a blanket during night stopoffs and can evenbe wrapped around the arm during fighting to become a shield against enemy knife attacks.
Fashion is about more than keeping the body warm; it’s a way to express yourself and historically a way to tell others about yourself. It takes master craftsmanship to create clothing, and we love how there are so many similarities across cultures and yet so many differences. Fashion may change with the seasons, but traditional clothing reminds us of our roots. Next tie you’re travelling, look a little closer at what people are wearing, and it may give you a glimpse into their lives.
