Traditional Fashion Trends From All Over the World

Most clothing styles change from season to season. Although, there are some that have stood the test of time. Passed down through several generations, they have lasted through the years when others have faded away. Interestingly enough, it is like this all over the world. Each country has their own traditional garments that set them apart from the rest. The following is a list of ten trends that are the most easily recognized.

1. The Austrian Dirndl

The Austrian Dirndl became the clothing of common people in the 1800s. This outfit consists of a white blouse with long sleeves, a skirt that reaches the ankles, and an apron that fits over the front of it. Sometimes, women wear a petticoat underneath the skirt to make it seem to be fuller. Some interesting facts about dirndls are:

They were once considered to be uniforms for servants.
The way that the knot on the apron of the dirndl is tied is reflective of a woman's marital status.
About 50% of all women in Austria wear dirndls.

2. The French Beret

The beret is a small, wool hat with a distinctive flat, loose appearance. The origin of the beret dates back to 15th century BCE in Crete, Greece. Traditionally, this hat was popular in several colors and was worn by aristocrats and commoners alike. The French Beret came along during the 1800s and distinguished itself by primarily coming in black. Some fun facts about the French Beret are:

Berets are worn more often when it is cold outside as a stylish way to keep warm.
The French believe that one is supposed to pick out their own hat because it has to be tried on before it is purchased.
The beret remains a popular style choice for special military and police uniforms.

3. Chilean Ponchos

The colorful poncho is simply a blanket that has a hole cut in the middle of it for the head to go through. It keeps a person warm the way that a jacket does, but without the constriction of movement. Ponchos were first invented by Native Americans in pre-hispanic times, but today's modern poncho is associated with the Chileans Poncho in design and style. It became a trend for females around the world in the 1970s and has been a hot retail item ever since. Some interesting facts about ponchos are:

Ponchos are still worn by commoners and Chilean military personnel today.
Long, heavy ponchos were worn by Chileans for traveling.
Ponchos can be made from vicuña hair, cotton, wool and silk.

4. Colombian Sombrero Vueltiao

The sombrero vueltiao in Colombia is made of a soft, pliable material, which is different from the wide-brimmed hats of other Hispanic cultures. It can be folded up to put in a pocket when it isn't in use. The quality of the sombrero is based on the count and quality of the palm leaves and the ability for it to be folded. The best sombrero for common wear is called "Vientiuno", for its 21 palm leaves. Some facts about this hat include:

Sombreros fly off easily, so they usually have a chin strap attached to them.
They are frequently worn by musical performers as a distinctive way of showing their status and cultural background.
Sombreros Vueltiaos have been around for more than 1000 years.

5. Japanese Kimono

The Japanese Kimono is a robe worn by Japanese citizens that transcended class and sex. It was worn by women and men alike in all weather conditions with layers in the winter and thin linen in the summer. Overtime, different color schemes were incorporated to reflect status and season. Some other interesting facts about kimonos include:

The Kimono came about during the Heian period (794-1192AD).
It is still worn for traditional and formal events such as funerals or weddings.
"Kimono" originally meant "clothing" in Japan, but now is now associated only with the Japanese robe.

6. The Spanish Flamenco Dress

The flamenco dress originated from Andalucia, Spain and is now one of the most recognizable dress styles around the world. Andalusia is a region in southern Spain where gypsies, or flamencos, lived. The dress is shaped as a guitar to compliment the body, and frills and layers are worn to enhance the flamenco's dance. Other facts include:

Traditionally worn by peasant women accompanying their husbands to livestock fairs in Seville.
The dress over time went through drastic changes, but now is more similar to its roots.
This dress originated in the 19th century.

7. Dutch Clogs

One of the most uncomfortable shoes to wear is a pair of wooden clogs from the Netherlands. Still, they have become a common symbol of clothing that has lasted for centuries. Traditionally, the shoes are carved by hand out of wood into a unique shape that has a point by the toes. Some other facts about them are:

Most clogs are painted with pretty designs and colors to protect the wood.
They are sometimes called "whole foot shoes."
Wooden Clogs have been around since the 1200s and possibly even longer.

8. Russian Ushankas

The Russian ushanka is a soft, furry hat that has flaps that come down the sides of it. They are held in place by snaps, which makes the Ushanka easily identifiable by people from all over the world. They were first introduced in the early 1900s and were primarily worn by rebellious young people in St. Petersburg. Some facts about the ushanka include:

They have lasted the test of time because they work so well for keeping the cold out.
Known to be a symbol of the Soviet Union due to military personnel adding it into their uniform in World War II.
Ladies commonly wear ushankas with a fur coat to match.

9. Vietnamese Non La Hats

Vietnam is famous for its muddy rice paddies and the image of its people wearing non la hats while working in them. A non la is a cone-shaped hat made of grass reeds or bamboo. It is generally constructed by those who want to wear one, but markets sell them too. There was a myth that a goddess wore the hat to protect the farmers crops from all the rain, and these hats resemble the one she wore. It is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and is still sold today. Some other interesting information about non las is:

The first non la hat came around 3000 years ago.
They are only worn while outside.
Poetry is often written on the brim of non la hats that are covered in a papery film.

10. Turkish Salvar Pants

One of the most comfortable pair of leg coverings to wear is the salvar pant from Turkey. They come up to a person's natural waist, so they don't fall down and the legs are loose and baggy. These pants come in several colors and designs depending on the time of year, the occasion, and the amount you are willing to spend on them. These pants were first seen in Persia 2000 years ago and across the Ottoman Empire afterwards. More information about salvar pants include:

Materials of the pants commonly range from silk, wool, and cotton.
Both men and women wear these pants.
Children usually start wearing them after they reach a certain age.

If any of these fashion trends seem like they would work for you or your little one, go ahead and give them a try! You don't have to be from the same country to wear them. Many of these traditional trends are worn today in foreign countries by women and children who love to try new fashion explorations. In fact, many countries consider it flattering when someone loves their style enough to copy it. So go ahead, let your little girl make her own fashion statement and be creative. Take a few risks and let your fashionista's statement be heard.