Are you interested in Lithuania’s traditional clothing? These outfits are full of history and meaning, showing the country’s rich traditions.
If you enjoy learning about different cultures, you might want to know what makes these clothes so special. Many people are curious about these traditions, just like you.
We’re here to help you understand the beauty of Lithuanian clothing. With our tips, you’ll see why these clothes are so important.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The unique styles of clothing from different parts of Lithuania.
- The meaning behind the colors and patterns.
- How do these clothes reflect Lithuania’s culture and history?
By reading this guide, you’ll learn more about how Lithuania’s clothing connects to its past.
Keep reading to discover more about these amazing traditions!
1. History of Traditional Lithuanian Clothing
Historical Roots
Long ago, people in Lithuania made their clothing with great care and skill. The Lithuanian national costume is now a symbol of pride and history. While the design was similar across the country, each region had its style, with different patterns, colors, and decorations.
Natural dyes gave the colours their beauty, and most fabric was woven from flax. People wore items like skirts, aprons, and shirts, often decorated with careful detail. Warm outerwear was made from thicker cloth, especially for winter.
Only some things, like mittens and socks, were knitted. Making clothes was a daily task, and women were often the main makers, passing down their skills through generations.
These costumes are no longer worn every day, but they are still seen at festivals and in museums. In Vilnius, visitors can view examples at the National Museum or the Museum of Applied Arts and Design.
The version shown today is based on how people dressed for special occasions in the 1800s. It helps keep the memory of the past alive and shows the talent of those who made them.
2. Lithuanian National Costume
Lithuanian National Costume for Women
The Lithuanian National Costume for Women is an important part of the country’s history. The clothing was made by hand, using linen and wool. Women in Lithuania took great pride in weaving their outfits. They used plant dyes to create bright colours.
Each design and color had a meaning, often showing a person’s background or where they were from.
The outfit was made up of several layers. It included a white shirt, a striped skirt, an apron, and a vest or bodice. A special belt, called a juosta, was worn around the waist. Head coverings were also important. Unmarried girls wore flower wreaths or ribbons, while married women wore caps or scarves.
Jewelry, like coral necklaces and silver brooches, completed the look. Women also wore woven sashes that added beauty to their outfits.
Lithuanian National Costume for Men
The Lithuanian National Costume for Men is an important part of the Culture of Lithuania. Like women’s clothing, men’s outfits were made by hand using wool and linen. Weaving was a key skill passed down through families.
The clothes were decorated with bright colors, made from plant dyes. The patterns on the clothes showed the region a person came from.
The costume included a long shirt, a wool vest, and trousers. A special belt called a juosta was worn around the waist. In cold weather, a coat or cape was worn over the outfit. Men also wore simple hats made from wool or felt.
For footwear, men wore leather boots or sandals. The look was finished with jewelry like brooches or silver buckles. Woven sashes or belts were also worn for decoration.
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3. Notable Vintage Lithuanian Outfits
Chemises, Marškiniai
The chemise is a traditional shirt with narrow shoulder straps, similar to Latvian costumes. The collar, cuffs, and front opening were often decorated with woven designs. The most unique feature is the lower sleeves, which have detailed patterns. This type of decoration is typical of Lithuanian chemises.
The lower part of the chemise, from the waist down, was made from thicker linen. In the 1950s, people began cutting off the upper part of the chemise. This change made it easier to wear with modern clothes.
Skirts, Sijonai
In the Lithuanian national costume, skirts were traditionally worn by women at ankle length, made from wool or linen. These skirts were usually about 3.5 to 4 meters (yards) around. In Lithuania, plaids were more common in the East, while in the West, stripes (usually vertical) were preferred.
Some skirts also had horizontal bands of decoration, which became more detailed in the 20th century. The colours and patterns in the skirts are an important part of traditional Lithuanian clothing, showing the unique styles of different regions.
Aprons, Prijuostes
In Lithuania, the apron is a key part of the female costume, unlike in Latvia. There is a wide range of styles, including short, long, wide, narrow, made from materials like linen, wool, brocade, and plaid.
Some aprons feature vertical or horizontal patterns, while others are plain or striped. These aprons vary in design and decoration, and I will return to this topic later to explore it further.
Bodices, Liemeneles
In Traditional Lithuanian Clothing, the bodice was an important part of women’s outfits for special occasions, though it was not always worn for everyday activities. The design could change based on the region, but it was usually hip-length and had a peplum or large lappets.
The woven designs on the bodice were more detailed than those found on the apron or skirt. The bodice fastened in the front, and the colours often reflected local styles. This type of clothing played a key role in traditional attire.
Headcoverings, Karunas
In Lithuanian National Costume, headcoverings, or karunas, are an important part of clothing. One of the most common types seen in dance groups is the crown-shaped, open-topped headdress worn by unmarried girls.
These headpieces usually have woven designs and ribbons hanging down the back. Married women traditionally wore headdresses that completely covered their hair. These headcoverings hold significant cultural meaning in Lithuania, representing regional identity and marital status.
Sashes, Juostos
The sash or juostos is a key part of the Lithuanian national costume. It is usually about 3 to 4 inches wide. It wraps around the waist twice and hangs down the side or front.
Most are woven using a narrow band method, though other ways are also used. The colours and patterns are often detailed and meaningful.
In Lithuania, these sashes are also made as gifts or home decorations. Some include place names or short messages in the design. Each one ends in fringes, with extra threads sometimes added between the weft at both ends.
Even when men stopped wearing full traditional Lithuanian clothing, the sash often stayed as part of their clothing. It was the last part many chose to keep. This shows how important it is to both men and women in traditional dress.
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4. Regional Lithuanian Traditional Attire
Traditional Dress in Aukštaitija (North Eastern Lithuania)
In this region of Lithuania, traditional Lithuanian clothing kept many old styles. The costumes were simple but full of meaning. Women worn white shirts, aprons, and head coverings. These were usually decorated with red patterns that were woven into the cloth.
A special item for married women was the wimple. It was wrapped around the head and covered the neck and shoulders. This style looked like something from the Middle Ages.
Wool skirts with checked patterns were the most common. For special days, skirts were made with brighter colours. Green and red were the main ones, with small touches of yellow and purple. Bodices were made from good-quality materials like silk or velvet. Their shapes came from old European styles and often had curved or clover-like designs.
Men wore coats made from grey or brown wool. Some were dyed dark blue or black. Their shirts were plain, and many wore felt hats as a main part of their clothing.
Traditional Dress in Žemaitija (North Western Lithuania)
Traditional Lithuanian clothing in the Žemaitija region was bright and bold. In the highlands, women wore long skirts with stripes going down. They often wore many skirts at once—sometimes five. Their aprons were also wide and had long stripes.
They liked to wear red checked scarves on their heads. Some tied on more than one at the same time. Shawls were a common part of their outfit for special days. On their feet, they wore leather shoes or wooden clogs.
In the 1800s, men wore thick overcoats. In the south, they were made from light wool. In the north, they were often dark green, blue, or black. Later, these coats were replaced by city-style ones.
In the lowlands, people wore a lot of red. This colour showed up on collars, sleeves, and cuffs. Women’s skirts were wide and pleated. Wearing more than one skirt at a time made the outfit fuller.
Top skirts had many colours—like red, violet, green, yellow, black, and white. Later, flower designs became popular. Bodices were short and ended just under the chest. Women often wore more than one scarf at a time.
Rich women wore leather shoes with laces. Poorer women had wooden shoes. These were sometimes painted and had curled toes. Men wore tall boots if they had money. Instead of sashes, they wore leather belts with designs. Like the women, they also wore kerchiefs and coats with decorations.
Traditional Dress in Dzūkija (South Eastern Lithuania)
In Dzūkija, Lithuania, men wore rough overcoats made from homespun cloth. These coats had dark stitches and edges. In the northern part of the region, women wore clothing similar to that in Aukštaitija.
They liked white linen items, such as aprons, shawls, and bonnets. Married women wore small wimples, easy to tie, like those worn in Aukštaitija.
Common clothing in Dzūkija included checked skirts, dark aprons with small checks, and colourful patterns. Women wore white shirts with embroidery. Many women also wove sashes.
Young girls decorated their heads with gold ribbons and silk crowns, while married women wore bonnets with headscarves.
In the south, where the soil was poor, national costume lasted into the 20th century. The clothing had bright colors and small checks. Women’s collars, cuffs, and skirts were embroidered with plant patterns.
Most women wore shoes made from tree bark or woven thick-thread shoes. Girls wore ribbons, and married women wore bonnets decorated with beads. Men’s shirts had thick embroidery, influenced by nearby Slavic cultures.
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5. Pattern of Lithuanian Attire
Traditional Lithuanian clothing features many unique patterns that reflect the country’s culture. Embroidery on items like shirts, skirts, and sashes often shows symbols such as flowers, animals, and different shapes. Common colors include red, green, and yellow, making the designs bright and colorful.
Wool, linen, and homespun fabrics are used because they are strong and comfortable. These patterns connect people to their traditions and history.
Traditional Lithuanian Clothing: A Recap
Traditional Lithuanian clothing showcases the country’s rich cultural history, with each region offering unique patterns, colors, and designs. From vibrant folk costumes to the elegant national dresses, these garments reflect Lithuania’s heritage and customs.
These traditional clothes are closely linked to the land and local communities, symbolizing pride and unity. The detailed craftsmanship and timeless appeal of Lithuanian clothing express a deep connection to the past.
By preserving these garments, Lithuanians honor their traditions and identity. These clothes are a lasting reminder of the nation’s cultural roots, strengthening a shared sense of pride among its people.