National costume

National costume, also known as national dress, regional costume or folk dress, expresses an identity through costume which usually relates to a geographic area or a period of time in history, but can also indicate social, marital and/or religious status. Such costumes often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for festivals and formal wear.

It should be noted that some people, particularly in the United States, view the term "costume" as somewhat offensive in this context, as it suggests fantasy or theatricality. "National dress" may be preferred to avoid this connotation.

Following the outbreak of romantic nationalism, the peasantry of Europe came to serve as models for all that appeared genuine and desirable. Their dress crystallised into so-called "typical" forms, and enthusiasts adopted it as part of their symbolism.

Examples of national costumes

;Near East
* Afghanistan - Kurta (male) and Shalwar Kameez (female), Turban
* Arab world - Fez, Keffiyeh, Taqiyah, Hijab (by Muslims)
* Israel - Yarmulke, Tallit, Tefillin (religious clothes of Jewish people), Tichel/Sheitel/Snood/Shpitzel, Tzniut

;South Asia
* Bangladesh - Pajamas and Lungi, Kurta/Panjabi (male) and Sari, Shalwar Kameez (female)
* South India - Dhoti and Lungi, Kurta (male) and Shalwar Kameez (female), Sari, Turban
* Nepal - Daura and Sharwal, (male) and Sari, Gunyo Cholo (female)
* Pakistan - Shalwar Kameez (male and female), Turban
* Sri Lanka - Dhoti and Lungi, Sari

;East Asia

* China - Hanfu, Changshan (male) and Qipao (female)
* Japan - Kimono
* Korea - Hanbok

;Southeast Asia and Pacific
* Cambodia - Sampot
* Indonesia - Batik, Kebaya (female)
* Malaysia - Baju Melayu (male), Baju Kurung (women), Baju Kebaya (women)
* Maldives - Dhivehi libaas (women) Sarong, long sleeved white shirt (men)
* Myanmar - Lungi
* New Zealand - Maori Flax Skirts
* Philippines - Barong Tagalog (male) and Baro't saya (female)
* Thailand - Suea Phra Ratchathan (male) and Thai Chakkri, Thai Boromphiman, Thai Siwalai, Thai Dusit, Thai Chakkraphat, Thai Amarin, Thai Chitlada, Thai Ruean Ton (female), Sampot
* Tonga - tupenu and ta'ovala
* Vietnam - Áo dài (women) and Áo gấm (men)

;Europe
* Albania - Albanian Traditional Clothing
* Austria - Tracht, Dirndl
* Bavaria - Dirndl, Lederhosen
* Bohemia - Kroje
* England - Pearly Kings and Queens, Morris dancer costumes
* France - Breton shirt, Beret
* Germany - Tracht ("Southern Germany only")
* Greece - Fustanella, Peplos
* Iceland - Þjóðbúningurinn
* Republic of Macedonia - Traditional clothing
* Malta - Għonnella (Faldetta)
* Moravia - Kroje
* Netherlands - Dutch cap, sabot
* Norway - Bunad
* Rome - Toga, Stola
* Russia - Sarafan, Ushanka
* Scotland - Kilt
* Sweden - sverigedräkten
* Turkey - Fez hat (male), Yashmak (female), islak (long shirt), and salvar (pants)
* Wales - Welsh hat

;Americas
* Canada - Tuque, Anorak, Ceinture fléchée
* Mexico - sombrero, Mariachi suit, Charro suit, Huipil, Rebozo, Sarape
* Panama - Pollera
* Peru - Chullo, Poncho
* United States - Various forms of Native American clothing. Traditional dress in Texas and the Southwest includes Cowboy Hats and boots, and bolo ties.

;Africa
* Egypt - Galabeya
* Ethiopia - Ethiopian suit (male), Ethiopian coffee dress (female)
* Ghana - Kente cloth
* Morocco - Djellaba (male), Fez hat, Takshita (female)
* Nigeria - the Agbada, or Grand boubou (male), Wrapper (female), Kufi, Aso Oke Hat
* Senegal - Senegalese kaftan (male), Kaftan (female)
* West Africa - Dashiki, Kufi
* Zanzibar - Gowni

ee also

*Ceremonial clothing in Western cultures