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Regions. Traditions. Time

The structure of Romanian traditional clothing has remained unchanged throughout history and can be traced back to the earliest times. The basic garment for both men and women is a shirt or chemise, which is made from hemp, linen or woollen fabric. This was tied round the waist using a fabric belt, narrow for women and wider for men. The cut of this basic chemise is similar for men and women. In the past those worn by women usually reached to the ankles while men's shirts were shorter and worn over trousers or leggings made from strips of fabric. Women always wear an apron over the chemise. This was initially a single piece of cloth wrapped round the lower part of their bodies and secured by a belt at the waist, as is still seen in the east and south east of Romania. In Transylvania and the south west of Romania this became two separate aprons, one worn at the back and one at the front.

National wear from Banat, Romania

The costumes that are in existence today, and are recorded on photographs and film, date mainly from 19th and 20th centuries. There is very little evidence, except for a few paintings, showing costume worn outside towns before 19th century. In most countries the wearing of traditional clothing died out by 1900 due to the process of industrialisation, but in Romania folk costume has continued to be worn and to develop through most of the 20th century which is why there is such a wealth of information available today. Although over time the embroidery on Romanian clothing has become very detailed and elaborate the basic garments retains a structure which may date back to Neolithic or Bronze age times, the original characteristics being retained due to the remoteness of large areas of Romanian.

Banat

Folk costume main feature: two aprons, one or both with fringes; the women wear a headband full of beads.

Costumes from Banat, Romania

Bucovina

The traditional wear from this regions stands out through its simple cut which gives the body a sleek appearence.

Daniela Dăncilă

Maramures

Clothes from Maramureș are richer decorated then those from other regions of Romania. In the design of these costumes everything inspires optimism.

Little girls wearing traditional gowns from Maramureș

Moldova

Main feature: women wear only one apron: wrap-around style apron.

Iustina Irimia

Muntenia and Oltenia

Costume Main Feature: silk veil and two overlapping aprons or one skirt-like apron.

Costume from Wallachia

Transylvania

The transylvanian national wear remained almos the same through the years and it is well known for its sobriety and the fineness of the embroidery.

Transylvania Folk Ensemble