Clothing Around The World

Artwork by Lachlan Richards

It’s Chinese New Year, and 2015’s year of the goat has got us thinking about the importance clothing plays in culture and every day life. Around the world, cultural dress and modern trends are born from great traditions, and the more we researched, the more intruiged we were by what we found! Take a short tour around the world with us and get to know some traditional, custom made garments:

China

 One of the most recognisable traditional pieces from China would have to be the cheongsam. This dress, worn both formally and casually by Chinese women, is a hybrid of Manchu female clothes and western patterns. Featuring a straight collar, coiled buttons and a tight fit, with slits up both sides, the cheongsam is intended to flatter the female figure. The dress is usually made from silk, cotton or linen.

Japan

The famous kimono is a traditional garment that still sees regular use today. The straight-cut dress comes in various patterns and colour combinations, now used for a variety of events but traditionally for communicating political class, as part of a samurai clan or even undying love! More elaborate kimonos were also known for their use by geishas in the 20^th century. Today, the Yukata, a summer version of the kimono, is also popular and, along with the kimono, are seen at big events throughout the year.

Middle East

 The Middle Eastern heat requires the right clothes to keep cool and ward off the sun and sand. The thwab, also known as besht, kandura, suriyah or dishdasha, is the traditional garment worn in the Arab Gulf. The long robe is made to protect the body, reflecting the sun and covering delicate skin, such as the face.

America

 Known as a chamanto, the poncho is a popular outer garment first used by the Native American peoples of the Andes, later adopted by the Hispanic people in Mexico. The item was designed to keep the body warm, but has since become a popular fashion trend around the world, even available as a rain garment (a festival essential!).

Scotland

 The kilt has a long history both in Scotland and around the world, now both a fashion statement and a traditional dress for its countrymen. The knee-length skirt-like garment was originally used by men and boys in the 16th century for formal occasions and at Highland games and sports events. Recent years have seen it worn by both sexes for various events, commonly found featuring a tartan print.

Inspired to create your own cultural custom garments? Design online now!

Tell us your favourite fashion trends from around the world!

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