Kazakh clothing, worn by the Kazakh people, is often made of materials suited to the region's extreme climate and the people's nomadic lifestyle. [1] It is commonly decorated with elaborate ornaments made from bird beaks, animal horns, hooves and feet. [2] Although contemporary Kazakhs usually wear Western dress, the Turkic people wear more traditional clothing for holidays and special occasions. [3]
Traditional materials used in Kazakh clothing include fabric, skin, felt, and fur. Embroidery, fur, jewelry, and ornamentation may also be used for decoration. [4] Imported materials such as silk, brocade, and velvet can also be used for clothing, but are more expensive than traditional materials.
Traditional materials, such as horsehair, fox fur, sheep's wool and rabbit hides, are used in the production of clothing. Preparation of the materials includes skinning, drying, and greasing the hides with a mixture of sour milk and flour. After four days, the skins are washed and soaked in a concentrated brine. After more drying, the underside of the hide is scraped with a skinning knife before being heated; this gives the skin its whitish color. The fur is then ready for dyeing in a variety of colors. Yellow dye is made from the crushed root of the Taranovy plant. Red dye is made from the root of Uiran Boyau, and orange dye is often made from dried pomegranate crusts.
Kazakhs often use white wool, and consider wool from the neck of a sheep valuable. The hair of the Bactrian camel is also used for more luxurious clothing. An undercoat, collected after the camel has molted, it is considered particularly valuable.
Imported cotton, silk, and woolen fabrics were used by Kazakh nomads. The feudal nobility used imported fabrics to make their clothing; less-affluent Kazakhs wore more easily accessible materials, such as furs, leather, and homemade wool. Fabrics were home-spun on a primitive, horizontal loom.
Women wear a shirt-like garment known as a köylek. Different fabrics are used, with more-expensive fabrics for festive wear and common fabrics for everyday use. The köylek is made by folding a piece of fabric in half and sewing the sides from the armpits to the bottom hem.
A köylek usually worn by unmarried Kazakh girls is typically made from a light, soft fabric which accentuates the waist. Kunikey means "sun-like" in Kazakh, and the word is used to describe this type of clothing. [5] Kazakh girls wear trousers made of sheepskin, homespun cloth, and heavy cotton fabrics. They may be short (shalbar) or long (dalbar).
A kupe is a coat worn by women and men which is typically made of fox fur or, occasionally, goatskin. It is usually lined with camel or sheep wool and hemmed with otter fur on the sleeves for warmth during early spring and fall. [6] A woman's kupe is distinguishable from a man's by its embroidered collar.
A staple article of Kazakh clothing is the chapan or shapan, a long, loose robe. [7] Unlike other clothing, it is not gender-specific and is worn by men and women. [8] Chapans are made from various fabrics and are available in a range of colors (most often monochrome or dark). They are lined with a layer of wool or cotton. Festive velvet chapans are decorated with appliqué, brushing, and gold embroidery. This type of robe was worn by wealthy Kazakhs.
A syrmaly is a chapan which is quilted and strengthened with denser fabric. [9] A qaptal is a lined chapan, and a shabu is a chapan trimmed with fur. [10]
Headgear indicate a woman's relationship status. Unmarried girls wear a skullcap scarf and a warm, fur-edged cap. Wealthier girls' hats are made of bright velvet fabric and embroidered with golden thread.
The bridal headgear of a bride is known as the saukele. These headdresses, often over a foot tall, are embedded with valuable ornaments such as pearls, coral, and pressed silver. [11] Long suspension brackets, jaqtau, are fastened to the sides of the saukele and frame the bride's face. They sometimes reach the bride's waist. [12] Less prosperous women make the saukele from cloth or satin and decorate it with glass beads; the zhaktau are added later.
After the birth of her first child, a woman wears a hat made of white fabric (often for the rest of her life). The details of the hat vary by region to region. It has two parts; the bottom (kimeshka) is placed on the head and the top is twisted to form a turban. [13]
It has special cutouts for the face, and the part that covers the shoulder also covers the woman’s chest. There are several types of kimesheks, differing in shape, decoration, and the length of the shoulder covering. The design of the kimeshek also changes as a woman ages. The kimeshek was considered the primary headpiece for Kazakh women until the 1930s. The white color is chosen because it symbolizes the purity and sanctity of the female headpiece. The kimeshek, as an important part of Kazakh culture, defines a woman’s role in society and her marital status. [14]
The zhaulyk is a traditional headpiece worn by older women, wrapped around the head. The term "ak zhaulyk" is used to honor revered mothers and grandmothers, while the phrase "zhaulyk salu" refers to this tradition. The zhaulyk is often worn over the kimeshek. [15]
Men wear two types of skin shirts (without an undershirt), inner and outer trousers and loose-fitting robes made from various materials and belted with leather or cloth. During the 18th century, the top trousers (shalbar) were sewn from homespun camel hair fabric and skin. They had embroidered silk patterns in vegetable shapes, the ends often sheathed by an ornate band and lace and edged with fur.
Jackets were sewn from monochrome dark (occasionally multicolored) fabrics. They had a cloth lining, often insulated with a thin layer of wool. Popular among young Kazakh men, the jargaq shapa is decorated with traditional patterns and worn on important occasions.
The coat (ton) is often made of sheepskin, but may be made from the skin of raccoons (janat ishik) or silver foxes (qara tulki). Nobles often wear kok ton, fur coats made from blue cloth covered (and trimmed) with beaver skin. [16] Tons are often made by sewing together tanned sheepskins with wool on the inside; more prosperous Kazakhs wear tons made from the wool of four- to five-month-old lambs.
An aiyr qalpaq is a pointed, upturned cap, usually worn by the upper class. [17] The fabric cap is decorated with unique, ornamental patterns to indicate wealth, power and social status. A borik is a warm, round cap trimmed with otter, marten or raccoon fur, and a tymaq is a fur hat which covers the ears. [17]
A kulapara is a hood worn by hunters, shepherds, and herdsmen which attaches to the coat collar. [17] For camouflage, hunters wear differently colored kulapara in different seasons: white in winter, green in summer, and yellow in autumn. A taqiya is a light, round hat decorated with patterns which include zoomorphic embroidery, flowers, and animal horns.
A taqiya is a small headwear made from fabrics such as satin, broadcloth, or velvet, sewn using various methods like pleating or embroidery. There are also types with thick, soft linings, sometimes filled with thin wool or cotton. The taqiya for men comes in both embroidered and plain versions. It is sewn with either a four-panel top or a round shape. Men traditionally wear the taqiya as an essential headpiece under a larger hat. [18]
A börik is a traditional headwear with a crown surrounded by fur, worn by both men and women, with similar shapes for both genders. In winter, men wear fur headpieces such as sable börik, sable hat, fox hat, and ear-flap börik, while in summer, they wear leather börik, puschpak börik, and light hats. Böriks and hats are made from the skins of lambs, sheep, kids, or other animals, and are lined with wool for warmth. Winter hats are often decorated with valuable fabrics such as velvet, plush, or satin for added elegance. [19]
In 2021, 14-year-old Kazakh Snezhanna Lee, an Aktobe native, won the gold cup and $1 million South Korean won ($851 USD) at the 7th annual International Super Queen Fashion contest in Seoul, South Korea. According to The Astana Times, the judges were fond of her traditional Kazakh outfits, among other skills, which led to her winning the prize. [20]
Clothing is any item worn on the body. Typically, clothing is made of fabrics or textiles, but over time it has included garments made from animal skin and other thin sheets of materials and natural products found in the environment, put together. The wearing of clothing is mostly restricted to human beings and is a feature of all human societies. The amount and type of clothing worn depends on gender, body type, social factors, and geographic considerations. Garments cover the body, footwear covers the feet, gloves cover the hands, while hats and headgear cover the head, and underwear covers the private parts.
A raincoat is a waterproof or water-resistant garment worn on the upper body to shield the wearer from rain. The term rain jacket is sometimes used to refer to raincoats with long sleeves that are waist-length. A rain jacket may be combined with a pair of rain pants to make a rainsuit. Rain clothing may also be in one piece, like a boilersuit. Raincoats, like rain ponchos, offer the wearer hands-free protection from the rain and elements; unlike the umbrella.
Folk costume, traditional dress, traditional attire or folk attire, is clothing associated with a particular ethnic group, nation or region, and is an expression of cultural, religious or national identity. If the clothing is that of an ethnic group, it may also be called ethnic clothing or ethnic dress. Traditional clothing often has two forms: everyday wear, and formal wear. The word "costume" in this context is sometimes considered pejorative, as the word has more than one meaning, and thus "clothing", "dress", "attire" or "regalia" can be substituted without offense.
Modern Kazakh culture is mainly characterized as a synthesis of Tengrian nomadic and Islamic and European elements. Nomadic elements derived from predecessors, such as the Huns, First Turkic Khaganate, Golden Horde and Kazakh Khanate. Nomadism largely shaped its peculiar music, clothing, jewelry and oral literature. Kazakh culture also seems to be strongly influenced by the nomadic Scythians.
The Karakul hat, also known by other names, is a hat made from the fur of the Karakul breed of sheep. It originally comes from Bukhara, Uzbekistan. The fur from which it is made is referred to as Astrakhan, broadtail, qaraqulcha, or Persian lamb. The hat is peaked, and folds flat when taken off the wearer's head.
Chapan or chopon is a coat worn over clothes, usually during the cold winter months. Usually worn by men, these coats are adorned with intricate threading and come in a variety of colors and patterns. It is worn in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. A chapan cape was often worn by former Afghan president Hamid Karzai.
Sportswear or activewear is athletic clothing, including footwear, worn for sports activity or physical exercise. Sport-specific clothing is worn for most sports and physical exercise, for practical, comfort or safety reasons.
The Armenian Taraz, also known as Armenian traditional clothing, reflects a rich cultural tradition. Wool and fur were used by the Armenians along with the cotton that was grown in the fertile valleys. During the Urartian period, silk imported from China was used by royalty. Later, the Armenians cultivated silkworms and produced their own silk.
The preservation of fabric fibers and leathers allows for insights into the attire of ancient societies. The clothing used in the ancient world reflects the technologies that these peoples mastered. In many cultures, clothing indicated the social status of various members of society.
This is a list of existing articles related to fashion and clothing. For individual designers, see List of fashion designers
Romanian traditional clothing refers to the national costume worn by Romanians, who live primarily in Romania and Moldova, with smaller communities in Ukraine and Serbia. Today, the vast majority of Romanians wear modern-style dress on most occasions, and the garments described here largely fell out of use during the 20th century. However, they can still be seen in more remote areas, on special occasions, and at ethnographic and folk events. Each historical region has its own specific variety of costumes.
The Medieval period in England is usually classified as the time between the fall of the Roman Empire to the beginning of the Renaissance, roughly the years AD 410–1485. For various peoples living in England, the Anglo-Saxons, Anglo-Danes, Normans and Britons, clothing in the medieval era differed widely for men and women as well as for different classes in the social hierarchy. The general styles of Early medieval European dress were shared in England. In the later part of the period, men's clothing changed much more rapidly than women's styles. Clothes were very expensive, and both men and women were divided into social classes by regulating the colors and styles that various ranks were permitted to wear. In the early Middle Ages, clothing was typically simple and, particularly in the case of lower-class peoples, served only basic utilitarian functions such as modesty and protection from the elements. As time went on the advent of more advanced textile techniques and increased international relations, clothing gradually got more and more intricate and elegant, even with those under the wealthy classes, up into the renaissance.
Croatian national costume, also called as Croatian traditional clothing or Croatian dress, refers to the traditional clothing worn by Croats living in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, with smaller communities in Hungary, Austria, Montenegro, and Romania. Since today Croats wear Western-style clothing on a daily basis, the national costumes are most often worn with connection to special events and celebrations, mostly at ethnic festivals, religious holidays, weddings, and by dancing groups who dance the traditional Croatian kolo, or circle dance.
Headgear, headwear, or headdress is any element of clothing which is worn on one's head, including hats, helmets, turbans and many other types. Headgear is worn for many purposes, including protection against the elements, decoration, or for religious or cultural reasons, including social conventions.
Traditional clothing is one of the factors that has differentiated Kosovo from neighboring countries, dating back as far as the Illyrian era.
An arakhchi is a traditional Armenian and Azerbaijani flat top skull cap headdress, worn by both men and women in the past.
Mughal clothing refers to clothing worn by the Mughals in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries throughout the extent of their empire. Much of them were already being used in the past centuries before their arrival in Indian subcontinent. It was characterized by luxurious styles and was made with muslin, silk, velvet and brocade. Elaborate patterns including dots, checks, and waves were used with colors from various dyes including cochineal, sulfate of iron, sulfate of copper, and sulfate of antimony were used.
Kimeshek or Elechek is a traditional headgear of married women with children in Kazakhstan, Karakalpakstan (Uzbekistan) and Kyrgyzstan. Kimeshek is also worn by Central Asian Jewish women. Uzbek and Tajik women wear a similar headdress called lachak. Kimeshek is made of white cloth, and the edge is full of patterns. Kimeshek might have different designs and colors based on the wearer's social status, age, and family.
Hazara clothing or Hazaragi clothing, or clothing traditionally worn by the Hazara ethnic group, has an important and special role in supporting the Hazara cultural and social identity. Hazara clothes are produced manually and by machine; in Afghanistan Hazara clothing is sewn in most parts of the country, especially in the central provinces of the country. Men often wear clothes woven from wool, while women often wear velvet or silk woven with intricate designs. Traditionally, men and women alike cover their heads. The fabrics and colors worn depend on an individual's age, gender, and class.
The malahai[a] is a historical headgear originating in present-day Kazakhstan, which was adopted in some of other regions of Central Asia and worn throughout the Russian Empire from the mid-18th to mid-19th centuries. It is a fur hat with a noticeably high conical, cylindrical, or quadrangular crown[c] and flaps that are typically four: two long side-flaps covering the ears, a wide rear one covering the neck and shoulders, and a short front one functioning as a visor. It is lined with furs of diverse animals, which include badger, fox, and wolf.
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