They are the most secular and liberal people from Europe who strongly believe in freedom. They are inhabited in the northwestern part of European continent and possess multiple cultural influences in their society. They have uplifted the values of their low lands in such a way that they’re now standing on the optimum of their history. Comprising of twelve small provinces, we’re talking about the people of the Netherlands who are known as “Dutch” in the lovely planet.
Traditional dress of the Netherlands or Holland. Image by Denis’ Life
The most densely populated country in Europe borders on Germany to the east and Belgium to the south. They speak the standard Dutch language in every walk of life. The most beautiful aspect of the Dutch society is; apart from the cultural diversities and demographical differences, they believe in behaving like one strong nation. They give space to each other and tolerance is the twinkling feature of their overall behavior. They are known for their passion in sport and whenever their country is involved in any international competition, they adorn their places with national flags, sing national anthems and dress up in orange everywhere. Carefully stating, the traditional dress of the Netherlands doesn’t keep so deep roots as its neighboring Germany but certainly owes distinction. Like Belgium, the basic materials used traditionally in making the outfits were wool, linen and cotton. Traditional costumes for women were adorned with embroidery, floral patterns and divergent printings.
Marken clothes. Image by Helma de Jong
Women costumes from the Marken islands of Holland are considered the most fabulous and stunning in terms of designing and characteristics. It features a red and yellow bolero worn with red on the front and blue or burgundy on the back. The black skirt, trimmed with orange, along with floral accents on the front and top of hat are integral parts of this dress. The size of skirt is not too big.
Traditional clothes of Holland. Image by Hobobiker
For men, traditional Dutch dress included blue and white or gray and white striped shirt with red patches, red button holes, and red stitching. They also wore a doubled breasted vest, normally red in color on top. On the edges of the dress, finishing was made with gold buttons along with a reddish cloth.
Volendam costumes. The Netherlands. Image by screenpunk
Volendam is deemed as the most cultured part of the Netherlands. It has a strong civilization in background. Marine influences are prominent on the clothing culture of the people of this small territory. The skirts of the women of Volendam are traditionally extending from the waistline to the ankle. Padded hip-rolls are also important credential for women’s clothing. Women wore petticoat along with the white colored sleeveless under bodices. Women also fastened around their necks decorated bibs. These were known as kroplaps that were extended to just above the bust line. Aprons bedecked with floral motifs were also used.
The unique part for the traditional men’s clothing of Volendam was wide-legged blue short trousers.
The unique part for the traditional men’s clothing of Volendam was wide-legged blue short trousers that were fastened with silver metal buttons in a fall-front fashion. Those were normally worn with white shirt and vest in either stripes or red. The main occupation of the men of Volendam and Marken was fishing or shipping so the baggy breeches provided right comfort during their working moves.
Traditional Dutch costumes – Staphorst – Image by Hotfield
The people from Straphorst are comparatively conservative in their approaches and beliefs. Midnight blue or black trousers and a long sleeved shirt were the traditional wears of the men. There were seven rows of plain or ornamental buttons on the shirt. Most of the women believed in hand made and sewn dresses for themselves. Their dresses were embellished with floral pieces and gorgeous hand-made prints. The dark skirt and blouse was accented by a pretty red plaid scarf and a floral hat and dickey.
Zeeland – The Netherlands. Traditional dress. Image by Jackie Kever
The women from Zeeland additionally wore brightly colored under bodice with a fitted low-cut jacket. Vertically striped shirts were covered with solid and dark-colored aprons.
Friesland costumes – Image by hielkes
Long overdress and starched bonnet with wings at the back made of checked fabric were the dominant factors in the traditional outfits for the Dutch women from Friesland, Holland. There were four hats worn with their costume, the top one a lovely lace hat tightly shirred in the neckline. Beneath the lace, hat was a gold hat which originally was a thin gold metal helmet. Their dresses came in different varieties and designs. Their dresses were usually made with costly, imported and printed fabrics. Same was the case with the dresses for men of Friesland.
Dutch cap or Dutch bonnet – Image by jurvetson
One thing which is common in all types of the traditional dresses for women in the Netherlands is a typical Dutch cap or Dutch bonnet which is usually made of white cotton or lace. This is sometimes characterized by triangular flaps or wings that turn up on either side. It can resemble some styles of nurse’s hat.
Edelkraal – Coral Necklace from the Netherlands
Women of Holland loved to wear an antique 19th century fashioned jewel necklace made with blood corals. These necklaces were prepared with magnificent skills and complicated art with naturally dyed coral and with a coral cabochon center surrounded by a gold center medallion clasp. The central cabachon was surrounded by around 36 tiny prongs.
Holland Cloth Shop. Image by coconinoco
The Holland cloth is also simply known as Holland, which is actually a plain woven or dull-finish linen or a cotton cloth made more or less opaque by a glazed or unglazed finish used as furniture covering. Holland is used for window shades, insulation, labels and tags, sign cloth, etc.
The traditional Dutch clogs made with wood are iconic in the culture of the Netherlands. Image by janeannv
The traditional Dutch clogs made with wood are iconic in the culture of the Netherlands. Once worn by the majority were popular for their qualities to keep the feet dry, safe and comfortable. These wooden clogs were usually worn with thick and heavy stockings. These splendid wooden shoes here have been crafted by artisans who have learnt this art from their forefathers.
Along with glorious paints, the shoes are also usually adorned with contemporary native prints of Holland. Image by arendje2008
Today, many factories are involved in the preparation of the typical Dutch clogs in striking colors and brilliant designs. Along with glorious paints, the shoes are also usually adorned with contemporary native prints of Holland. These clogs are specially associated with the Dutch farmers as it is most suited to them while working in the swampy lands of Holland.
Dutch girls – Folk costumes, the Netherlands. Image by Denis’ Life
Traditional dress of the Netherlands or Holland is bewitched with Dutch colors and is showcased today in the dance festivals held not only in the country but also on international level. The dancers represent their respective territory or province through their regional costumes.
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