Irish traditional clothing
During the early days, Irish traditional clothing was influenced by the Norse and Gaelic costumes. Irish traditional costume consisted of a short tunic with a bordered cloak for women and check trews with a fringed mantle or cloak for men. Though Irish people do not wear their traditional attire, yet it has retained its significance through folk dance and folk music. In the 16th century AD, the traditional style of Irish dressing was prohibited under stringent laws passed to suppress the distinctive Irish dress as the Irish were unwilling to become part of England. Any saffron-colored clothing or wearing of trews or fringed cloak were forbidden.
Nowadays, Irish dancers are the best example to observe the traditional dressing style of Ireland. During 1800′s, female Irish dancers wore crimson homespun skirts reaching till the ankles with a simple black top or mediocre peasant attires oftentimes adorned with ribbons formed into crosses or flowers. From late 18th century, men and women started wearing hooded cloak over a white attire with a waistband. Saffron yellow has been always an indispensable feature of Irish costume.
From the late 1800′s onwards, lace collars and gold thread embroidery started becoming an important part of woman’s clothing. They are still in vogue in present day’s Irish costumes. Irish men costume is little less embellished than women. Men wear a plain pant or kilt and a folded cloak, brat and jacket hanging from the shoulder. During summer days, Irish men shed their cloaks and mantles and instead sported the leine, a tunic extending till the knees. During the cold days, Aran sweaters are one of the most long-standing attire of Ireland.
Irish traditional clothing extends far beyond the simple kilt to include a number of fringed cloaks, chunky sweaters, arans and lots more.
