NATIONAL WOMEN GERMAN COSTUME
NATIONAL WOMEN GERMAN COSTUME
The history of the German national costume has very ancient roots. The first settlers on German territory did not have national clothes as such - they wore what nature could give them, mainly animal skins and caftans, created by their furs. Clothing in those days had a functional component rather than aesthetics for the sake of. In this way, people could keep warm and protect their bodies.
Then the ancestors of modern Germans borrowed their costumes from the Romans, because they encountered because in the conquered Roman areas, the Germans also encountered the indigenous population, who already had their own national dress.
In the middle of the 16th century, during the Reformation, an important milestone in the development of the national dress of the Germans took place. Linen and woolen fabrics began to be used. Each region had its own characteristic features of the costume. Commoners could not afford the luxurious outfits worn by the bohemians. The law only allowed them to wear gray and brown shades of clothing. Commoners sewed outfits from coarse and cheap fabrics.
By the national side of a person, one could learn a lot about his position in society, status and type of activity, profession and place of residence.
The features of the German national costume were greatly influenced by the geographic features of the area. The territory on which the borders of Germany are located are in a fairly warm climate. Germany's mixed landscape. In the plains, linen predominated in suits. The inhabitants of the mountainous area most often had thick cloth. In the foothills, where the climate was dry enough, shoes made of straw or oats were preferred. On the coasts, due to wet terrain and frequent rains, people were forced to wear leather shoes or wooden shoes.
In addition to climatic factors, fashion and historical events influenced the national German costume. The appearance of the costume was also influenced by the national character of the Germans.
Mostly the costumes were light or gray. Outfits of brown shades are quite common. For holidays and Sundays, they used blue or blue clothes. On holidays, the peasants did not work and wore special outfits of blue tones. The clothes of wealthy citizens were distinguished by their elegance and solemnity from the costumes of commoners. Rarely, but there were red and green colors.
The patterns of the costumes were dominated by natural, especially floral, motives and national symbols. In addition, distinctive symbols of the area, heraldry, orders and emblems could be sewn on.
The most common materials for sewing a German costume were linen, woolen fabric and leather. As an addition, lace fabric could be used. Some of the costumes were made from Loden. It is a warm, impervious wool fabric. Wealthy people could afford expensive fabrics like silk.
The cut of the German suit is loose and voluminous. The armhole of the sleeve is large, the sleeve itself is wide. The outfits did not require too much care. The suits kept their shape well. Distinctive features of the cut can be distinguished by the reliability and practicality inherent in the German people. The outfits had tightly buttoned buttons and very tight shapes.
Today, two of the most striking national types of German dress are known. These are takhten and dirndl. Takhten is versatile for any gender.
The female German national costume was called Dirndl. It was originally considered a servant's costume. Then the name became universal for all women's clothing. The suit consisted of a white blouse. For celebrations and Sundays, there was a wide sleeve option. Includes a suit and a sundress, consisting of a corset with fasteners or lacing and a skirt with many folds. The outfit was complemented by an apron made of bright fabric.
The apron was sewn below the skirt and had many folds. The aprons were striped, plain or embroidered. I would also like to note that it was of great importance where the bow of the apron was tied. Widows tied it in the middle, unmarried ones on the left, and married ones on the right. The national women's costume also consists of vests, bodices, jackets and coats. A more summer option were dresses with sleeves. And on their feet they put on leggings with boots with a fairly thick sole.
