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Faroese folk dance club with some members in national costumes

National costume, (also: national dress, regional costume, folk dress or traditional garment), expresses an identity through costume which usually relates to a geographic area or a period of time in history, but can also indicate social, marital and/or religious status. Such costumes often come in two forms: one for everyday occasions, the other for festivals and formal wear.

In United States usage the term "costume" is used in the sense of "fanciful dress", and so "national dress" is used to avoid this connotation.

Following the outbreak of romantic nationalism, the peasantry of Europe came to serve as models for all that appeared genuine and desirable. Their dress crystallised into so-called "typical" forms, and enthusiasts adopted it as part of their symbolism.

In areas where contemporary Western fashions have become usual, traditional garments are often worn in connection with special events and celebrations, particularly those connected with cultural traditions, heritage, or pride.

In modern times there are instances where traditional garments are required by law, as in Bhutan, where the traditional Tibetan-style clothing of gho and kera for men, kira and toego for women, must be worn by all citizens -- even those not of Tibetan heritage; or in Saudi Arabia, where women are required to wear the abaya in public.

[edit] Examples of national costumes

[edit] Africa

Kora player Toumani Diabate wearing a Senegalese kaftan

[edit] West Africa

Benin - lace Dashiki suit and Aso Oke Hat (male), lace Buba and wrapper set (female)
Ghana - Kente cloth, Ghanaian smock, and Fila (male), Kente buba and skirt set and Kaftan (female)
Liberia - Dashiki suit and Kufi (male), Buba and skirt set, Buba and wrapper set, and Kaftan (female)
Mali - Grand boubou and Kufi (male), Kaftan (female)
Nigeria - Agbada and Isiagu (male), Buba and wrapper set (female), Fila, Aso Oke Hat
Senegal - Senegalese kaftan and Kufi (male), Kaftan (female)

[edit] North Africa

Egypt - Galabeya
Morocco - Djellaba (male), Fez hat, Takchita (female)
Sudan - Jalabiyyah, Taqiyyah, and Turban (male), Toob, a cotton women's dress (female)

[edit] Horn of Africa

Ethiopia - Ethiopian suit (male), Ethiopian coffee dress (female)
Somalia - Macawiis (male), Koofiyad (male), Jilbab (female), Dirac (female)

[edit] East Africa

Kenya - Dashiki, Kanzu, and Kofia (male), Kanga and Kitenge (female)
Tanzania - Kanzu, Dashiki, and Kofia (male), Kanga and Gowni (female)
Uganda - Kanzu, Dashiki, and Kofia (male), Gomesi (female)

[edit] Southern Africa

South Africa - Madiba shirt, Dashiki, Zulu crown (isicholo)
Zimbabwe - Safari shirt and Dashiki (male), Buba and skirt set (female)

[edit] Americas

Peru

Brazil - Baiana suit, Pilcha
Canada - Tuque, Anorak, Ceinture fléchée
Chile - Huaso costume
Cuba - Guayabera (male), Guayabera dress (female)
Dominican Republic - Chacabana
Guayana - Shirt jacket (male), Booboo (female)
Haiti - Karabela dress (female), Shirt jacket (male)
Jamaica - Quadrille dress (female), Bush jacket (male)
Mexico - sombrero, Mariachi suit, Charro suit, Huipil, Rebozo, Sarape
Panama - Pollera
Peru - Chullo, Poncho
Puerto Rico - Guayabera, Pantalons, and Panama hat (male), Trajes (dress) (Female)
St. Lucia - Kwadril dress (female)
Trinidad - Shirt-jac (male), Booboo (female) and Carnival costumes
United States - Various forms of Native American clothing. Traditional dress in Texas and the Southwest includes Cowboy Hats and boots, and bolo ties.

traditional dress for the American South is typically only worn in summer and includes "summmer suits" made of poplin, seersucker or linen, usually tan or white.