Explore Croatia’s Rich Traditional Folk Costumes

These men’s and women’s traditional Croatian costumes show blue-and-white lacework, fringed shawls, flowered headdresses, woven sashes, and vests. This style of straight-legged pants can be seen in Croatian men’s costumes of various regions. The black vests are also typical.

Croatian National Costumes

Croatian national costumes vary widely in design, colors, and accessories worn. Regional preferences must also be taken into account, as well as the social status of the wearer. For instance, a young unmarried woman might wear traditional clothing from her region with specific elements (brighter colors, distinctive headdresses or hairstyles) to differentiate herself from married women.

Female Folk Dancers

These women wear matching dark jackets over skirts made of patterned lace. Their long white headdresses hide their hair. Their necklaces, crafted from coins, are a common element found in other female traditional costumes from Croatia.

Folk Costume in Porec

This costume was displayed in Porec. The white dress and shirt feature red embroidered scrollwork, leaves, and flowers. The accompanying black-and-white photo illustrates three women donning similar outfits.

Folk Costume from Moslavina, Croatia

People from Moslavina, a region in Croatia including Zagreb, traditionally wore white clothing heavily embroidered with geometric designs. Panels of embroidery embellish the sleeves and skirts of these Croatian dancers. The women typically wear coral necklaces, although other types of neckwear are also common in this region. All-white attire (devoid of colorful embroidery) was reserved for senior women or those in mourning.

Folk Costumes From Cilipi

Cilipi, located near Dubrovnik, features traditional dancer costumes unique to the village.

The female dancer wears a long white skirt and blouse, a black vest, an embroidered sash, and yellow tassels around her neck. Meanwhile, the male dancer sports black, knee-length pants with a corresponding vest and a white shirt. Both perform in red hats, commonly seen in many Croatian traditional costumes.

Slavonian Costumes

These ladies hail from Osijek, situated in the eastern Slavonian region of Croatia. Red-and-black cropped vests stand out against the crisp white lace of their blouses and aprons, with some adorned in a touch of floral embroidery decorating the sleeves and aprons. Their neatly folded headdresses cover the backs of their necks.