Klederdracht

Klederdracht is the traditional, regionally distinct dress historically worn by people in the Netherlands and, in some areas, parts of Belgium. The term derives from kleed (clothing) and dracht (dress or outfit) and refers both to everyday garments in the past and to ceremonial or festive attire that survives in some communities today. It expresses local identity, social status, and sometimes marital or age markers.

Ensembles typically include a blouse or chemisette, a bodice or waistcoat, a skirt, and an apron, with additional layers such as a shawl, cape, or over-jacket. Head coverings—caps, bonnets, or lace coifs—are common, as are distinctive footwear such as wooden clogs. Fabrics range from wool and home-spun textiles to linen and cotton, often decorated with embroidery, woven patterns, or lace. The specific style, colors, and ornamentation vary by region.

Certain regional forms are widely recognized; in the Netherlands, costumes associated with Volendam and Marken are among the best known, while other areas have their own distinctive dress. In Belgium, Dutch-speaking regions in Flanders have similar folk costumes.

Historically, klederdracht functioned as practical everyday clothing and as a marker of community belonging. From the 19th century onward, ethnographers and folklorists documented the dress, and regional revival movements during the late 19th and early 20th centuries helped preserve designs. Today, traditional dress is mainly worn for festivals, parades, performances, and tourism, with many garments kept in museums or private collections.