Lithuanian Folk Costumes

Men's and women's Lithuanian folk costumes use a variety of colors, designs, textures, and patterns. Aprons embroidered with geometric designs cover long plaid skirts. Hats trimmed with ribbon and vests are also typical elements to Lithuanian traditional costumes. The men's clothing, while understated, is decorated with woven sashes and boots.

These Lithuanian girls are dressed in plaid skirts and matching vests. Their blouses and aprons are trimmed with lace and embroidery.

Vests are typical accessories for both male and female Lithuanian traditional costumes. Women's vests are often fitted with a ruffle at the waist. The shirts are worn over long-sleeved blouses with collared necks. The pillbox hat, which is often richly decorated and may be finished with long ribbons that trail down the back, is common to Lithuanian traditional dress.

Men may wear coats over their shirts and vests.

Woven sashes are a part of Lithuanian native dress and can be purchased as souvenirs by visitors to Lithuania. The sashes these girls wear cinch the waists of their vests and match the pattern embroidered on their aprons. Women dressed in traditional wear often style their hair in double braids.

Instead of embroidered aprons, these women wear clean white lace aprons over their plaid skirts. Like many traditional costumes from Lithuania, these outfits are designed in subdued tones.

Green and red plaid woolen fabric is typical to the region of Aukštaitija. A geometric red-and-white embroidered or woven decoration is also typical to this region. Dark coats and hats, and leather boots typify the male costumes from Aukštaitija.

Hats with elaborate decoration are often a part of traditional Lithuanian clothing for women. A pillbox-shaped hat may be adorned with ribbons that trail down the back. Sometimes these ribbons are plain; other times, they are a major decorative element to the outfit.