What is Switzerland's traditional costume?

Switzerland's traditional costume consists of colorful smocked dresses with puffed sleeves and lace bonnets for women and smocked shirts with vests or jackets for men. The costume varies from canton to canton and is a matter of regional pride.

Switzerland has a rich history of textile arts, including silk making and embroidery. Traditional clothing shows off this cultural heritage. Jackets feature complex embroidery on the cuffs. Silk ribbons adorn straw hats, and many regions include silk aprons as part of their traditional costume. The Swiss National Costume Association oversees representations of Swiss traditional dress in the media and arts and holds a national costume gathering each year.