Klederdracht, the Dutch National Costume/Clothing

Wearing the traditional Dutch clothes in Volendam.

I don't do this very often, but today I was convinced and so excited to have myself and husband snapped wearing their traditional clothes. I think their Klederdracht fits well to me. And of course, husband looks good on it too.

In the present day, we often tend to discard unwanted clothes without a second thought. Not long ago, making clothes and going to specialised tailors was how the Dutch managed to maintain pristine outfits at all times. Whether rich or poor, all levels of society were mending their clothes and making them last. Cloth was almost always reused – a washed-out skirt could later be used as a lining for another garment after it had passed its best days. Dutch women usually wear an apron over their skirt, as what I am wearing. There are varieties like short and flowered or floor-length and plain, made from white or subdued colour fabric. During the winter months they often wear a shawl around their shoulders going down to attach at the waist. Men often wear a neckerchief with a woggle.