Portugal - Traditional Costumes

Throughout most of Portugal’s history its people were poor farmers and fisher folk. Because
the rural areas were very isolated, traditional clothing was worn until well into late
20th century. The materials were very colourful due to patterns woven into the cloth and
embroidery. The design of the clothes tends to be conform across the country, though there
are regional differences. Red and black are the two most popular colours.

Traditional women’s costumes typically consist of long bouffant skirts ( saia) with vibrant
checked or striped patterns (most often in red and white) with a blouse and sometimes a
waistcoat/bodice. Highly embroidered aprons are worn over the skirt. The outfit is
completed with a headscarf to cover the hair. Traditionally, women wear several ornate gold
necklaces and finish their outfit with a matching headscarf worn in a variety of ways: ends
hanging down, tied under the chin or behind the neck.

Traditionally, Portuguese men wear long trousers, waistcoats and sombreros.