Gypsy costumes (photo)

Costume is an integral ethnic element of the gypsies - one of the most mysterious peoples in the world. Gypsies can be recognized from afar precisely by their clothing: wide, colorful skirts, bright shirts, and gold jewelry attract attention with their beauty and scope.

Historical reference

Gypsy folk costume has a rather rich history, and this is mainly due to their nomadic way of life, which allowed the Gypsies to borrow elements from the cultures of different peoples of the world.

Gypsies are an ancient people originally from India, where, according to legend, they were one of the lowest castes. This explained the initial poverty of their clothing and the mania for everything expensive and shiny that developed over time.

Gypsy clothing went through four stages in historical development:

• Byzantine (XII – XVII centuries). Then the gypsies had just appeared in Europe and looked unusual: they wore a long undershirt and a kind of cloak in gray and brown tones;
• adapted (XVII - mid-XIX centuries).All of Europe was alarmed and began to pass anti-Gypsy laws. In this regard, the gypsies had to mix with the local population and wear elements of their clothing;
• Kotlyarsky (mid-19th – mid-20th centuries). The Kotlyars are a group of gypsies who formed on the territory of Romania. It is their clothing that is still understood as a traditional gypsy costume. You can read about its features below;
• modern (mid-20th century - present). There is an adaptation to the realities of modern times.

Characteristic features of a gypsy costume

Let's take a closer look at what gypsy costumes there are.

Men

Men's suits in the past and present have significant differences. Previously, the characteristic features of the outfit were high embroidered boots with a wide top and trousers tucked into them and a red wide shirt untucked. In fact the shirt could be of different colors, and even colorful, but always made of beautiful, slightly shiny fabric. A patterned vest or jacket was worn over it. Ornaments were glued on top or embroidered directly on the fabric.

It was customary to belt the pants with a wide leather belt, which was decorated with beads and large beads, a metal or gold plaque. This version of the costume was significantly influenced by Hungarian national clothing.

A modern men's gypsy costume is no longer pretentious, but may retain some elements, for example, boots or a shirt. However, it is more close to an everyday city suit.

Women

Unlike men's clothing, women's clothing has retained its originality to the present day. The basis of the gypsy costume is a skirt that is almost floor-length. The fact is that the lower half of a gypsy woman’s body has been considered “unclean” and “unclean” for a long time, and therefore must always be hidden. There were no special requirements for a blouse or blouse. Plunging necklines and bare shoulders are not taboo for gypsy women, as they are considered to reflect their femininity.

The head of a married gypsy woman is covered with a diklo, a triangular headscarf. Before putting it on, the ends are twisted and only then tied at the back of the head. Festive headdresses can be decorated with fringe, beads or beads. Massive gold jewelry is also an integral part of the look. An element of the costume can be a scarf-shawl made of silk or wool.

The color scheme of the outfits is varied: preference is given to bright shades and rich ornamentation. Unmarried girls are prohibited from wearing yellow clothes, and it is preferable not to wear plain black clothes at all..

child

The appearance of the gypsies is a smaller copy of the adult costumes. But only on festive occasions can girls and boys be dressed in a long skirt or a beautiful shirt. Nowadays, in everyday life, children are dressed in ordinary modern clothes.. Babies are often simply wrapped in soft fabrics and worn naked, while older children usually wear loose dresses and harem pants.

Modern gypsy skirt

Nowadays, bright and fluffy gypsy skirts are used by dance groups, actors, at masquerades and holidays to create an image. In addition, more modest options fit perfectly into ethnic, boho, hippie and casual styles if made of neutral fabric.

What are they made of?

A modern gypsy skirt should be made from light, flowy fabric that drapes well. The fabric should not weigh much, otherwise when dancing or walking you will not get beautiful flounces and frills; the skirt will not “play” if a traditional gypsy dance is performed in it. The following materials are best suited for these purposes:

• satin (gives a noble shine);
• viscose staple (gently and smoothly fits the figure, emphasizing the curves of the female body);
• rayon;
• cambric (thin cotton fabric, perfect for boho style, where wearing non-natural fabrics is not allowed);
• polyester based materials.

The color of the fabric can be varied. For a stage costume, it is better to use bright material with large patterns or colors. A geometric print is not suitable for an outfit.

If a gypsy-style skirt is made for everyday wear, then you can choose muted shades without unnecessary decorations.

Features of styles

1. The model of the gypsy skirt is long and wide, most often sewn according to the “sun” pattern, and double or 2.5;
2. The frill at the bottom is a mandatory element of a theater or dance costume. It can be cut along an oblique line (this creates chic flounces) or simply gathered;
3. You can play up a modern ethnic look with a multi-tiered skirt;
4. in a traditional suit the smell is not used, but if the product is intended for everyday wear, then you can supplement it with such a detail;
5. the length depends on the goals and can vary from ankle to floor;
6. The skirt should be placed on a medium-width waistband so that it does not slide down when moving. You can use an elastic band or a zipper. In order for the belt to be rigid, it must be glued with non-woven material on the reverse side;
7. The lining is sewn from a single-color lightweight material in the color of the main product.