The Diversity of Georgian National Clothing: Your Guide to the Rich Cultural Heritage and Traditions of the Regions

National costume is not only an element of the wardrobe, but also a symbol of the identity and way of life of the people. Each outfit, from headdress to shoes, keeps the memory of its time, reflecting the life, traditions and social status of the owner.

In Georgia, traditional clothing ensembles were an integral part of everyday life until the early 20th century, when they were replaced by European fashion. For many years, national costumes could only be seen at performances by creative groups performing folk songs and dances. Today, traditional Georgian culture is experiencing a revival: craftsmen create reconstructions of ancient outfits, inspired by historical sources. These outfits have not only retained a connection with history, but have also become part of modern culture, combining the traditions of the past with the inspiration of the present.

Antiquity

The origins of the Georgian national costume go back centuries, when clothing served mainly a utilitarian function. Outfits were created from natural materials - wool, linen and cotton. Mostly simple and practical, clothing still had differences depending on the social status of the owner. The nobility used expensive fabrics such as silk and velvet, decorating them with embroidery with gold and silver threads.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, the costume became an important status symbol. Men wore a chokha, which emphasized their masculinity and warrior spirit. Women chose elegant dresses with long sleeves, decorated with pearls and precious stones. This period is characterized by the influence of Persia and Byzantium: luxurious fabrics and complex sewing techniques were borrowed and adapted by Georgian craftsmen.

New Time

By the 19th century, Georgian clothing began to be influenced by European fashion. However, many traditional elements remained. Men's clothing emphasized strength and dignity, emphasizing broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Women's dresses remained a symbol of sophistication, distinguished by exquisite cut and trim.

Modernity

In the 20th century, national clothing gave way to European style and practically disappeared from everyday life. However, in recent decades, Georgian costume has experienced a rebirth. Craftsmen recreate traditional outfits, and designers adapt their elements for modern collections. Today, national clothing is an integral part of cultural events, demonstrating the richness of heritage and the uniqueness of Georgian identity.

Georgian national clothing has always reflected the social status of its owner, demonstrating the difference between the upper classes, the middle class, commoners and even professional groups. The variety of materials, cuts and decorative elements emphasized belonging to a certain class.

Upper classes

The clothes of the nobility were intended not only to protect, but also to impress. They were made of luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet and satin, which were often imported from Byzantium and Persia. They were complemented by gold and silver threads, inlaid with pearls and precious stones.

• Upper-class men wore akhalokhas and chokhas, which emphasized their physical strength and masculinity. Broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and long hemlines created an impressive effect. Chokhas were decorated with cartridge belts, symbolizing readiness to defend their family and country. Weapons such as daggers and sabers often became part of the image.
• Women wore elegant dresses with long sleeves, richly decorated with embroidery and metallic threads. Velvet or silk belts, embroidered with precious stones, completed the look. Headdresses made of satin or silk emphasized high status.

Middle class

Middle-class clothing was less luxurious, but still stylish and high-quality. More affordable fabrics such as cotton and broadcloth were used for sewing, but decorative elements such as embroidery added uniqueness.

• A simple chokha made of wool or cloth, decorated with minimal embroidery, was popular among middle-class men. They also wore leather belts and woolen cloaks to protect themselves from the cold.
• Women's attire included dresses made of cotton or wool, often with simple ornaments. For festive occasions, they used shawls and belts with decorative elements such as metal buckles.

Commoners

Commoners wore practical and durable clothing made from inexpensive materials such as linen and wool. The outfits were designed with an emphasis on comfort and functionality.

• Men's simple shirts, linen trousers and woolen capes were everyday clothing. Shoes were most often handmade from leather.
• Women wore long dresses made of coarse fabric, often decorated with elements of simple weaving. Woolen scarves or shawls were used to protect against the cold.

Professional groups

Some professions required special clothing adapted to their activities:

• Shepherds: They wore felt capes and felt cloaks to protect themselves from the rain and wind. Their shoes were made of rawhide, which made them light and practical.
• Hunters: They used leather vests and belts to carry weapons and other tools. Often, such costumes were decorated with symbolic elements that reflected their profession.
• Craftsmen: They wore leather aprons to protect their clothes while working, as well as comfortable shirts and trousers made of rough fabric.

Each social group contributed elements to the costume that reflected its role in society. This versatility creates a rich palette of Georgian national clothing, which remains a source of inspiration for modern designers.

The basis of the women's national costume was a long dress, tightly fitting the chest and waist. The most common women's dress was called kartuli-kaba. It was sewn from smooth fabrics of light colors with velvet inserts on the sleeves and chest, necessarily tightly pulled in at the waist with a ribbon or a long, almost floor-length velvet belt. An obligatory detail was a belt - made of velvet or silk, embroidered with gold or silver threads. The ends of such a belt often fell almost to the floor, emphasizing the elegance of the female silhouette.

Expensive fabrics such as silk and velvet were used for sewing. Outerwear, such as katibi, was made of silk or velvet, and the lining was insulated with quilted cotton wool or fur.

Leather shoes served as footwear. Characteristic features: sharp upturned toes, no back, heel. Shoes were decorated with precious stones and threads. Commoners made do with shoes made of rough leather.

Particular attention was paid to the headdress of the women's costume. It was quite complex. A cotton roll covered with a silk ribbon - kopi was put on over a thin white veil of a triangular shape called lechaki. The head was covered with a kerchief in dark tones. To keep such a complex structure on the head, it was secured with a narrow velvet headband, which in turn was decorated with pearls and silk.

Women's costumes often had a multi-layered structure, which emphasized the wealth and status of their owner. The colors of the dresses varied from classic white and black to bright green, yellow, blue and red. Beads, pearls, gold braid and embroidery were used in ornaments and decoration. Each element of the costume carried a symbolic meaning, reflecting both the aesthetic and cultural traditions of the region.

Georgian national clothing was distinguished by its diversity and multifunctionality, meeting the requirements of everyday life, special events, wedding ceremonies and even children's parties. Each type of costume had its own materials, cut and decorations.

Wedding costumes

Wedding attire was one of the most exquisite. Women's wedding costume included a long dress in light shades, embroidered with gold or silver threads. The bride wore a veil, symbolizing purity, and a velvet or silk belt completed the look. Men's wedding attire consisted of an akhalokha and a chokha, complemented by festive weapons and accessories. Such an outfit was an integral attribute of a traditional Georgian wedding, in which every detail of the costume played an important role.

📌 Wedding costumes were often passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom.

Everyday suits

Everyday clothes were simple and practical. They were made from materials that were available in every region: linen, wool or canvas. The clothes provided freedom of movement and comfort in everyday life. Men wore a simple chokha, and women wore light dresses with minimal decoration.

Formal suits

Formal clothes were intended for holidays, religious ceremonies and social events. Such suits were made from expensive fabrics, including silk and velvet, and decorated with intricate embroidery, beads and metal elements. Bright colors, such as red and gold, emphasized the festive nature of the outfit.

📌 The ceremonial chokha of the nobility was decorated with gold threads, and women's dresses were complemented with jewelry. The atmosphere of such holidays was often complemented by Georgian choirs with their unique polyphonic chants.

Children's national costumes

National clothing was also created for children, starting from the age of seven. Children's outfits were smaller copies of adult costumes, but with simplified decor and brighter colors, emphasizing their youth. For girls, dresses were sewn that resembled women's outfits, but with less splendor and length. These costumes were often used at family celebrations and festivals, introducing children to Georgian traditions and culture.

Georgia is a country with rich cultural diversity, which is clearly reflected in the regional features of national costumes. Each region contributed its own unique features to traditional clothing, reflecting the climate, way of life and historical influences.

• Kartli and Kakheti

In the eastern regions of Georgia, Kartli and Kakheti, clothing was distinguished by restraint and functionality. Men wore woolen chokhas with minimal decoration, and women's dresses were elegant and simple, mostly in light and calm shades. In Kakheti, men often used comfortable felt caps for working in the fields.

• Svaneti

In mountainous Svaneti, where the climate is harsh, costumes adapted to cold conditions. Men wore insulated chokhas and woolen capes, while women preferred dresses with long sleeves and bright embroidery. Thick fabrics were used for additional protection. A distinctive feature of the region was cone-shaped headdresses with small brims.

• Adjara

In sunny Adjara, in southwestern Georgia, clothing was bright and richly decorated. Women wore velvet dresses with gold embroidery, while men's suits included chokhas with decorative elements. Red and gold colors emphasized the festive nature of the outfits, symbolizing wealth and joy.

• Imereti

In central Georgia, in Imereti, costumes stood out for their sophistication. Women wore dresses with lace inserts and delicate embroidery, emphasizing their grace, while men preferred chokhas made of soft fabrics with delicate patterns. Blue and white shades, common in this region, were associated with purity and nobility.

Georgian national clothing continues to inspire modern designers, becoming an integral part of world fashion. Traditional elements such as chokha, kartuli-kaba and perangi are adapted to modern trends, creating a unique style that combines historical heritage and relevance.

Designers Popularizing National Style

• David Koma: One of the most famous Georgian designers, who successfully combines elements of national costume with avant-garde solutions, making them popular in international fashion.
• Anouki Areshidze: Creates sophisticated outfits using traditional Georgian patterns and fabrics, which makes her collections recognizable.
• Demna Gvasalia: Creative director of Balenciaga, who brings Georgian motifs to the world haute couture industry. In his works, you can see the influence of traditional Georgian costume.
• Materials and approach: Many designers choose natural fabrics such as wool and silk, as well as hand embroidery, which emphasizes the uniqueness of their products.

National clothing on the catwalk and in everyday life

Modern collections of Georgian designers often include chokha in an interpretation that is suitable for urban style. Belts with national embroidery, perangi-style coats and dresses with ethnic patterns are becoming popular not only in Georgia but also abroad.

Interesting facts

At fashion shows in Paris and Milan, traditional Georgian costumes became a source of inspiration for many world designers.

Tbilisi Fashion Week is held annually in Tbilisi, where national clothing occupies a special place, and young designers present their interpretations of traditional outfits.

Georgia is famous for its colorful festivals and holidays, where national clothes play a key role, emphasizing the richness and originality of the culture. Here are the most famous and beloved festivals, where traditions and costumes come to life, and each of them is unique and interesting in its own way:

• Tbilisoba

Tbilisoba is held on the first weekend of October in the capital of Georgia. This holiday celebrates the culture and history of Tbilisi, enlivening the streets with folk festivals, concerts and fairs. Participants and guests wear national costumes, demonstrating the traditions of different regions.

• Batumoba

Batumi City Day, celebrated in late September or early October, becomes a real cultural event. The program of the holiday includes concerts, exhibitions and theatrical performances, where national clothing emphasizes the originality of the region.

• Rtveli

The grape harvest festival, Rtveli, takes place in September-October and symbolizes the end of the agricultural year. Although the main action takes place in the vineyards, many regions organize public celebrations with songs, dances and traditional clothing.

• Art Geni Festival

This folk art festival takes place in July in Tbilisi and attracts lovers of Georgian culture. Visitors can enjoy folk music, dances and crafts, as well as see national costumes representing different regions.

• Mullet Festival

The Mullet Festival, held in August near the Golden Lake in Poti, combines workshops, games and lectures, creating an atmosphere of unity with traditions. National clothing is often part of the program, emphasizing the uniqueness of the event.

Our selection will help you feel the atmosphere of Georgian holidays, admire national costumes and learn more about the cultural wealth of this country.

Traditional Georgian clothing remains an important part of the culture and continues to inspire not only local craftsmen but also visitors to the country.

National Georgian clothing can be seen in museums in Tbilisi and other cities, where exhibits are presented that tell about its rich history. Festivals and events such as Tbilisoba or "Art-Geni" provide an opportunity to see traditional costumes in a lively festive atmosphere.

For lovers of an individual approach, ateliers and workshops offer custom-made national outfits, preserving cultural traditions in modern interpretations. Also available for convenience are online stores where you can buy stylized costumes for the whole family.

1. Where can I rent national costumes?

National costumes can be rented from specialized studios and rental companies in Tbilisi and other large cities of Georgia.

2. Can I order a national costume with a custom design?

Yes, many studios offer tailoring of costumes based on individual sketches, taking into account all the wishes of the customer.

3. What fabrics are used to sew traditional clothing?

Velvet, silk, cotton and wool are most often used for national costumes.

4. How long does it take to sew a national costume?

On average, it takes from 2 to 4 weeks to sew a costume, depending on the complexity of the design.

5. Where can I see traditional costumes in person?

National costumes can be seen in museums, at festivals such as Tbilisoba, and in theatrical performances.

6. Are there children's versions of national costumes?

Yes, studios and shops offer stylized national costumes for children, which are often used at holidays and festivals.

7. What colors are most often used in Georgian clothing?

The most commonly used colors are red, gold, black and white, which have symbolic meaning.

8. How much does a national costume cost?

The price varies depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design, on average from 300 to 1000 GEL.

9. Is it possible to buy costumes online?

Yes, there are online stores where you can order stylized costumes with delivery.

10. What accessories are included in traditional costumes?

Usually these are belts, scarves, hats and sometimes weapons such as daggers or sabers.