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Ever seen someone sporting lederhosen and thought: 'What's the story behind those strange trousers?' I haven’t either. But the items on this list are far more captivating and come with intriguing histories.
10. Herero Dresses from Namibia—A High German Style That Remembers German Brutality
When we think of traditional clothing, high fashion rarely comes to mind. But these stunning dresses prove otherwise! Who would’ve guessed that 19th-century outfits once worn by German missionaries would look so vibrant and stylish today? This evolving style continues to captivate, with fashion designers in Windhoek drawing inspiration from the Herero dress to create new designs using fresh patterns and fabrics. But there’s a somber backstory to these dresses worn by the Herero people in Namibia.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Germany controlled the region now known as Namibia. Unsurprisingly, the native population resisted colonial rule and revolted. The Imperial German army, not exactly known for its diplomacy, decided to quell the uprising by killing many Herero (and Namaqua) people—after subjecting them to medical experiments at the Shark Island prison camp. This dark chapter foreshadowed later atrocities, but the Herero people continued to embrace western fashion, making it their own. Today, the Herero dress serves as both a grim reminder of their painful colonial history and a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt.
9. The Croatian Lika Cap—A Trace of Celtic Heritage?
Though I consider myself fortunate to have been born in a 'Celtic' country (even though the term 'Celtic' is a bit tricky, given how vague it is and how diverse the cultures claiming the label are), it's hard to ignore how, especially in Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, there's a tendency to quickly label any European tradition wrapped in mystery as part of 'our' culture.
That said, some experts point to this particular Balkan headwear as a possible remnant of 'Celtic' culture in the area. The Lapydes, a group from central Croatia and part of Bosnia, are thought by some historians to have been a mix of Pannonian and Illyrian peoples who adopted 'Celtic' customs by the 4th century BC. Like many attempts to tie discoveries or cultural practices to the Celts, this theory seems more speculative than based on hard evidence. There's no definitive proof that the Lapydes created the Lika cap, and plenty of evidence suggests it came about much later. But as we say in Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Galicia: 'ah well, we’ll take it anyway'...in various languages, of course.
8. The Red Cloaks of Gibraltar—Possibly Made From Stolen Military Uniforms
If you ask anyone from 'the rock' about the red cloak's origins, they'll tell you the same tale. Back in the 19th century, when the British army occupied Gibraltar, local women were drawn to the soldiers' striking red coats. They reportedly bargained with shady quartermasters on naval ships (or simply raided the unguarded stockpiles) to make their own red cloaks, paying only for the satin trim. But that's probably not what happened. While the evidence is scarce, it seems that older Genoese women were the ones who wore these cloaks first, possibly bringing the fashion to Gibraltar. It's also likely that some women, struggling to get fabric due to a military blockade, resorted to stealing it to make their cloaks—but this is more of a theory than a solid origin story. Still, they sure do look stylish.
7. Inuit Amauti—A Cozy Solution for Keeping Both Mothers and Babies Warm
No one wants their baby freezing. If you're an Inuit mother living in the icy wilderness of Nunavut in Northern Canada, you'd likely agree this is a big concern. You can’t just leave your wailing little one on a rock while you gather some berries – that baby would turn into a kidsicle in no time. Enter the Amauti, a practical winter parka designed to carry a child with 360-degree access! Just need to carry the baby? The Amauti's fur-lined child pocket lets you comfortably tote your baby on your back. Need to breastfeed? No problem! The pocket stretches around to the front, making it easy to nurse wherever you are. Just whip out your boob and go for it! Honestly, I’m not a woman, but I’d love to have one of these... I’d stash a bag of Doritos in my Amaut.
6. Driza-Bone Coats—Aussie Waterproof Jackets That Keep You…
Dry as a bone. Well, not exactly a bone freshly pulled from someone's torso – that’d be a bit wet, I think. More like a bone that's been left in the sun for a week or so.
When you think of Australia, you don't exactly picture torrential rainstorms. Remember, Australia is not just a country, but a whole continent with all kinds of weather. Enter Edward Le Roy, a shrewd Scotsman who emigrated to Australia from New Zealand in the late 19th century with a brilliant idea. Sailors work in damp conditions, so they need waterproof coats. Le Roy took canvas sails and turned them into jackets, sealing them with linseed oil. Over time, his creation found a new audience. 19th-century stockmen, who would herd cattle across the outback, needed protection from rain. After some tweaks to make the coats more suitable for horseback riding rather than sailing, a legend was born. These coats became so iconic, they were featured at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Take that, Barbour.
5. Ghonella Cloaks in Malta—Keeping Overzealous Frenchmen Away Since 1798
Much like the red cloaks of Gibraltar, there are a few different stories about the origins of this peculiar garment. One version claims that some Italian women wore the ghenienel (yes, that’s the plural) as mourning attire after their husbands were massacred back home in 1224. They were then exiled and ended up on the island of Malta. Quite the tale, right?
The second version is a bit more charming—in days gone by, poor rural girls couldn’t afford cloaks or shawls to cover their heads when going to church, so they used leftover fabric to stitch onto skirts they already owned, creating a makeshift bonnet that allowed them to attend mass.
But the final story is the best. During Napoleon’s conquests across Europe, his soldiers earned a reputation as rowdy, lecherous men. The modest women of Malta were not thrilled with the idea of being ogled by these French troops. In response, they fashioned a makeshift garment that resembled a nun’s habit, hoping to convince the Frenchmen that they were married to Christ, not available for their attention.
4. Yr Het Gymreig from Wales—The Hat That Helped Defeat Napoleon
Apparently, the women of Wales took one look at Abraham Lincoln and thought, 'Now that's the look we’ve been waiting for!' This peculiar hat has become a bit of a cultural symbol in Wales, famously worn by ‘the Daughters of Rebecca.’ This was a group of men disguised as women, complete with skirts, bonnets, and shawls, who launched a series of attacks on unfair toll collectors in South Wales during the 1800s.
However, the hat's most famous moment in history is when it allegedly helped foil a French invasion. In 1797, the French navy was planning to invade Britain. As their ships neared the coast of Sir Benfro in South Wales, a lookout in a crow's nest reported a large group of redcoats guarding the high ground above Fishguard. This sight caused the French navy to turn around and retreat. What had the lookout actually seen? A group of women in the fields, their pitchforks resembling muskets, their red shawls looking like redcoat uniforms, and their tall Hetiau Gymreig hats mimicking traditional army shako caps. While it makes for a great story, it’s probably not true. These hats didn’t even exist until the 1830s, years after the event. Also, did the French ships not have cannons? Still, it’s a quirky piece of history, especially when you see Welsh rugby fans wearing them at the Millennium Stadium.
3. The Georgian Chokha, Papakha, and Gazyrs—The Outfit for Both Weddings and Battles
Many of the costumes mentioned here are beautiful, practical, or just downright odd (no offense, Wales, but those hats are a little ridiculous). But where else can you find a national costume that conveniently holds shotgun cartridges, just in case you need to 'lock and load'?
Often worn for celebrations like weddings, and as a symbol of national pride, the Georgian Chokha is a traditional garment also worn by various peoples in the Caucasus region, including the Chechens and Ossetians. The jacket, paired with a woolen papakha hat and bullet holders (gazyrs), was once mandatory attire for all Georgian diplomats at official meetings abroad. It’s one way to say, 'Don’t mess with us.' Add a khanjali (an ornate, pointy dagger) to complete the look, and watch as those nervous Belgians serve you free beer for the next century.
2. Junihitoe in Japan—The Complicated Art of Dressing for Women
Who doesn’t love a Rubik’s Cube? Most of us, after managing to get one side to show just one color, soon lose interest or get frustrated with Erno Rubik’s famous puzzle, tossing it into a dusty box in the attic. Now, imagine wearing something just as intricate. Welcome to Japan…
Though not as common among the general population, this traditional dress can still be seen being worn by noble ladies-in-waiting in the Imperial Japanese household. For the public, simpler kimonos are the go-to choice when dressing traditionally. The word 'Junihitoe' translates to 'twelve layers,' though the actual number of layers can vary, and it can weigh as much as 20kg. While contemporary Japanese women may no longer wear it regularly, a quick search for 'Harajuku Fashion Trends' reveals that the fascination with vibrant and intricate styles still thrives.
1. Aka… AKA the Elephant Masks of Cameroon—Where Tradition Meets Art
A charging elephant would undoubtedly be a terrifying sight, but there’s something even more intimidating about these exquisitely crafted masks, almost like Leatherface crashed a Mardi Gras parade.
When a rare commodity is in your possession and you hold power, flaunting an abundance of it is the mark of a true king or queen. Among the Bamileke people in Cameroon’s grasslands, glass beads were once considered incredibly rare. The stunning elephant masks, embellished with thousands of tiny beads, became the epitome of status. Each mask belonged to the king and was lent out to only a select few men at his command. These men, donning the majestic masks, would perform dances at significant events, especially at the king's own funeral.
