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Trachten - Traditional Dresses
Switzerland has 4 official languages and hundreds of regional and local dialects in a
country that fits 16 times into Alberta. The four languages are: Swiss German, French,
Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic. Local cultural dialects and traditions add further diversity.
This diversity is also represented in our costumes. Even if some of the dresses seem
to look alike, there are subtle regional, local or personal differences such as the
weave or pattern of the apron, the scarf around the neck etc. The dresses are neither
historical nor theatrical costumes, nor are they uniforms to sell Swiss culture. They are
authentic dresses still worn today for special festivities, occasions and functions by
people who have a deep connection to their culture.
The costumes have been created since WW 1. They incorporate important characteristic fashion elements prior to WW 1 and have been adjusted to the times, using contemporary fabrics. Here are some of the fashion elements and their time period that are part of our traditional dresses:
Blouse and bodice: Italian Renaissance, 15th Century
"Goeller" and "Schoessli": 16th Century
"Schneppe": 17th Century
Embroidered "Brusteinsatz": lace and brocade: Baroque
Fichu, scarves and straw hats: Marie Antoinette 18th Century
Pantalons, diagonally cut skirt: French influence 18th Century
Empire style bodice: 19th Century
There are not only regional costumes but also different types of dresses: Work dresses, Sunday and Special Occasion dresses.
The costumes have been created since WW 1. They incorporate important characteristic fashion elements prior to WW 1 and have been adjusted to the times, using contemporary fabrics. Here are some of the fashion elements and their time period that are part of our traditional dresses:
Blouse and bodice: Italian Renaissance, 15th Century
"Goeller" and "Schoessli": 16th Century
"Schneppe": 17th Century
Embroidered "Brusteinsatz": lace and brocade: Baroque
Fichu, scarves and straw hats: Marie Antoinette 18th Century
Pantalons, diagonally cut skirt: French influence 18th Century
Empire style bodice: 19th Century
There are not only regional costumes but also different types of dresses: Work dresses, Sunday and Special Occasion dresses.