About The Tracht of Liechtenstein

The beauty and diversity of Liechtenstein folk culture is hardly expressed in any other area more clearly than in their traditional costumes. For centuries, first-class tailors have shaped, woven, embroidered and worked on them. The bodice and bonnet of women's dresses are the ornaments of the costume and used to be an expression of possession and wealth. During excavations in the 1980’s, old burial grounds of women who had been buried in traditional costume were discovered under the parish church of Mauren. Not only a large number of silver bodice hooks were found, but also the bodice itself. This proves that traditional costumes were already being worn in Moors around 1700. The bodices were originally in shades of red and reddish brown. While the excavations in Mauren confirm the previous knowledge about the women’s costumes and their long tradition, men's costumes lack historical models. The production and wearing of traditional costumes in Liechtenstein are subject to regulations. The color, cut, choice of fabric and way of wearing the costume correspond to historical models and should be preserved in their original form. Wearing a traditional costume also requires the wearer to have a certain inner bond with its values. A dress into which so much history, care, effort, expense and artistry, but also public money, has been invested should be worn with grace and dignity.