Traditional clothes

The traditional Doukhobors' style of clothing is colorful and variegated, but due to the harsh Georgian climate, warm and practical.

The women dress in black, decorated vests, gathered long woolen skirts and aprons, together with white cotton or brightly colored woolen blouses and hand-made hats with a large flower on the front, often worn under woolen shawls.

The men traditionally were attired in dark, warm, woolen clothing, trousers and jackets or knee length coats with a sash at the waist. Most of these garments were originally hand-made traditional Russian peasant clothing, brought to Georgia in the 19th century and worn during the early pioneer years. The men also wore high boots and round hats made from either fur or sheepskin.

By the way, t is quite expensive to tailor traditional Doukhobor dresses. Just for the skirt more than three meters of fabric are needed and another three meters for the rest of the garment including vests and aprons.

In former times, the traditional clothing was worn by all members of the Doukhobors community, but nowadays the Dukhobors wear their national costumes mostly for special occasions, like in the chapel or for dancing.

Picture credits: SJDC

Project “Increased regional added value in the tourism sectors of Georgia by Digital Heritage Tourism Guides” was funded by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) with funds of Austrian Development Cooperation.