Traditional costumes of Austria

A postcard from Austria 🇦🇹 with a set of thematic stamps 

For some years now the “Classic traditional costumes” series has been dedicated to the attractive traditional costumes for everyday wear of the various regions of Austria.

Traditional costumes of Thayatal ( Lower Austria) 

Date of issue : 08-06-2018

The traditional everyday dirndl of the Thayatal comprises a light, usually natural-coloured top which laces at the front with a red ribbon. The slightly square neckline is emphasized by means of breast gores; the bodice is edged with red piping and embellished with embroidery at the edges, while the back is plain with a rounded neckline. The skirt is usually made of blue cotton with a finely scattered pattern or of checked sheeting, whilst the red and white apron to match the skirt has a finely striped or floral pattern. The dress is worn with a simple white dirndl blouse, possibly with lace trim on the sleeves.

There is no special traditional costume for the men of the Thayatal – they wear dark-coloured trousers with the traditional jacket. Likewise, no special accessories such as hats or scarves are worn with the dirndl. The traditional costume of the Thayatal comes across as plain and practical, as is normal for traditional working garb, yet is attractive thanks to the light colours.

Traditional costumes of Pottsching ( Burgenland ) 

Date of issue : 08-05-2017

This traditional costume’s origins can be traced back to the traditional folk costumes of Burgenland and the musician from Pöttsching, Peter Zauner. Among other things, Peter Zauner was a violinist under Carl Michael Ziehrer and also a composer: he wrote the melody for the regional anthem for Burgenland. After the First World War he founded the Pöttsching brass band.

The men’s traditional costume is typical for Burgenland: black breeches and boots, a white shirt, a waistcoat with a collar, a red edging and silver buttons, the last four of which are dress fasteners. The waistcoat is either worn open or with the bottom six rows of buttons fastened. A particularly eye-catching feature is the “Firta”, a kind of apron or cloth worn around the waist by the men, one corner of which is tucked into the waistband at the hip, on the right-hand side for single men and the left for married men. In summer a black hat is added or the head left bare, whilst in winter it is worn with an Astrakhan hat – a sailor’s hat made from karakul wool – and a black jacket.

The women’s clothing comprises a black stomacher laced at the front and a white blouse. Girls wear a white skirt with scattered flowers and three blue bands at the hem; older ladies sometimes a dark blue skirt with scattered flowers. This is worn with a blue striped apron and, on cold days, a short black jacket or a shawl. The head is usually left bare. 

Traditional costumes - Tyrol

Date of issue : 02-06-2015

Tyrol holds a colorful and unique wealth of classic costumes and the interwoven traditions.

The Tuxer everyday costume is characterized by the muted colors. These are due to the fact that in the Tux costume not only for the production only natural materials such as cotton, linen or wool are used, but the fabrics are also dyed with natural colors. 

The obvious simplicity of the everyday costume is broken by fine and intricately processed details that are often perceived only at second glance. Striking is the monochrome embroidered satchel, which is decorated in the original with quill embroidery. These harnesses, which were originally worn by farmers as protection against saber strokes, are today made in a few craft workshops with real peacock feathers and great craftsmanship. 

The gentlemen's everyday garb includes coarse linen knee breeches, a woolen breast patch, white knee socks, black shoes, a white shirt with a stand-up collar and a narrow black tie. The headdress is a dark felt hat.

Today's Tux women's costumes are far more diverse than the men's. The festive dress in black, the "Röckl", stands out for its colorful apron and white cloth, the ornate and gold tasseled hat, but above all for its square neckline, in which an embroidered white silk scarf is worn. The fine fabrics and fine workmanship make this costume very expensive. A skirt made of wool or silk is tied to the skirt, which is usually set high at the waist, and the way the bow is tied reveals the marital status of its wearers.

Thanks Tom for this lovely postcard ! 

( I will upload the front side of the postcard too - which shows the traditional Burgenland costume ) 

It is also interesting that 2019 is marked with the release of stamps on the theme - Traditional costumes . The Euromed theme , ASEAN themes for 2019 are traditional costumes and India too has issued miniature sheets on its traditional costume - Saree !