Wearable tradition: The most beautiful traditional costumes and their meaning

Vorarlberg is unique. Not only in terms of its incomparable landscape and cuisine, but also in terms of its cultural diversity and traditional costumes, the "Ländle" has a lot to offer. The Montafon is in no way inferior to the rest of the country. The historic Montafon costume is inextricably linked to the history of the region. Traditional costume associations, artisans and private costume enthusiasts keep the tradition alive and ensure that traditional costume continues to be worn in the Montafon.

Fabric for generations

The basic features of the Montafon traditional costume were created as early as the 18th century. The precious garment made of black wool fabric is worn throughout the Montafon. The eye-catchers are the elaborate embroideries, which are made in filigree handwork. Local blossoms and flowers are embroidered onto the apron strings, the breast cloth and the sleeves and collar of the jacket using silk thread and gold thread. This work takes even experienced embroiderers around 500 hours.

A colorful silk apron is worn over the actual traditional dress, the "Juppa". The "Glögglitschopa" serves as the outer garment. This jacket takes its name from the red or green lined, bell-shaped pleat at the lower back. However, many women wearing traditional costume do without this jacket when dancing and instead wear the lighter version of the Montafon traditional costume with a white blouse. The enormous effort that goes into making a traditional costume makes it clear that it is not an everyday item of clothing. It is worn throughout life for special occasions and is often passed on to the next generation or the generation after that.

Well protected

"Schäppel", "Mäßli", "Sanderhut" and "Pelzkappa" - that's what a woman wears on her head with traditional costume. The "Schäppel", a crown-shaped headdress decorated with colorful glass stones, pearls and silk flowers and tied to the head with ribbons, is only worn by unmarried girls: they are called "Schäppelmaigana", or "Schäppel girls". Married women have more choice when it comes to headgear: the "Pelzkappa" made of otter fur or the "Sanderhut" with its golden braid are the options. The "Mäßli", a hat felted from sheep's wool in the shape of a grain measure, which was reconstructed in 2012, can also be worn with the historical festive costume.

The masculine touch

The Montafon men, on the other hand, are downright reserved. The men's costume, reconstructed in 1908 according to old patterns, consists of black knee breeches made of loden, a white cotton shirt, a black bow around the neck, a red loden vest and a dark blue jacket. The Montafon man wears a top hat on his head.

Photo rights: Vorarlberg regional costume association