The Traditional Icelandic Costume

Elegance has always been in style, even in rugged Iceland.

Interest in the traditional costume grew considerably in the 19th century when Iceland’s eagerness for independence from the Danish rule was on the rise. The national costume (Þjóðbúning) turned out to be an effective tool for a nation with a growing sense of national identity and became a symbol for Iceland’s spirit. In the beginning of 2001, the Icelandic Minister of Education and Culture established the Þjóðbúningaráð (“The National Costume Board”). Its role is to conserve and pass on knowledge of the traditional costumes and how they were made, as well as to provide advice about the costumes. We at Tis' Iceland are grateful for such a Board and their efforts in passing along the story to the next generation.