COSTUME

Due to the Dobratsch crash resulting from an earthquake in 1348, the Gail was dammed and causes the formation of marshy meadows. The acidic grass allowed the horse breeding in this valley, at the hub of Carinthia - is Krain – Friuli. No wonder that the Gailtaler always were in freight and served the traffic between the Adriatic ports (Trieste and Venice) and the foothills of the Alps (Munich, Augsburg). From these trips, the men brought mementos that were often taken for the costumes. It is therefore understandable that this costume changed quickly and on got new appearances.

Die Frauentracht

When we speak today of the women's costume in Carinthia, then you immediately think of the colorful, short kermes costume of the lower Gail valley, which is still alive in “Kufenstechen” and the dance around the linden. 

Because of the shortness and their colorfulness, the lower Gailtal women's costume differs strikingly from the other dark, long forms of Bänderhut- or Goldhaube costumes in Carinthia.

The colorful, backward knotted silk scarf the large sleeved blouse with folding collar, a triangular silk scarf, worn on the chest, wrapped in the belt, the dark, green-studded, short pleated skirt, the color fold-rich print apron, the petticoat’s waves , the tight dance (decency) skirt, lace-trimmed pants that emphasize the calves with red mesh ornate garters, the quill embroidered leather belt (with drooping knife belts and belts jewelry) and the black, low-cut, low shoes feature this colorful Carinthian women's costume.

 

Die Männertracht

The men's costume is today the same as 200 yearsago worn by farmers who were also horse breeders and coachmen on the salt road (Hallein - Trieste). It consists of a black, knee-length deer skin pants, long brown boots, a white linen shirt with wide sleeves and about a velvet bodice with silver buttons. A colorful silk scarf knotted around the neck and over a brown velvet jacket. A stocking cap that is worn depending on the season, and also a black floppy hat cover the head.