The traditional clothing in Kyrgyzstan was much dependent upon the nomadic life style of the Kyrgyz people. The traditional dress of Kyrgyzstan was almost similar to the other central Asian states like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

A Kyrgyz woman in her traditional dress ( tracingtea.images )

The Kyrgyz people especially women love the traditional embroidery on their dresses prepared with obscure patterns. During the last two centuries the trend of men’s wear was rapidly replaced with western style dressing and only the tradition of wearing Kolpok hat was remained. Only on few festive occasions the Kyrgyz men wear “jelek” which is the traditional coat made of blue, black, or brown velvet, with a belt at the waist. The trousers are liked with little beautifications.

A Kyrgyz man with his traditional Kolpok hat ( Image: Eric Lafforgue )

The young Kyrgyz girls wear the traditional “koinok” having high necklines with typical embellishment on the skirts and sleeves. They also cover themselves with a coat of heavy texture decorated with floral designs.

The Kyrgyz girls wearing traditional costumes ( Photo : AFP )

 A traditional headdress which is cone-shaped having feathers, coins or beads, is another accessory to the Kyrgyz girl’s dress. The middle aged or elder Kyrgyz women like simpler dress with big white head-dresses called “elechek”.

A Kyrgyz girl with her traditional fur hat (tracingtea.images)

The loveliest traditional dress of Kyrgyzstan is the wedding dress for a Kyrgyz bride is longer and it normally white. The sleeveless jacket is perfectly illuminated. The headdress for the bride is called as “shokulo” which is very high and cone-shaped, with a veil falling down the back; the veil may be used to cover the bride’s face.

The traditional Kyrgyz dance in cultural dress (Image: Go.Live.Serve.)