The national dress is called a kroj and will vary depending on the village in the Czech Republic it represents. There are three regions represented in the Czech Republic: Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovak. The type of kroj worn by each person differs based upon the region their family came from or they are representing.

The Bohemian kroj will have white puffy sleeves that are gathered above the elbow and often tied in place with a ribbon. The sleeves may be solid white or they may white and decorated with embroidery or trims.  The vest is often black or sometimes red and heavily embellished with trim or embroidery. The kroj typically features a red skirt that is knee length or a bit longer. The white apron is usually the focal point and will be heavily embroidered or have lace cutwork. Red tights were often worn with slippers.

The Moravian kroj is the most elaborate of all the regions and will feature very bright, vibrant colors. The skirt is typically in bright colors, often red, with embroidery work on the skirt and hits above the knee. There are many layers of petticoats underneath to add fullness. The apron may be of dark material and will usually have embroidery work covering most of the material. The simple puffy sleeves are extremely full and not as embellished as the apron. The back of the vest typically features three circles exemplifying the Holy Trinity. It’s common for a scarf to be worn as well. Boots and white tights are typically worn with this kroj.

The Slovak kroj features a white blouse with very full sleeves that are usually starched into tight pleats and often have yellow embroidery cutwork on them. The embroidery throughout the kroj is of many colors and much cutwork, making the kroj appear elaborate in design. The skirt is often found to be very long, almost ankle length and will vary greatly in colors. The skirts are typically two separate pieces with a back skirt. If there is a vest, it is typically of a bright color but the option to wear a scarf as the feature rather than a vest is acceptable. Short black boots and white tights are worn with this kroj.

Similarities:

A caplet and/or bow are worn for married women or girls that are unavailable for marriage, either because they are too young or already married. Girls eligible for marriage will wear a floral hair garland with long ribbons, symbolizing they are ready to be “picked” by an eligible bachelor.

Most kroj are heavily embroidered with trims, cutwork and ribbon. Original kroj were usually made by multiple generations of one’s family and made to be worn for many years.