Welsh Wardrobe Wonders: Traditional Outfits Kids Will Love
Long ago in Wales, people didn’t wear the same kinds of clothes we see today. They had their own unique styles, especially the women. While modern-day Welsh people now follow English and international fashion trends, traditional Welsh clothing is still worn on special holidays and festivals—especially by children during Saint David’s Day.
Let’s take a fun look at what people used to wear in Wales!
What Is a Bedgown?
The most common piece of clothing for Welsh women long ago was something called a bedgown. It’s not what you wear to bed! A bedgown is a long, cozy tunic that goes down to the thighs. It was usually made from cotton, linen, or wool, depending on the weather. Underneath, women wore petticoats, which are like long skirts, and they often tied an apron around their waist to keep things tidy while cooking or working.
This outfit was simple, practical, and comfortable for daily life in the countryside.
The Famous Welsh Hat
One of the most iconic parts of traditional Welsh clothing is the tall black hat that women wore. It had a wide brim and often a shiny buckle above the rim. Some people say it looks like the hats worn by Puritan settlers in early America!
The Welsh hat made women look very fancy and was usually saved for special occasions or celebrations.
Colorful Shawls and Hand-Made Patterns
Welsh women also wore shawls, which are large pieces of fabric worn over the shoulders to keep warm. These were often handmade at home, and they came in lots of different colors and patterns. Shawls were not only useful—they added beauty to the outfit too!
Mothers and grandmothers sometimes passed down their shawls to younger family members, making them even more special.
Dressing Up for Saint David’s Day
Today, children in Wales often dress up in traditional Welsh clothing to celebrate Saint David’s Day (in Welsh: Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Sant). This national holiday honors Saint David, the patron saint of Wales, and it’s full of music, dancing, and fun! Kids wear bedgowns, hats, aprons, and shawls, and boys may wear old-fashioned vests and caps.
It’s a day of pride and celebration where everyone comes together to remember their roots.
Learn About Welsh Culture with Dinolingo
Learning about what people wear is a fun way to explore a new culture! With Dinolingo, children can learn the Welsh language while exploring stories, songs, games, and videos about life in Wales. Dinolingo is perfect for kids ages 2–14 and offers rewards, offline activities, and fun lessons across 50+ languages—including Welsh!
Conclusion: Clothes That Tell a Story
Traditional Welsh clothing is more than just fabric—it tells the story of how people lived, worked, and celebrated. From the practical bedgown to the fancy black hat, every piece has a purpose and a history. And even today, children help keep that story alive by dressing up with pride on Saint David’s Day!
Would you like a follow-up post about what boys traditionally wore in Wales, or how Saint David’s Day is celebrated in schools?
