Irish women are known for their style and sophistication and this is evident as far back as the Middle Ages. They have always had a unique sense of fashion that is often inspired by their Celtic heritage. This can be characterised by the texture, pattern and colour of the clothing worn by men and women. The traditional women’s Irish dress has always been a gem of Europe.
When it comes to clothing, there are certain items that are considered to be staples in an Irish woman's wardrobe. We will explore some of the most popular Irish clothing for women. From traditional Celtic designs to modern-day trends, some of the things that you need to know about what to wear in Ireland.
Leine
Leine is a traditional piece of Irish culture and is a type of clothing or garment often worn by women. It is a long, loose-fitting tunic that reaches down to the knees or lower. Leine can be made of different fabrics, but most commonly it is made of linen. It is usually white or off-white in colour, although it can also be found in other colours such as green or blue. Leine is often worn with a belt at the waist and may be decorated with Celtic designs or other embroidery.
Brat
The Brat or the Saffron Cloth, which is another traditional Irish women's clothing (applicable for men, too), is similar to a common cloak, a common Irish piece of clothing.
The term "brat" is used to describe a young woman who is spoiled or behaves badly. Brats are worn both by the rich and the poor, especially during the 16th century and later became preferable clothing among the rich.
One of the things that makes brat a barometer for social class in old Ireland is how the clothing is made and also the quality. The poor would wear a brat that is loosely or poorly woven, coarse, and usually undyed. The upper class would wear a brat that would fit snugly to their bodies and have their cloth brightly dyed using bright or light colours such as red, blue, and purple.
Aran sweater
Arguably the most popular Irish clothing item for women is the Aran sweater. These sweaters are characterised by their intricate stitch patterns and have always been thick although we see thinner Aran sweater variations made available recently.
Aran sweaters were traditionally used to distinguish different clan families on the Aran Islands. These types of clothing are hand-knit and made with remarkably intricate cable stitches. This piece of clothing has a characteristic interlocking knotwork or spiral designs.
Today, they are more commonly worn as stylish and cosy garments with machines that are capable of mimicking the traditional knitting work done by hand. Whether you choose a classic style or a more modern take on the Aran sweater, you are sure to stay warm and look great in this traditional Irish piece of clothing.
Celtic brooch
Another popular piece of Irish clothing for women is the Celtic brooch. Celtic brooches are one of the most popular types of Celtic jewellery. They are usually made of silver or gold, (and even glass) and they often have intricate designs. Celtic brooches can be worn as a fashion accessory or as a way to show your Celtic heritage and are definitely a must-have for any collection of Irish jewellery.
Celtic brooches are often decorated with Celtic knots or other Celtic symbols. They may also have gemstones or enamel work. Some Celtic brooches are even made with precious metals like platinum or palladium.
Celtic brooches make a great gift for anyone who loves Celtic culture or jewellery. In fact, the brooches worn by many as a symbol of their Irish heritage - more than a beautiful piece of jewellery. They are also a popular choice for wedding gifts. If you are looking for a unique gift for someone special, a Celtic brooch is a great option.
Claddagh Ring
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring that represents friendship, love, and loyalty. The ring consists of two hands holding a heart, with a crown above the heart. The Claddagh ring is often given as a gift to symbolise these values. The ring is often seen to have a design where two hands are holding a heart with a heart adorned with a crown on top. There’s an explanation to this that is explained later in the post.
The Claddagh ring has a long history, dating back to the 16th century. The design is believed to have originated in the fishing village of Claddagh, located in County Galway, Ireland.
The Claddagh ring became popular in the 18th century when it was given as a token of love or friendship.The meaning of the Claddagh ring is often misinterpreted. The two hands represent friendship, while the heart represents love. The crown above the heart symbolises loyalty.
However, many people believe that the hands represent God and the crown represents Jesus Christ.
The Claddagh ring is still popular today and is worn by both men and women. It is available in a variety of metals, including gold and silver. The Claddagh ring makes a great gift for anyone who values friendship, love, and loyalty.
Kilt
The Irish kilt is a Gaelic national dress with a long history. It’s basically a pleated skirt. It is most commonly associated with the Scottish Highlands, but it has also been worn in Ireland and other Celtic countries.
The kilt is a knee-length skirt that is pleated at the waist and fastened with a belt. It is usually made of wool or wool blend fabric and is often decorated with a tartan pattern.The Irish kilt has a long history and is most commonly associated with the Scottish Highlands. It is a knee-length skirt that is pleated at the waist and fastened with a belt. It is usually made of wool or wool blend fabric and is often decorated with a tartan pattern.
The kilt is a symbol of Gaelic culture and heritage, and it is worn by many people as a way to express their identity.The Irish kilt is an important part of Gaelic culture and heritage. It is a symbol of who we are as a people, and it should be worn with pride.