The costume of Gorenjska, which is one of the traditional regions of Slovenia

 

The costume of the region of Gorenjska in Slovenia. In English, this region is sometimes called Upper Carniola. Slovenia is the northernmost part of the former Yugoslavia. The capitol is Ljubljana, and this is their flag.

The Slovenian language has around 50 dialects, spoken throughout Slovenia, and in neighboring parts of Italy, Austria, and Hungary. On the southern border, the Slovenian language intergrades with the Kaj dialects of Croatia. In fact, the Kaj dialects are closer to Slovene than they are to the Shto dialect of Beograd. The Slovenes calle their nation Slovensko, which is confusing, because the Slovaks also call their nation Slovensko. Be careful of this, I have seen Slovaks online identified as Slovenian because of this. 
                                    

                         
 The costume of Gorenjska, which is one of the traditional regions of Slovenia. This is the costume which is most often seen, and is often considered to be the national costume.

The Gorenjska costume falls solidly into the group of Alpine costumes, many of which are strongly celebrated still today. Alpine communities in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Austria hold onto their costumes with the tenacity of mountain people everywhere. Gorenjska simply means 'the highlands'.

This costume has the standard foundation garments of western Europe, bloomers, petticoats, and blouse/chemise. 

 There are various possible cuts for the petticoat, and usually more than one is worn, first the narrowest, and then the fuller ones. Here are two of the possible cuts. They are often ornamented with tucks and lace. The tucks help to shape the skirt.


There is a full skirt, sewn onto a bodice, which is unusual for Slavic costumes, one example of the Alpine influence. Some of the older known pieces have short bodices, influenced by the Empire period; subsequently they have returned to the longer form at the natural waist. The neckline varies. Often ribbon is sewn onto both the skirt and the bodice. Note the very practical pocket sewn into the skirt.

This garment is often sewn of heavy silk, or other material with a sheen, of various colors, usually solid.

For everyday, or less festive wear, it may be made of calico. In some communities, such as Rateče, the skirt has become pleated, but mostly it is just gathered into the bodice.
                               
             
The everyday or less festive apron is of white linen or cotton print, as we see here. The festive apron is of brocade, damask or silk in various colors, very often black. It is more or less full, depending on the material, brocade aprons being less full than the others, so as to show off the design, and because it is expensive. Often there is a wide band of black lace sewn around the edges.