Slovakian Linen Folk Underdress Dress Traditional Costume Homespun Smocking Pleats Embroidery

This is a traditional Slovakian underdress for a full folk costume. Homespun natural linen which has been beautifully gathered into pleats which hang at the back. Lovely decorative embroidery around the waistband in a linen thread. The front simply ties in the middle and as this part would have been covered, it wouldn’t matter for the ties to close fully.

This has been washed using the traditional technique: to put the dress into the leg from a pair of tights / hosiery so that the pleats are kept better in place. It’s worked quite well but the pleats are a bit irregular and with some kinks. If this is washed normally you do lose all that pleating. You can see how that looks on the other dresses I have available here. 

Difficult to date as like most folk clothing this style was made for a very long time using the same materials and techniques. 

Measurements: 26” waist or larger if you don’t need the tie to close fully. The skirt is 24” long from the waistband.

Condition: Freshly laundered. There are some areas with light scattered rust like marks. These may remove with further soaking. 

Feel free to ask any questions.

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