What Is the National Costume of Spain?

JEAN-PIERRE MULLER / Staff/AFP/Getty Images

The national costume of Spain is generally considered the Andalusian-style dress, which is referred to as the flamenco. Traditional Spanish fashion during the 16th century combined heavy fabrics with decorative styles influenced by the Moorish occupation of the peninsula.

The traditional outfit for women included rigid hoop skirts called Farthingales and clothing decorated with gold and silver thread to contrast the sober design. For men, clothing included an inverted-bell-shaped hat as well as loose breeches known as Venetians. This outfit is combined with short-cropped hair and beard. The Spanish also wear other traditional clothing, such as the mantilla, peineta and traje corto.

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