Historically in Sweden, a person’s clothes defined his occupation and status – each trade had an identifying costume.  For instance, a certain kind of striped shirt would identify the wearer as a carpenter while a fisherman could be identified by the cut of his trousers.  In modern Sweden, on festive occasions people wear costumes that identify their place of birth.  Most of these costumes were defined sometime during the 20th century.  Most often by members of a particular parish seeking to preserve their area’s heritage.  In some cases, it took the people of an area over 30 years to come to an agreement about the design of their costume.

A Swedish costume is defined by its cut, fabric, colors, headdress,  adornment and shoes.

Image	Description
	1800 Bleking Mother and Child This beautiful watercolor depicts a young Swedish mother at home with her young son.  The wonderful folds of her dr…	Buy More
	4 Kids & 5 Frogs Make a Great Day This was a fun collaboration for married artists Sharon & Bob Dexter.  Sharon's lively watercolor painting …	Buy More
	5 Kids and a Cart This whimsical watercolor features a goat-drawn cart with five children, and two Elkhounds.  The detail is amazing …	Buy More
	Al Dalarna Girls These darling girls picking wildflowers, dressed in traditional costumes of Dalarna. …	Buy More
	Alvros Lady Alvros Harjedalen Skirt/bodice same green black striped wool, flowery cotton print apron, fringed silk neckerchief, red…	Buy More
	Angermanland Couple …	Buy More
	Artemark Dalsland Mother & Boys …	Buy More
	Asele Kids Dancing The girl is wearing a black/white striped skirt, red bodice with hooks and basque, half woolen apron with brownish red l…	Buy More
	Bjuraker Boy and Girl Dancing …	Buy More
	Blekinge Boy & Girl The boy is wearing yellow moleskin knee breeches, double breasted vest of grey blue linen and a dark blue jacket.  …	Buy More