Traditional dress of Tunisia

The Tunisian belly dancers in their traditional costumes-Syromaniac's Image

The Tunisian youth is far away from the traditional Tunisian attires and they love to wear Western garments. However, some Tunisian families are continuing the practice to use traditional costumes. The traditional dress of Tunisia is the symbol of the national heritage and identity of Tunisia. Tunisia is a land of diversified cultural heritage. If someone wants to see the people of Tunisia in their traditional costumes then he or she must attend the cultural festivals, ceremonies of the national importance or wedding occasions.

Modern Tunisian girls in the Western dresses 

The popular traditional men’s wear is Jebba which is usually made with wool and silk. The other accessories of Jebba include; The “Farmla”, a form of a vest, “Montane”, a form of coat along with the baggy trousers.

A Tunisian man in his traditional dress (Image: Alessandro Minciotti )

A round-shaped headdress which is almost like a hat is called “Chechia”, which is now confined to religious occasions and worn by few elderly men. A covering cloak which is known as “Barnous”, a long hooded woolen poncho-like coat with no sleeves, is also worn over Jebba as a symbol of pride and prestige.

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The Fouta and Blouza is double piece traditional attire for women in Tunisia which can be commonly observed in the capital city of Tunis. The Fouta is a dress made of silk or cotton, which women wrap from their waists to their ankles. The Blouza is used as the attire on the bustier part of the outfit.

The Tunisian brides usually dress up with Kesswa Tounsia. This charming wedding attire is decorated with crystal beads and rhinestones and graceful embroidery.

Being an Islamic country, the women of Tunis also use “Sefsari” to cover them. The unique feature of Sefsari is that it covers the whole body and it is made with white or yellow silk. The women of Tunis usually don’t cover their faces but they cover the whole body by wrapping the Sefsari around their body and over their head.

The common traditional footwear both for the Tunisian men and women is Balgha and the Kontra which is made with leather.  Balgha and Kontra is a necessary item to be used with the traditional dress of Tunisia, especially in the summer.