Words by

Elías Þórsson

@Eliasthorsson

Photo by

Art Bicnick

The Icelandic national costume (þjóðbúningurinn) is the country’s ceremonial outfit, which came to prominence in the 19th century, during the fight for independence. It has since 2001, become an established, tightly regulated affair with the National Costume Authority (Þjóðbúningaráð) making sure that the costume that we share is uniform and the same.

The women’s costume is undoubtedly more interesting than the men’s, with it often being decorated with shiny jewellery and a most prestigious vest. Not to forget the tail cap (skotthúfa), that is a must.

The men, however, have to settle for more drab garbs, but they do get to have fancy buttons and a weird hat!