Traditional Finnish clothing: what it looks like and where to see it

Traditional Finnish clothing is about much more than keeping warm through a Nordic winter. With colourful woven fabrics, embroidery and designs that vary from region to region, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Finland’s history and traditions.

These days, traditional Finnish clothes are mainly worn for special occasions, folk festivals and cultural events, but they remain an important part of the country’s heritage. Finland has hundreds of regional kansallispuku, or national costume, designs, each with its own distinctive details.

So what does traditional Finnish clothing actually look like, and where can you see – or even try – it for yourself? Let’s take a closer look.

Disclaimer: Finnish vs. Sámi

Note: The Sámi people are the Indigenous people of Sápmi, a region that spans parts of northern Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Russia. Sámi clothing traditions are distinct and separate from Finnish national dress. We’ve updated this guide to reflect that important difference and to encourage respectful cultural engagement.

The roots of Finnish traditional clothing

In ancient Finland, clothing wasn’t merely a sartorial choice; it was an emblem of identity, status and sometimes even a ledger of personal tales. Each stitch, pattern and colour had a purpose, often serving to communicate information about the wearer’s region, marital status or profession.

Finland’s climate can see extreme temperature swings from winter to summer, and the natural elements had a big impact on what people chose to wear throughout the year. Cold winters demanded the warmth of wool, while short, mild summers introduced breathable linens. Colour choices often mirrored the surrounding nature, embracing the hues of the land, lakes and sky.

Finland’s national costumes, or kansallispuvut, are based largely on the regional clothing worn by ordinary people in the 18th and 19th centuries. The costumes as we know them today began to be assembled in the late 19th century, during a period of growing interest in Finnish national identity and traditional crafts. There isn’t one single Finnish national costume. Instead, there are hundreds of regional designs, drawing on historical clothing from both Finnish- and Swedish-speaking areas of the country.

Given Finland’s shared borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia, its clothing also bears hints of these neighboring cultures. Russian motifs make their way into embroidery, and traditional Scandinavian patterns can also be seen.

What does a Finnish national costume look like?

Finnish national costumes vary enormously by region, so there’s no single outfit that represents the whole country. Women’s costumes commonly include a blouse, skirt, apron and bodice or waistcoat, often accompanied by a headdress, scarf or jewellery. Men’s costumes may include a shirt, waistcoat, trousers or breeches, jacket and hat.

Colours, fabrics, embroidery and other details depend on the particular regional costume. Many of today’s kansallispuvut are carefully reconstructed from surviving garments and other historical sources.

Key elements of traditional Finnish clothing

Although the exact designs vary from one kansallispuku to another, there are a few elements you’ll often come across. Here are some useful Finnish words to know when exploring traditional clothing.

Nappivyö (Belt)

The Nappivyö, or Vyö for short, is an integral accessory in traditional Finnish dress. Originally serving a functional purpose, the Vyö has since evolved into a decorative element, with designs and materials varying from region to region.

Hattu (Hat)

The Hattu, a prominent Finnish hat, has a distinctive design for both men and women. Typically fashioned in striking shades of blue and red, these hats are not just traditional symbols but also super cool accessories. They are paired with the overall ensemble, adding a splash of colour and style to a traditional outfit.

Jalkineet (Footwear)

Reliable Jalkineet, or footwear, is of paramount importance for dealing with the diverse terrains of Finland. In the snowy north, robust leather boots prevail, while southern regions favour more intricately woven shoes. The styles may differ, but the craftsmanship and practicality remain.

Korut (Jewellery)

Korut, or traditional Finnish jewellery, is an expression of identity, nature and craftsmanship. These pieces reflect the natural environment of Finland. Traditional Sámi jewellery, such as silver brooches and woven bands, are part of Sámi culture specifically and should not be confused with Finnish national styles.

Sámi Traditional Clothing: The Gákti

The Sámi are the Indigenous people of Sápmi, which includes northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Their traditional dress, known as gákti, is not part of Finnish national costume but instead reflects Sámi cultural identity, heritage, and connection to the land.

Gákti varies between Sámi communities and regions. They are often made from wool, cotton, or reindeer leather, with details such as colours, patterns, accessories and materials carrying cultural and personal significance.

Important note: Wearing gákti without invitation or context – especially for tourism or entertainment – can be seen as disrespectful. If you’re interested in learning more, we recommend visiting Sámi-run museums or cultural centers where traditions are presented by Sámi people themselves.

When do Finns wear national costumes?

Today, Finnish national costumes are mainly worn for celebrations, folk dancing and cultural events rather than as everyday clothing. You might see them at weddings, Midsummer celebrations, folk festivals and other special occasions. Which kansallispuku someone wears is traditionally connected to a particular region or local clothing tradition rather than to the occasion itself.

Juhannus (Midsummer)

The celebration of Midsummer sees Finns embracing nature in full bloom. Traditional attire is often light and airy, with flower wreaths adorning heads, to symbolize the lushness of the longest day of the year.

Laskiainen (Shrovetide)

Winter’s joyous sledding festival, Laskiainen finds Finns donning warm and colourful outfits. They blend functionality and festivity, with thick fabrics and vibrant patterns that celebrate the joys of snowy descents and wintry fun.

Kansallispuku (other special occasions)

More than just clothing, the Kansallispuku, Finland’s national dress, is a badge of pride. Its designs vary across the regions, with each style narrating tales of local traditions, landscapes and histories.

Evolution over the years

Over time, Finnish fashion has merged traditional and contemporary elements. Today’s Finnish designers often pay homage to the past while introducing fresh interpretations.

Contemporary fashion in Finland often gives a nod to the past, integrating traditional elements in innovative ways, while ensuring the rich heritage is always present.

Where to try traditional Finnish clothing

If you’re keen to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Finnish attire, here are the best places to start.

Note on Sámi clothing (gákti): Out of respect for Sámi communities, we do not recommend trying on gákti unless you are invited to do so by Sámi people themselves. Gákti is not a costume, but a deeply meaningful expression of cultural identity. You can learn more about Sámi clothing by visiting Sámi museums or attending cultural events where it is presented by Sámi communities.

Museums

The National Museum of Finland in Helsinki is due to reopen in April 2027 following a major renovation and expansion. Its collections cover Finnish history and culture from prehistory to the present day, making it a useful stop for anyone interested in the country’s clothing and craft traditions. Entrance to the museum is free with the Helsinki Card: for more on whether buying the Helsinki Card can save you money, read our guide.

The Craft Museum of Finland in Jyväskylä is another great place to learn about traditional Finnish clothing. It’s home to the Finnish National Costume Center, where you can explore the history, craftsmanship and regional variations of Finland’s kansallispuvut.

Festivals

Various events across the country celebrate Finland’s rich heritage, where attendees often don traditional attire. Festivals such as Laskiainen offer a vibrant, hands-on experience, and some may even allow visitors to try on these beautiful garments themselves.

Workshops

For those curious about the craftsmanship behind Finnish clothing, several workshops cater to tourists. 

The Craft Museum of Finland in Jyväskylä, for example, runs various workshops where you can learn skills such as traditional embroidery.

These sessions provide insights into the intricate art of creating traditional pieces, ensuring a deeper appreciation of the skill and history involved.

How to try it for yourself

So, perhaps you want to try a Finnish outfit on for yourself? Genuine pieces of traditional clothing are not commonly found in every store, given their deep-rooted cultural significance and unique craftsmanship. 

However, there are places where you can rent or buy these precious garments.

• Your best bet is to try specialized boutiques or cultural centres in Finnish cities, especially in areas rich with local traditions. 

• Or, you could have an outfit tailor-made by an artisan tailor. This ensures that the garment not only fits perfectly but also resonates with the authenticity of tradition. The company Suomi Puku, located in Alajärvi, Finland, sells a diverse range of tailor-made traditional clothing.
• Another tip is to contact folk dance groups: they often have connections or recommendations for buying traditional clothing and are usually more than happy to share their love and knowledge of Finnish cultural wear.

You should always remember the cultural significance attached to these garments. Unlike Sámi gákti, Finnish kansallispuku isn’t restricted to members of a particular Indigenous culture. However, these are carefully researched traditional garments rather than fancy dress, so it’s worth learning about the regional costume you’re wearing and treating it with respect.

For those who appreciate a modern touch, contemporary Finnish brands like Aino and Ivana Helsinki seamlessly blend tradition into today’s styles. Ultimately, wearing Finnish clothing isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a profound embrace of history and culture.

If you’d like to learn more about Finnish design, this guided design and architecture tour of Helsinki takes you through Punavuori and the Design District, exploring the designers, architecture and international influences that have helped shape the city.

The significance of clothing in Finnish folklore and stories

Clothing also crops up in Finland’s rich tradition of folk poetry and storytelling. In the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, characters are sometimes described through what they wear and carry – the adventurous Lemminkäinen, for example, dresses for dangerous journeys with protective clothing, a knife and a sword.

Traditional folk poetry can also offer glimpses of more everyday life. The Kanteletar, a collection of Finnish folk poems first published in the 19th century, includes songs about everything from celebrations and courtship to marriage and family life.

Together, these old stories and poems give us an intriguing glimpse into the role clothing and personal possessions played in Finnish life – although they shouldn’t be taken as a literal guide to the kansallispuvut worn today.

Influence on modern Finnish fashion

Elements from historical designs, like intricate embroidery or specific patterns, often find their way into contemporary styles. 

Renowned designers such as Maija Isola (Marimekko’s best-known pattern designerà have drawn inspiration from age-old motifs, transforming them into contemporary prints. 

Brands like Aino and Ivana Helsinki continue this trend, blending traditional design features into modern attire. 

The mix of old and new serves as a testament to Finland’s respect for tradition, even as it strides confidently into the future of fashion.

Keeping Finnish clothing traditions alive

Traditional Finnish clothing may no longer be part of everyday life, but kansallispuvut are still very much worth seeking out. Visit a museum, join a local festival or simply keep an eye out during special celebrations – seeing these colourful costumes up close is a great way to discover another side of Finnish culture and its regional traditions.

Have you ever seen or worn traditional Finnish clothing? Let us know in the comments below!

See also: 
Scandinavian folk art and where to see it
All you need to know about Norwegian Rosemaling
Moomin attractions in Finland