How to Make Dutch Costumes

Dutch costumes are inspired by the traditional dress of the Netherlands, which is divided into 12 provinces. Each of these provinces contains its own distinct culture, which contributes to the traditional Dutch attire. Certain elements are characteristic of Dutch dress customs, all of which no Dutch costume would be complete without.

Include wooden shoes in your costume design. Wooden shoes are perhaps the most famous element of traditional Dutch dress. They were initially worn because of their longevity; wooden shoes wear well and last a long time.

Incorporate Dutch hats into your design. Dutch hats can be made in a variety of styles, so you have many options from which to choose. There are lovely lace hats, close-fitting eyelet hats, stiffly starched hats, floral hats, highly peaked hats, long-hanging hats and others - all of which are predominantly white.

Make all dresses ankle-length. Only the wooden shoes should peek out from beneath dresses. Long dresses were dictated by Dutch religion and were usually a solid color.

Sew aprons, large square collars or shawls onto the front of the dresses. Dutch dress was modest and practical. Aprons were used for cooking and cleaning. Collars were used for modesty’s sake. Shawls were used to keep warm on chilly nights.

Use striped and plaid fabrics in your design. The Dutch commonly dressed in stripes and plaids. These fabrics were usually incorporated into the upper bodice, aprons or hems of the dresses.