The North Estonian group of folk costumes consists of the ones of Harju, Järva and Viru counties. That group was quite uniform, although local differences existed here as well. In Viru county several specific local features were preserved much longer than in the regions west of Viru county. Coastal areas were distinguished for their Finnish influence, on the northern coast of Lake Peipsi Votic and Russian features could be traced. Innovations in fashion were introduced first of all in the vicinity of Tallinn. At the end of the 19th century, dresses tight at the bodice and with a full skirt were worn all over North Estonia and especially in Viru county.
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The most characteristic feature of
women's costumes in North Estonia was that beginning from the 17th century,
short blouses - midriffs - were worn over
undershirts.
Floral patterns (see picture) embroidered in low stitches on the coifs and blouses was another specific feature of women's costumes of North Estonia. The third characteristic feature was women's pot-shaped caps which became common at the beginning of the 19th century. |
Several phenomena connected with new fashions made their appearance first of all in North Estonia, later on also spreading elsewhere: men's suits consisting of breeches and shortcoats, women's vertically striped skirts and the indigo-blue colour in woollen cloths could serve as examples.