Traditional Dutch clothing
Besides cuisine, one of the most recognizable elements of any culture is its traditional dress. Here’s an introduction to traditional Dutch clothing and the regional styles that shaped it.
Although no longer part of everyday fashion—having given way to global clothing trends—traditional Dutch attire remains a powerful cultural symbol. The most iconic item is undoubtedly the wooden clog (klompen), often associated with the Netherlands worldwide. However, these shoes are just one small part of a much richer clothing tradition.
Historically, each region in the Netherlands developed its own distinctive style of dress. Clothing varied not only by province, but sometimes even by village, and was worn differently for daily life, weddings, funerals, and religious occasions. Today, these traditions can be explored and even experienced at the Dutch Costume Museum in Amsterdam.
Dutch Costume Museum: celebrating traditional Dutch clothing and culture
Traditional Dutch clothing includes a wide range of garments such as dresses, skirts, trousers, blouses, aprons, hats, bonnets, and decorative accessories. Styles differ greatly from region to region and reflect local history, occupations, and craftsmanship.
Some of the most recognizable costumes come from Volendam, a historic fishing village known for its women’s pointed and curled bonnets. Other notable garments found across the country include the kraplap—a stiff, often richly decorated shoulder cloth—and the klepbroek, a traditional style of men’s trousers. These items highlight how traditional craftsmanship played an essential role in shaping regional identity.
While the familiar “little Dutch girl” costumes sold in souvenir and fancy-dress shops are loosely inspired by authentic outfits, they often lack the detail and variation seen in real historical clothing. The Dutch Costume Museum provides a far more accurate and nuanced picture.
Housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house on Amsterdam’s Herengracht, the museum itself is part of the experience. The building features classic architectural elements such as twin gables and even an original Delft Blue toilet, adding to its historical charm.
Inside, seven themed rooms each represent a different Dutch region, including Volendam, Marken, Hindeloopen, Staphorst, Spakenburg, Urk, and Zeeland. Each room showcases not only regional clothing, but also the traditions, crafts, and history that shaped local communities. Visitors can also view a striking photographic exhibition by Jimmy Nelson, featuring residents of Marken dressed in traditional attire.
Exploring the museum offers more than a look at historic clothing—it provides an immersive journey into Dutch cultural heritage, past and present.
Take a photo in traditional Dutch dress
For a memorable souvenir from Amsterdam, visitors can have their photo taken in traditional Dutch clothing—most famously in the Volendam style—at the museum. After changing into the full outfit, complete with bonnets and accessories, guests pose in front of a classic Dutch backdrop featuring Delft Blue ceramics and tulips.
While visitors change back into modern clothes, the photos are printed and ready to take home, making it a fun and uniquely Dutch keepsake.
Host an event at the Dutch Clothing Museum
Choosing the right venue is essential when organizing an event—especially when welcoming international guests seeking an authentic Amsterdam experience. The Dutch Costume Museum offers an intimate and distinctive setting within a historic canal house, which can be reserved in its entirety for private events.
Custom-made event packages cater to everything from informal business gatherings to formal dinners. Guests can be welcomed with traditional Dutch jenever and classic snacks such as smoked sausage, pickles, and aged cheese, or enjoy a standing multi-course buffet followed by a private museum tour.
For a hands-on cultural experience, the museum can also organize a one-hour workshop on Staphorster stipwerk, a traditional fabric-decorating technique using paint and needles. Participants create and take home their own decorated bag. To round off the event, guests can commemorate the occasion with a group photo dressed in traditional Dutch costume.
Learn and shop at the museum
A visit to the museum wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the shop. Here, visitors can browse traditional textiles, clothing, jewelry, handcrafted items, and unique gifts for children. The museum also hosts regular workshops—typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays—where participants can learn traditional techniques and crafts (dates vary, so it’s best to check ahead).
Traditional Dutch clothing may rarely be seen on the streets today, but it remains instantly recognizable around the world. A visit to the Dutch Costume Museum offers a rare opportunity to explore the diversity of regional Dutch dress—and even step into it yourself.