Why do Switzerland have traditional clothing?
Western-style clothing is the norm. However, traditional
costumes can still be seen at local festivities and parades. Many
display the Swiss art of fine embroidery. Herdsmen in the Gruyère
region wear a short blue jacket of cloth or canvas called a bredzon
with sleeves gathered at the shoulders. On special occasions, women
in this region wear silk aprons, long-sleeved jackets, and straw
hats with ribbons hanging from the brim. Other traditional women's
costumes include gold lace caps in St. Gallen and dresses with
silver ornaments in Unterwalden. Traditional male dress common to
many Alpine areas are the leather shorts called lederhosen, often
worn with sturdy leather boots.