Cretan men’s everyday costume

Κρητική ανδρική καθημερινή φορεσιά

Placeholder content: the costumes, colours and descriptions are stand-ins and not yet checked. The drawings are schematic, not reconstructions.

Parts of the costume

Tap a piece to see it on the costume.

1. 1 KerchiefA black fringed kerchief on the head.
2. 2 ShirtOften black.
3. 3 MeitanogelekoA waistcoat over the shirt.
4. 4 SashLong, wound many times round the waist.
5. 5 Vraka or breechesA black linen vraka; older men often wear riding breeches instead, black or khaki.
6. 6 StivaniaBlack leather, for rough ground.

Costume

Men’s

Occasion

Everyday

Region

Crete

The everyday form of the Cretan men’s costume is black: linen vraka, shirt, meitanogeleko, a long sash and black boots. Older men often wear a simpler version, with black or khaki riding breeches, a black shirt, black boots and a fringed kerchief on the head.

More from the region

• Anogeiani women’s costume (sartza)Women’s · Festive
• Cretan men’s festive costume with the vrakaMen’s · Festive
• Kritsa women’s costume (kouda)Women’s · Festive
• Sfakiani women’s costumeWomen’s · Festive

All costumes: Crete