Georgian Folk Costume Costume
Embrace the timeless elegance of traditional Georgian heritage and culture.
The Georgian folk costume is a striking symbol of national pride, most famously represented by the men's Chokha (a tailored wool coat with cartridge slots) and the women's Kaba (an elegant, flowing gown with long sleeves). People choose this look to celebrate Georgian heritage, for cultural festivals, or for traditional dance performances. The ensemble is defined by its structured silhouette, ornamental details, and historical Caucasus styling.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $80–250
Try it on
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What you need for a Georgian Folk Costume costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Georgian Folk Costume costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Chokha Coat
A knee-length, high-necked wool or heavy cotton coat in black, navy, or burgundy, featuring decorative cartridge holders (gazyri) sewn onto both sides of the chest.
DIY: Modify a long, double-breasted black trench coat by removing the collar and sewing fabric loops on the chest to hold silver-painted wooden dowels.
Gazyri (Cartridges)
A set of 10 to 16 small wooden or silver-capped tubes inserted into the chest slots of the Chokha.
DIY: Cut wooden dowels to size, paint them silver or white, and top them with metallic silver caps.
Kaba Dress (Women's Alternative)
A long, floor-length silk or satin dress in vibrant red, blue, or green, featuring flared sleeves and gold embroidery along the bodice.
DIY: Use a long-sleeved maxi dress and sew gold metallic trim or lace along the cuffs, neckline, and front seam.
Fabric Sash or Silver Belt
A wide fabric sash for women, or a narrow leather belt with ornate silver buckles and hanging straps for men.
DIY: Use a black leather belt and attach decorative silver-painted craft foam pieces to mimic traditional metalwork.
Undershirt and Trousers
A high-collared white cotton shirt (Akhalukhi) and loose black trousers tucked into boots.
DIY: Use a plain white grandad-collar shirt and black slim-fit pants.
Leather Boots
Knee-high, soft black leather boots without laces.
DIY: Wear black leather dress shoes with black faux-leather boot covers.
Georgian Headwear
A Papakha (fluffy sheepskin hat) for men, or a Chikila (a velvet headband with a sheer white veil) for women.
DIY: For women, attach a sheer white tulle veil to a velvet headband using hairpins.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Georgian Folk Costume costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the high-collared white shirt (Akhalukhi) and tuck it into the black trousers.
- 2
Slip on the knee-high black leather boots, tucking the trousers neatly inside.
- 3
Put on the Chokha coat over the shirt, ensuring the chest slots are aligned.
- 4
Insert the decorative gazyri tubes into the chest slots on both sides of the coat.
- 5
Fasten the ornate silver-buckled belt tightly around the waist over the Chokha.
- 6
Place the fluffy Papakha hat on your head, or if wearing the women's Kaba, secure the Chikila headband and veil with bobby pins.
- 7
Adjust the sleeves and ensure the coat hangs symmetrically down to the knees.
Makeup & hair
For men, hair is typically neat, often paired with a traditional mustache or short beard. For women, hair is parted down the middle and styled into two long, neat braids hanging over the shoulders, with minimal, natural makeup.
Georgian Folk Costume for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One partner wears the black Chokha with a Papakha hat, while the other wears a matching red or blue Kaba dress with a white veil.
- group
- A group can dress in coordinating Chokhas of different colors (black, white, burgundy, and grey) to represent a traditional Georgian dance ensemble.
- kids
- A miniature version of the Chokha coat paired with soft black pants and a small faux-fur Papakha hat.
- Plus size
- The Chokha is highly adjustable; choose a wrap-around style with a wide sash belt to customize the fit comfortably.
- pet
- A small black felt cape with white felt 'cartridges' glued to the shoulders to mimic a Chokha.
Tips
- The Papakha hat can get very warm; opt for a faux-fur version with a breathable lining for indoor events.
- Ensure the gazyri tubes are secured tightly in their slots so they do not fall out while walking or dancing.
- For authentic photos, stand tall with a straight posture and hands resting lightly on your belt.
- If buying a real wool Chokha is out of budget, a heavy cotton or polyester blend mimics the structure well at a lower cost.
Georgian Folk Costume costume FAQ
- What is the name of the traditional Georgian costume?
- The traditional male costume is called a Chokha, characterized by its cartridge slots, while the traditional female dress is known as a Kaba.
- What are the tubes on the chest of a Chokha?
- They are called gazyri, which historically held pre-measured charges of gunpowder for muskets, but are now purely decorative.
- How do you style the hair for a women's Georgian costume?
- The hair is typically parted down the middle and styled into two long braids, topped with a traditional velvet headband and a sheer white veil.
Did you know? The Chokha has been worn in the Caucasus region since the 9th century and remains a popular choice for weddings and official state ceremonies in Georgia today.