Traditional Georgian Dress Costume
Embody the rich heritage and elegant silhouettes of traditional Georgian attire.
Traditional Georgian dress, known for its striking silhouettes, reflects the rich cultural history of the Caucasus region. Men typically wear the 'Chokha,' a high-necked wool coat adorned with cartridge holders (masri), while women wear the 'Kartuli,' a long, flowing dress cinched tightly at the waist. This guide helps you recreate these iconic, noble garments for cultural festivals, performances, or costume events.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $60–250
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What you need for a Traditional Georgian Dress costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Traditional Georgian Dress costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Chokha Coat (Men's)
A knee-length, high-necked wool or heavy cotton coat in black, navy, or burgundy, featuring a flared skirt and open chest slots for cartridge holders.
DIY: Modify a long, double-breasted trench coat by removing the collar, sewing it closed up to the neck, and flaring the skirt.
Gazyri (Cartridge Holders)
A row of decorative wooden or metallic tubes inserted into sewn pockets on both sides of the coat's chest.
DIY: Cut silver-painted wooden dowels or paper straw segments and glue them into small fabric loops sewn onto the chest.
Fabric Belt with Dagger
A narrow leather belt adorned with silver metal plates, holding a decorative Caucasian dagger (Kindjal) in its sheath.
DIY: Use a black leather belt and attach silver-painted foam accents, hanging a lightweight plastic toy dagger.
Kartuli Dress (Women's)
A floor-length gown with a fitted bodice, long slit sleeves revealing an under-layer, and elaborate embroidery along the front seam.
DIY: Combine a long-sleeved satin maxi dress with a matching long vest or robe that has split, hanging sleeves.
Chikhta-Kopi (Women's Headpiece)
A velvet head crown or headband with a sheer white veil (lechaki) draped down the back.
DIY: Wrap a thick headband in red or blue velvet, attach a long piece of white tulle or organza to the back, and pin it to your hair.
Leather Boots
Soft, knee-high black leather boots worn tucked under the trousers or visible beneath the coat.
DIY: Wear simple black dress shoes with black fabric gaiters or tall black socks.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Traditional Georgian Dress costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
For the Chokha look, put on a high-collared black undershirt and dark, slim-fit trousers.
- 2
Slip on the Chokha coat, ensuring the chest pockets are filled with the decorative gazyri tubes.
- 3
Fasten the narrow leather belt tightly around the waist, positioning the decorative dagger directly in the center front.
- 4
For the Kartuli look, put on the long satin dress, ensuring the waist is fitted and the long, split sleeves drape elegantly.
- 5
Secure the velvet chikhta-kopi headpiece onto your head, letting the white veil drape softly over your shoulders.
- 6
Put on the knee-high black leather boots or simple black dress shoes.
- 7
Stand tall with a straight, proud posture to reflect the traditional Georgian dance stance.
Makeup & hair
For women, style hair in two long, neat braids draped over the shoulders, paired with clean, classic makeup and defined eyebrows. For men, neat hair or a traditional papakha (sheepskin hat) completes the look.
Traditional Georgian Dress for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One partner wears the black or burgundy Chokha coat with a dagger, while the other wears the elegant, flowing white or blue Kartuli dress.
- group
- A group can wear coordinating Chokhas in different colors (black, white, red, grey) to represent a traditional Georgian dance ensemble.
- kids
- A miniature Chokha coat made of soft felt with felt cartridge inserts is comfortable and lightweight for children.
- Plus size
- The Chokha's flared skirt and adjustable belt provide a highly flattering, structured silhouette for all body types.
Tips
- Keep the gazyri (cartridges) lightweight; heavy wooden dowels can cause the chest fabric of the coat to sag.
- If performing or dancing, ensure the boots are flexible and have good traction, as traditional Georgian dance involves intense footwork.
- Use safety pins on the inside of the women's headpiece to keep the veil securely anchored during movement.
Traditional Georgian Dress costume FAQ
- What is the traditional Georgian costume called?
- The traditional male costume is called the Chokha, characterized by the coat with cartridge holders. The traditional female dress is known as the Kartuli.
- What do the tubes on the chest of the Chokha represent?
- They are called gazyri, which were originally bullet or gunpowder cartridges carried by Caucasus warriors. Today, they are purely decorative elements of the national dress.
- Can I make a DIY Chokha?
- Yes, you can modify a long, collarless black coat by sewing fabric loops onto the chest to hold painted wooden dowels, and cinching it with a silver-buckled belt.
Did you know? The Chokha was used as official military uniform in Georgia from the late 19th century until the 1920s, and it remains a powerful symbol of national pride worn at weddings and festivals today.