Traditional Icelandic Dress Costume
Embrace the historic elegance of Iceland's beautiful traditional national dress.
The traditional Icelandic national costume, or Þjóðbúningurinn, is a historic ensemble worn for weddings, festivals, and national holidays. The most recognizable women's version is the Upphlutur, featuring a fitted bodice with silver clasps, a long skirt, a striped apron, and a distinctive tail cap. This guide helps you recreate this elegant, heritage-rich look with authentic details.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $60–200
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What you need for a Traditional Icelandic Dress costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Traditional Icelandic Dress costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black maxi skirt
A long, ankle-length black skirt made of wool, felt, or heavy cotton.
DIY: Use any long, plain black skirt you already own.
White long-sleeve blouse
A crisp white cotton blouse with a high collar and slightly puffy sleeves.
DIY: A standard white button-down shirt with the collar buttoned up.
Black underbust bodice
A black vest or underbust corset, ideally decorated with silver embroidery or metallic trim along the front opening.
DIY: Decorate a plain black vest with silver fabric paint or metallic ribbon.
Silver bodice clasps
Decorative silver filigree clasps or brooches pinned along the front of the bodice.
DIY: Pin vintage-style silver brooches or jewelry findings down the front of your vest.
Striped apron
A narrow apron worn over the front of the skirt, featuring vertical stripes in muted colors like blue, red, or green.
DIY: Cut a strip of vertically striped fabric and tie it around your waist with a ribbon.
Black tail cap (Skotthúfa)
A small black velvet or wool cap with a long black tassel threaded through a silver sleeve.
DIY: Attach a long black yarn tassel with a silver bead slider to a simple black beanie or velvet cap.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Traditional Icelandic Dress costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white long-sleeve blouse and button it completely to the neck.
- 2
Slip on the long black maxi skirt, securing it at the waist.
- 3
Layer the black underbust bodice or vest over the blouse, ensuring it fits snugly.
- 4
Attach the silver filigree clasps or brooches down the front opening of the bodice to mimic traditional silver metalwork.
- 5
Tie the striped apron around your waist so it hangs neatly down the center front of the black skirt.
- 6
Style your hair into two neat braids or pin it back, then place the black tail cap on the back of your head, letting the tassel drape over your shoulder.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup natural and minimal with a fresh, rosy-cheeked complexion. Style hair into two low braids or a neat low bun to accommodate the traditional skotthúfa cap.
Traditional Icelandic Dress for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a partner wearing a traditional Icelandic Lopapeysa (yoked wool sweater) with dark trousers and boots.
- group
- Have group members wear different styles of the national dress, such as the Peysuföt (with a jacket) and the Upphlutur (bodice style).
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a simple black skirt, white shirt, red apron, and a small tasseled cap.
- Plus size
- An adjustable lace-up underbust corset provides a comfortable, custom fit over the white blouse.
Tips
- Traditional costumes are made of heavy wool, so opt for lightweight cotton or linen blends if wearing this indoors or in warm weather.
- The silver metalwork is a key feature of the dress; look for cheap Celtic or filigree-style costume jewelry to replicate the look affordably.
- Secure the small cap to your hair using bobby pins so it doesn't slip off.
- Wear black flat shoes or simple leather boots to keep the look historically accurate.
Traditional Icelandic Dress costume FAQ
- What is the traditional Icelandic costume called?
- The collective term for Icelandic national dress is Þjóðbúningurinn. The specific women's bodice style recreated here is called the Upphlutur.
- How do I make the traditional Icelandic cap (Skotthúfa)?
- You can make one by attaching a long black tassel to a close-fitting black velvet cap, using a silver bead or small metal tube to slide over the top of the tassel.
- When is this dress traditionally worn in Iceland?
- It is worn for highly formal occasions, including national holidays like Icelandic National Day (June 17th), weddings, and confirmations.
Did you know? The modern versions of these costumes were heavily promoted and standardized in the 19th century by artist Sigurður Guðmundsson to help foster a distinct national identity.