Traditional Mongolian Costume
Embrace the timeless elegance of the nomadic Mongolian deel robe.
The traditional attire of Mongolia centers on the deel, a practical and beautiful calf-length robe worn by nomadic peoples for centuries. This look is highly recognizable for its high collar, side-button closure, and vibrant fabric sash. It is a popular choice for cultural festivals, educational presentations, and heritage celebrations.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $45–150
Try it on
See yourself as Traditional Mongolian
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What you need for a Traditional Mongolian costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Traditional Mongolian costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Deel Robe
A calf-length, long-sleeved robe with a high collar, overlapping front flap, and side button closures, typically made of silk, brocade, or cotton.
DIY: Modify a long, high-collared wrap robe or double-breasted trench coat by adding decorative fabric trim along the collar and edge.
Fabric Sash (Buse)
A long, wide strip of contrasting silk or satin fabric, typically in bright yellow, orange, or green, wrapped tightly around the waist.
DIY: Cut a 3-yard strip of bright yellow or orange satin fabric, fold it lengthwise, and wrap it around your waist.
Mongolian Boots (Gutal)
Knee-high leather boots with upturned toes and decorative embroidery or leather tooling.
DIY: Wear standard knee-high brown or black leather boots, and optionally attach felt or foam upturned toe covers.
Traditional Hat (Malghai)
A pointed dome-shaped hat with a velvet or fur brim and a red ribbon tassel hanging from the top.
DIY: Construct a conical hat out of blue or red fabric, line the brim with faux fur, and attach a red tassel to the apex.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Traditional Mongolian costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on a comfortable base layer of lightweight pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
- 2
Slip on the deel robe, overlapping the front right panel over the left, and secure the buttons at the collar and right shoulder.
- 3
Wrap the long fabric sash tightly around your waist several times, tucking the ends in securely to create a clean look.
- 4
Step into the knee-high leather boots, tucking the bottom of the deel slightly if needed for movement.
- 5
Place the traditional pointed malghai hat squarely on your head.
- 6
Smooth out the fabric of the robe above the sash to create a slightly bloused, traditional silhouette.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup natural and minimal. For hair, style it in neat braids or a clean bun, or leave it natural under the traditional hat.
Traditional Mongolian for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person wears a traditional male-style deel with a wide leather-accented sash, while the other wears a female-style embroidered deel with ornate silver-style hair jewelry.
- group
- A group can wear deels in coordinating colors (such as deep blues, rich reds, and emerald greens) representing different seasonal styles.
- kids
- A miniature colorful cotton deel with a simple velcro-fastening sash and soft boots for easy movement.
- Plus size
- The wrap-around nature of the deel is highly adjustable; choose a wide sash to comfortably secure the overlapping panels at the waist.
Tips
- The sash is functional; wrap it snugly to help distribute the weight of the heavy robe fabric.
- If wearing this in warm weather, opt for a lightweight cotton or faux-silk deel rather than heavy wool or brocade.
- For authentic photos, pose standing tall with hands clasped in front or resting on the sash belt.
Traditional Mongolian costume FAQ
- What is a Mongolian deel?
- A deel is a traditional, calf-length tunic or robe worn by Mongolians. It has a high collar, overlaps in the front, and is secured with a sash and buttons on the right side.
- How do you tie a Mongolian sash?
- The sash (buse) is wrapped tightly around the waist multiple times from front to back, then tucked in securely at the sides to keep the robe closed and support the lower back.
- Can I make a DIY Mongolian costume?
- Yes, you can adapt a long wrap-around robe or kaftan by adding a high mandarin collar, sewing decorative trim along the diagonal closure, and wrapping a wide satin sash around the waist.
Did you know? The upturned toe of the traditional Mongolian boot (gutal) is designed not to kick up dust or damage the grass, reflecting the nomadic culture's deep respect for nature.