What is the traditional dress of New Zealand called?

New Zealand does not have a Western-style national dress; its traditional clothing is Māori attire, which includes garments like the piupiu (skirt) and korowai (cloak).

How do you make a DIY piupiu skirt?

You can make a simplified version by hanging black and natural-colored wool cords, thick yarn, or decorated paper tubes from a woven waistband.

What do the patterns on the clothing mean?

The geometric patterns, known as tāniko, represent different stories, tribal lineages, and natural elements like weaving, waves, or fish scales.

Traditional New Zealand Dress

Traditional New Zealand Dress Costume

Honor New Zealand's heritage with traditional Māori garments and patterns.

While New Zealand does not have a modern Western national dress, its true traditional attire is that of the indigenous Māori people. This guide helps you assemble a respectful representation of traditional Māori dress, typically worn for cultural performances (Kapa Haka). The look centers around a woven bodice, a paneled piupiu skirt, and a feather-trimmed shoulder cloak.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~45 min
Budget: $40–120

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What you need for a Traditional New Zealand Dress costume

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Spirit Halloween sells the complete Traditional New Zealand Dress costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

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Tāniko Bodice (Pari)
A structured top or bodice featuring red, black, and white geometric Māori patterns.
DIY: Fabric paint red, black, and white geometric triangle patterns onto a plain black tube top.
Amazon
Piupiu Skirt
A skirt made of black and natural-colored hanging cords or tassels to simulate dried flax.
DIY: Thread black and tan yarn or painted paper straws onto a thick cord belt to create a fringed skirt.
Amazon
Korowai (Shoulder Cloak)
A small shoulder cape decorated with black tassels and a top band of brown, white, or black faux feathers.
DIY: Glue a row of faux feathers and black yarn tassels to the top edge of a small rectangle of woven burlap fabric.
Amazon
Hei-Tiki Necklace
A green pendant carved in the shape of a tiki figure, worn on a black cord.
DIY: Cut a tiki shape out of green polymer clay, bake it, and thread it onto a black cord.
Amazon
Tātua (Belt)
A wide woven belt with red, black, and white geometric designs.
DIY: Use a wide black belt and fabric-glue a strip of printed geometric ribbon across the center.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Traditional New Zealand Dress costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on a black base layer, such as a fitted black tank top or t-shirt, under the bodice.
2
Secure the patterned tāniko bodice (pari) over your chest, ensuring the geometric patterns are centered.
3
Fasten the piupiu-style tassel skirt around your waist, adjusting it so the vertical cords hang evenly.
4
Tie the woven tātua belt over the waistband of the skirt to secure it in place.
5
Drape the feather-trimmed korowai cloak over your shoulders and fasten it securely at the collarbone.
6
Slip the greenstone hei-tiki necklace around your neck.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair neat; women traditionally wear it long or tied back, sometimes adorned with a single feather. Apply temporary tā moko (traditional markings) on the chin (moko kauae) for women or the face/arms for men using a black makeup pencil.

Traditional New Zealand Dress for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: One partner wears the pari bodice and piupiu, while the other wears a traditional tātua belt, piupiu, and shoulder cloak over a bare chest or black shirt.
group: Form a Kapa Haka performance group with matching red, black, and white geometric patterns and matching feather cloaks.
kids: Use a printed t-shirt with tāniko patterns paired with a simple black and white felt fringe skirt.
Plus size: Opt for an adjustable wrap-around piupiu skirt and a tie-back bodice for a customizable fit.

Tips

Always approach this outfit with cultural respect, as these garments carry deep spiritual and historical significance for the Māori people.
If you cannot find a real piupiu, you can DIY one using thick brown and black yarn or painted paper straws threaded onto a cord.
Ensure the cloak is fastened securely so it doesn't slip off your shoulders when moving.

Traditional New Zealand Dress costume FAQ

What is the traditional dress of New Zealand called?: New Zealand does not have a Western-style national dress; its traditional clothing is Māori attire, which includes garments like the piupiu (skirt) and korowai (cloak).
How do you make a DIY piupiu skirt?: You can make a simplified version by hanging black and natural-colored wool cords, thick yarn, or decorated paper tubes from a woven waistband.
What do the patterns on the clothing mean?: The geometric patterns, known as tāniko, represent different stories, tribal lineages, and natural elements like weaving, waves, or fish scales.

Did you know? The traditional piupiu skirt makes a distinctive rustling and clicking sound when the wearer moves, which adds a rhythmic element to traditional Māori dances and performances.