Traditional Swedish clothing varies depending on the region of the country. However, some common elements include:
- Wool clothes and accessories, due to the cold climate
- Bright red as the main color, often accented with yellow, green, navy, and white; blue in certain regions due to a shortage of the madder used to make red dye in past
- Embroidered smocks with floral and geometric patterns worn over white undergarments
- Decorative belts known as "bältes" woven and embellished into unique designs
Modern Swedish Clothing
Although many Swedes opt for a modern or contemporary dress, their attire often subtly hints at the nation's traditional clothes through design touches that pay homage to Sweden's heritage. Some features of current fashion trends in Sweden are:
- Sweaters, knits, and long coats due to harsh seasons
- Minimalistic fashion that includes monochromatic combinations
- Layering and comfort-focused design elements that embrace the concept of the Swedish outdoor lifestyle ("friluftsliv") and "lagom" (the idea of balance and living a healthy life centered around simplicity)
- Accessories designed using sustainable materials with minimalist lines, reflecting Scandinavian furniture concepts from the mid-20th century to current times