Women’s traditional folk costume, Żywiec area

A Żywiec costume is an example of a bourgeois fashion, with over 200 years of tradition. Its characteristic feature is the "złotogłowie" (gold-embroidered) bonnet and tulle elements; a ruff, a shawl called łoktusza and an apron, all embroidered with floral motifs. Similarly, a Cieszyn costume was worn not only by the local bourgeois, but also by rich peasants from the surrounding villages. Quite extraordinarily, women used to wear silver, gilded, filigree jewellery.