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Every May 17th, Norwegian-Americans across the United States celebrate Syttende Mai — Norway's Constitution Day. In cities from Minneapolis to Seattle, in church halls and city parks, you will find people dressed in Norwegian bunads: the traditional regional costumes that have defined Norwegian identity for generations.
If you have ever watched a Syttende Mai parade and wondered what those garments are, where they come from, and whether you could wear one yourself — this guide is for you.
What Is a Norwegian Bunad?
A Norwegian bunad is a handmade traditional garment rooted in the regional folk costume traditions of Norway. Unlike generic "Scandinavian costumes" sold online, an authentic bunad is tied to a specific Norwegian region — Østerdalen, Hardanger, Telemark, Trøndelag, and many others — and is made using traditional fabrics, embroidery techniques, and craftsmanship methods passed down through generations.
Wearing a bunad is not simply wearing old-fashioned clothing. It is a statement of identity, heritage, and pride.
Why Do Norwegian-Americans Wear Bunads on Syttende Mai?
Syttende Mai — the 17th of May — marks the signing of Norway's Constitution in 1814. In Norway, it is the biggest national celebration of the year, marked by children's parades, brass bands, and thousands of people dressed in regional bunads.
For Norwegian-Americans, Syttende Mai became a way to keep that connection alive — especially in communities with strong Norwegian roots, like those in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and the Pacific Northwest. The bunad became the most visible expression of that heritage.
Today, many Norwegian-Americans own a bunad passed down from parents or grandparents who emigrated from Norway. Others are discovering or rediscovering the tradition and choosing to order an authentic bunad for the first time.
Which Bunad Should a Norwegian-American Wear?
This is one of the most common questions we receive at Hulda Bunader.
The traditional answer is that your bunad should reflect the region your family comes from in Norway. If your great-grandmother emigrated from Østerdalen, you would traditionally wear an Østerdalen bunad. If your roots are in Hardanger, the Hardangerbunad would be the natural choice.
In practice, many Norwegian-Americans do not know their exact regional origin — or come from multiple regions. In those cases, it is perfectly acceptable to choose a bunad tradition that resonates with you, or to seek guidance from a knowledgeable bunad maker. Find Your Bunad Region
Can You Order an Authentic Norwegian Bunad from the United States?
Yes — and it is more straightforward than many people expect.
At Hulda Bunader, we work with Norwegian-Americans across the United States who want an authentic bunad made in Norway. We guide you through the traditions, help with measurements, and ship directly from Norway to your door.
The process takes time — a handmade bunad is not something rushed — but the result is a garment built to last for decades and be passed on within your family.
How to Order a Norwegian Bunad from Norway – Step by Step
What If You Want to Sew Your Own Bunad?
Many Norwegian-Americans have a sewing background — or a family tradition of making bunads by hand. For those, we offer authentic Norwegian bunad fabrics, material kits, and traditional sewing supplies shipped directly from Norway.
Sewing your own bunad is a deeply meaningful project. Every stitch is a connection to the tradition. Our material kits include the same fabrics used by bunad makers in Norway, sourced from trusted Norwegian producers.
Getting Ready for Syttende Mai
If you are planning to wear a Norwegian bunad at a Syttende Mai celebration, here are a few things to keep in mind:
A complete handmade bunad takes time to produce — typically several months. If you are ordering for a specific occasion, contact us early.
If you already own a bunad that needs repairs, alterations, or missing accessories, we can help you source authentic Norwegian materials for restoration.
If you are simply beginning your research, our guides on bunad traditions, regional origins, and materials are a good starting point.
Syttende Mai is one of the most joyful expressions of Norwegian heritage. The bunad you wear on that day carries the weight of history, the pride of a region, and the care of the hands that made it.
— Hulda Bunader