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Bunad Glossary

– English Guide to Norwegian Folk Costume Terms
Learn the language of Norwegian bunad traditions—from garments and materials to techniques and accessories.

This glossary is created for Norwegian-Americans and an international audience who want to better understand the rich tradition of the bunad, Norway’s traditional folk costume. Whether you are sewing your own bunad, exploring your heritage, or simply learning, this guide will help you navigate key terms with confidence.

👗 Garments (Plagg)

Bunad

A traditional Norwegian folk costume worn for celebrations such as Constitution Day (May 17), weddings, and cultural events. Each bunad reflects a specific region and heritage.

 

Trøye

A short, fitted jacket worn in both men’s and women’s bunads. In men’s bunads, it often resembles a historical coat.

 

Trøye (Women’s)

A tailored, fitted jacket worn with women’s bunads, typically made from wool and shaped closely to the body.

 

Liv (Bodice)

The fitted upper part of a woman’s bunad, worn over the shirt. Often decorated with embroidery or traditional detailing.

 

Vest (Waistcoat)

A sleeveless garment worn over the shirt. Common in both men’s and women’s bunads, often made from wool with woven or printed patterns.

 

Nikkers

Traditional knee-length breeches worn in men’s bunads, usually made from wool broadcloth and paired with long stockings.

 

Stakk (Skirt)

The skirt portion of a woman’s bunad, typically made from wool and constructed with pleats or gathers for fullness.

 

Forkle (Apron)

A decorative apron worn over the skirt. Materials vary and may include linen, cotton, wool, or silk.

 

Skjorte (Shirt)

A white shirt, usually made from linen or cotton. Many are hand-embroidered and require detailed craftsmanship.

 

Underskjørt (Petticoat)

A skirt worn underneath the bunad for added volume, structure, and warmth.

 

Skjoldlue

A traditional men’s hat with a structured, rounded shape, associated with 19th-century rural dress.

 

Strikkelue

A knitted wool cap historically used with some men’s bunads, especially in colder regions.

🧵 Materials & Techniques (Materialer og teknikker)

Vadmel

A dense, fulled wool fabric known for durability and warmth. Traditionally used in many bunads, especially for men’s garments.

 

Lin (Linen)

A natural fiber used for shirts, aprons, and embroidery. Valued for its breathability and historical authenticity.

 

Baskerlin

A strong, heavy linen canvas often used as structural support in garments such as waistcoats.

 

Trykk (Printed Fabric)

Decorative printed patterns, commonly used in waistcoats or aprons, often inspired by historical textiles.

 

Broderi (Embroidery)

Hand embroidery used to decorate shirts, bodices, and aprons. A key element of bunad craftsmanship and regional identity.

 

Håndsøm (Hand Sewing)

Traditional hand-sewing techniques used in bunad making, valued for precision and authenticity.

 

Rynking (Gathering)

A sewing technique used to create fullness in skirts, sleeves, and other garment sections.

 

Rulling (Rolled Hem)

A fine finishing technique used especially in shirt construction for delicate edges.

 

Faldesøm (Hem Stitch)

A hand-sewn method for finishing fabric edges neatly and securely.

 

Splittsøm (Gusset Seam)

A reinforced seam, often used under the arms to improve movement and durability.

 

Ullgarn (Wool Yarn)

Used for embroidery and decorative finishing, often matching traditional color palettes.

🎀 Accessories (Tilbehør)

Sølje

A traditional silver brooch worn at the chest or neck, often featuring dangling elements that reflect light.

 

Halsknapp

A smaller silver button or brooch used at the collar.

 

Hosebånd

Handwoven garters used to secure wool stockings below the knee.

 

Strømper (Stockings)

Wool stockings worn with both men’s and women’s bunads.

 

Bukseseler (Suspenders)

Worn with men’s breeches to hold them in place.

 

Bunadskniv

A small traditional knife worn in a leather sheath, typically attached to the belt.

 

Silkesjal (Silk Scarf)

A decorative scarf, often with floral or paisley patterns, worn around the neck or shoulders.

 

Veske (Purse)

A small bunad bag, usually made from wool or leather and often richly decorated.

 

Belte (Belt)

A belt, often adorned with silver elements, most commonly used in women’s bunads.

 

Bringeduk

A decorative beaded chest panel worn over the bodice in certain regional bunads.

🧳 Kits & Tools (Materialpakker og verktøy)

Materialpakke (Material Kit)

A complete set of materials needed to sew a bunad or accessory, often including fabric, thread, and sometimes patterns.

 

Mønster (Pattern)

A sewing pattern used to cut fabric accurately according to traditional shapes and proportions.

 

Bunadsølv (Bunad Silver)

A collective term for all traditional silver jewelry and buttons used with bunads.

 

Fingerbøl (Thimble)

Protects the finger during hand sewing.

 

Sprettekniv (Seam Ripper)

A tool used to carefully remove stitches.

 

Strykejern (Iron)

Used to press fabric and seams for a clean, professional finish.

 

Nåler (Needles)

Used for both hand sewing and machine sewing.

📺 Workshop & Process (Systue og prosess)

Systue (Workshop)

A sewing studio or workspace where bunads are made or tailored.

 

Tilskjæring (Cutting)

The process of cutting fabric pieces based on the pattern.

 

Tilpasning (Fitting)

Adjusting the garment to ensure a proper and comfortable fit.

 

Skreddersydd (Tailor-Made)

Custom-made to fit an individual wearer.

 

Halvfabrikat (Prefabricated Parts)

Partially pre-made components. Traditionally, authentic bunads emphasize handcraft over prefabrication.

 

Ferdigsydd (Finished Bunad)

A complete, ready-to-wear bunad.

At Hulda Bunader, we are proud to offer authentic materials, kits, and guidance to help you create or complete your bunad—wherever you are in the world.