Mongolian traditional clothing (deel) is designed for the nomadic steppe lifestyle, featuring a distinctive long robe with diagonal front closure worn with a colorful sash. The attire is decorated with gold-thread embroidery and fur trims.
Key Features of Mongolian Attire
- Long wrap-around robe with right-side diagonal closure
- Brightly colored silk or wool sash tied at the waist
- Gold-thread embroidery on collars, cuffs, and front panels
- Distinctive pointed or rounded hats with fur or bead decorations
- High leather riding boots with upturned toes and decorative stitching
Traditional Garments
The deel is a long one-piece robe reaching below the knee, with long sleeves and diagonal front closure, secured with a cloth belt tied tightly around the waist. An embroidered vest is worn over the deel for formal occasions.
Headwear and Adornments
Men wear pointed fur hats in winter. Young women wear small caps with bead tassels. Married noble women wear the distinctive tall broad headdress adorned with silver, coral, turquoise, and peacock feathers.
Embroidery and Decorative Arts
Mongolian embroidery features floral scrolls, cloud patterns, and rams horn motifs in gold and silver thread. Embroidery appears on deel collars, cuffs, front placket, and boot uppers.
The Mongolian deel is designed so that everything needed for steppe survival can be carried in its voluminous front - the robe is simultaneously garment, pocket, blanket, and shelter.
Color Symbolism
Blue (representing the eternal sky) is the most important. Red for fire, yellow for earth, green for pastures, white for purity. Gold and silver embroidery add brilliance.
Festival Attire
During the Naadam Festival, participants wear their finest deels. Wrestlers wear distinctive brief-like garments with decorated back panels and high boots.
Modern Influence and Preservation
The Mongolian deel is worn daily by many in Inner Mongolia and has influenced Chinese and Central Asian fashion through its distinctive cut and decorative motifs.
Did You Know?
The Mongolian deel has no buttons - it is secured entirely by the sash (buse) wrapped around the waist, and the upper front panel forms a large pocket traditionally used to carry food, tobacco, and personal items.