Traditional Clothing & Why It Matters In The U.S.

By: Subha Ali

What Is Considered To Be Traditional Clothing & Why It's Needed

In The U.S

Traditional clothes are a collection of garments, jewelry, and accessories that are worn by an identifiable group of people. Traditional clothes display a group’s identity and culture.

There are ethnic groups segregated into different parts of the country, creating a community for themselves. Many religious and cultural holidays are celebrated worldwide within these racial groups. People who immigrate to another country, like the United States, continue to honor those holidays wherever they are. Holidays like Holi, Eid, Christmas, Cinco de Mayo, Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, etc.

Traditional clothing and accessories are a part of one’s culture and are often worn when celebrating these cultural/religious holidays. It makes communities feel connected to their ethnicity and culture no matter where they are.

Members of communities care about having access to their traditional clothing because it keeps them connected to the customs and values that they grew up with, which are not present in the U.S. It also keeps children of immigrants that are born and raised in the U.S. connected to their culture. Traditional clothing and accessories connect to one’s roots, making a person feel at home.

Where Do People Wear Traditional Clothes

In The U.S.?

There are multiple reasons and places people would want to have traditional clothing to wear. Some people feel more comfortable in their traditional clothing rather than in Western clothing.

People also wear traditional clothing to special occasions like weddings, birthdays, parties, etc. When people attend events, housewarmings, birthday parties, etc., they gift traditional clothes or accessories to others.

Interracial marriages have also become extremely common; when two different ethnicities get married and want to have a traditional wedding that incorporates one of the cultures or both cultures, guests and the wedding party often like to wear traditional clothing to the wedding.

Children of immigrants who have grown up in the U.S. have friends of different ethnicities. Often they want to share cultural aspects like traditional clothing and accessories with their friends. Or they invite their friends to a traditional event. In that case, their friends may wish to access traditional clothing for the event.

What Are Traditional Clothing Stores & How To Find Them In Your Community

Every culture has its form of traditional clothing and looks different. From the fabric, the design, the embellishments, and the embroidery to the colors and the accessories, it is different for every culture.

Traditional clothing stores are typically small businesses within a community. Most of the clothing, accessories, and items sold at the stores are imported from the country they’re from. Depending on the area you live in, the stores may vary depending on how big the community of a specific ethnicity is.

Suppose there is clothing from a specific culture you are looking for, for example, Indian clothing. In that case, you can search on Google for “Indian clothing stores near me.” If there are any in your area, the names of the stores and locations will appear.

Why Should You Visit

Traditional Clothing Stores?

Visiting a traditional clothing store, whether you are a part of that culture or not, can be a great experience to learn more about other cultures and appreciate the beauty of the clothes. You are also supporting a local business owner who is representing their ethnicity, culture, and values and sharing them with their community.

It is an opportunity to learn more about the traditional clothing of a specific culture, the places people wear them, the stories behind them, and the values that come with them.

Conclusion:

Many aspects of culture get disconnected once you immigrate to another country, like the United States. However, traditional clothing is not one of them.

Traditional clothing is prominent in the U.S., and there are always reasons to stay connected to your culture, teach others about your culture, and wear your traditional clothing.