Krustpils Men's Folk CostumeFold-out, Latvian State Printing House, 1958

MEN'S NATIONAL COSTUME OF THE KRUSTPILS DISTRICT

Of all festive national costumes encountered in the eastern parts of Latvia, the one worn in the Krustpils district was the most characteristic.

Three kinds of coats were common — short, three-quarter, or long. The short one was made of grey homespun for the winter, and of white linen, plain or figured, for summer wear. The three-quarter coat and the long coat were made of white or light grey homespun. Both had stand -up collars, and were hooked in front, usually fastening only the lower hooks so as to expose the shirt collar. Deep loose folds («muduri») were put into the side seams from the waist. This kind of coat was called «mudur coat». The pockets were cut-in. A braided multi-coloured belt was tied about the waist.

The trousers were made either of the same material as the coat, or of white homespun. The brightly designed socks were pulled over the trouser legs. The shoes were black with brass buckles in front. Sometimes low black boots were worn.

The shirt had a turn-down collar, attached yoke, and cuffed sleeves. The collar was bordered with narrow drawn-thread work, and finished either with a finely dented hem, or a narrow trimming of crocheted lace. The cuffs were also bordered with a narrow line of drawn-thread work, done in white or red and white. A small plain silver brooch fastened the shirt at the neck.

On festive occasions men would don a black or grey tall, broad-brimmed felt hat («ratene»). The brim was slightly turned down in front, and up at the back.