Mongolia hosts some of the coldest winters in the world, with temperatures dropping to minus 40 degrees. In such extreme conditions, traditional Mongolian clothes have nothing to do with fashion; they are a matter of life and death.
For thousands of years, Mongolian people have developed clothes that do more than cover the body. These remarkable garments are designed to protect from brutal winds, freezing temperatures, and challenging mountain and steppe environments.
In this post, you will understand how these clothes were designed to keep you warm during harsh winters and how it continues to influence today’s fashion. Continue reading to learn more about this timeless clothing culture.
RELATED: Ferguson Tartan Trends – Clothing & Accessories to Enhance Your Look
Understanding the Mongolian Climate
Mongolia’s landscape is both vast and unforgiving. Sprawling grasslands called steppes sprawl across the country, and massive mountain ranges funnel winds that can chill to the bone. Winters are long and very cold, indeed, often into ranges that are dangerous in places for anyone not appropriately dressed.
That said, traditional Mongolian clothing has evolved over centuries to help people survive and thrive in such harsh conditions, with each piece serving a specific purpose. Combining ancient wisdom and practicality, the clothing’s thoughtful design focuses on warmth, comfort, and mobility.
Below are some of the key features of Mongolian traditional wear:
1. The Deel – Multipurpose Outerwear
Arguably, the deel is the cornerstone of traditional Mongolian clothes. This long, coat-like garment resembles a wrap-around robe that goes past the knees. The deel is made of thick wool or animal skins and can provide an amazing degree of protection against cold and wind. The peculiarity of the design is that it is loose-fitting, thus allowing air pockets for extra insulation.
Most of the deels consist of a layer of wool or fur. Also, the inner layers are made from sheepskin and the fur of other animals. All of these materials turn out to be good barriers to wind and trappers of body heat. The outer layer consists of thick wool or leather, adding another layer for protection against the elements.
2. Layering – Secret to Staying Warm
Besides, Mongolian experts say that staying warm is all about layering. Modern garments might use high-tech materials, but several layers of natural materials are traditionally used to create warmth. Underneath the deel, many wear several layers of wool, silk, and animal fur.
The first layer, such as silk or fine wool, is usually fine and soft. This wicks away moisture and keeps the skin dry. The successive layers are of thickness in wool, trapping the heat close to the body. Every additional layer forms a cold barrier that works together in a protective system.
3. Footwear – Shelter from Frozen Ground
Another wonder of traditional costume design is Mongolian boots, called gutal. These boots are made from thick leather and lined with fur or wool. They are usually high, reaching almost to the knee, to protect against snow and cold wind. The soles are often made of several layers of leather and felt to insulate the feet from the frozen ground.
However, what’s interesting about these boots is how they are made. The leather is often treated with special techniques to make it water-resistant and highly durable. The fur lining isn’t only for comfort and a critical layer, keeping the feet warm in cold conditions.
4. Hats and Headwear – Covering the Most Fragile Areas
In addition, during very low temperatures, a significant percentage of the body’s heat is lost via the head. Mongolian hats have been designed to prevent that process. Traditional hats, called malakhaii in the old days, were made from fur to protect the head, ears, and face.
These hats are usually made from fox, wolf, or sheepskin skin types that help trap warmth. The fur is placed on the soft side, making it warm and insulating against strong winds.
5. Natural Materials – Key to Survival
Traditional Mongolian clothes have proven the appropriateness of application and use of natural materials: wool, fur, and features that give them spectacular properties. Wool keeps its thermal insulation capability even when wet; fur does the same, forming a pocket that insulates incredibly well.
The traditional nomadic herders perfected these clothing techniques over generations because they spent much time outdoors. Every garment was painstakingly designed to provide maximum protection with minimum weight.
Concluding Remarks
Traditional Mongolian dress is a testament to human ingenuity and survival. These garments represent millennia of knowledge on how to stay warm in extreme conditions. If you understand how Mongolian clothing uses natural materials, intelligent layering, and design elements that are functional rather than fashionable, you will realize that it teaches lessons about protection that are relevant worldwide.
Next time you’re cold, remember the great Mongolian people and their intriguing cloth traditions. Their clothing aims to keep them warm and help them thrive in the most extreme environment on earth.
