Can You Name These Clothing Items From Around the World?

By: Beth Hendricks
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Can You Name These Clothing Items From Around the World?
Image: Jung Getty/Moment/GettyImages

About This Quiz

Fashion has long separated and defined one culture from another, just as languages, dialects, foods, flags and customs have.

In the United States alone, consider the various styles that differ from region to region and period in history. Newsboys in New York City popularized knickerbockers, while further south in Texas, the 10-gallon hat became as synonymous with cowboys as horses did. Move outside the U.S.'s melting pot, and you'll find fashion trends and traditional dress that change every couple hundred miles. Berets that became mainstream in France were largely ignored in Germany in favor of lederhosen and dirndl. Sleek kimonos were the dress of choice in Japan while other Asian countries preferred plainer, collarless tunics.

Even as casual observers, we have come to associate certain styles and fashions with certain cultures. Now we want to know just as closely you've been paying attention to fashion throughout the years ... and across the world! In this quiz, you'll find some common (and some lesser-known) clothing items from around the world. Don your fashionable thinking cap and see if you can pair these pants, ponchos and party dresses (and probably a few things that don't start with P!) with their particular place on the globe.

Kimono
Xavierarnau / E+ / Getty Images
Travel to Japan and you'll see this traditional robe that may be worn by men or women. What is it?
Kimono
Cardigan
Dungarees
Fez
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The word "kimono" translates in English to "the thing worn on the shoulders." Though they are traditionally associated with women's dress, men sometimes wear the gender-neutral garment as well. The pattern on a kimono often has symbolism as well, such as longevity or good fortune.

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Kilt
British Modern Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these clothing items is known as the "National Dress of Scotland?"
Gabardine
Cummerbund
Chemise
Kilt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Kilts came to popularity in the 16th century, when they would cover the wearer from the neck to below the knee. Later, kilt wearers turned to just the part that resembles a skirt. Today, it is worn mostly for formal events or ceremonies.

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Flamenco
Harrastaja / E+ / Getty Images
Now this is a dress with flare! Which of these pieces is most commonly known to be worn by dancers in Spain?
Tartan
Flamenco
Sporran
Dirndl
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The flamenco dress, or traje de flamenca as it is known in Spain, is a ruffly dress designed to impress when the dancers wearing them are performing. The most complex of the flamenco dresses is known as a bata de cola, which has a long train that can be guided by the dancer.

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Sari
Hadnyah / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these clothing items is a single length of fabric, up to 9 yards in length?
Camisole
Sari
Anorak
Cravat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The traditional attire worn by women throughout India, the sari is both simple and complex at the same time. It's simple because it's a single piece of fabric, but complex because it can be styled in so many different ways.

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Lederhosen
4FR / E+ / Getty Images
Shorts with suspenders doesn't sound like much of a fashion statement unless you live in Germany. What do they call this attire?
Fez
Jodhpurs
Lederhosen
Muumuu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lederhosen can best be described as short pants, usually hitting at the knee, accompanied by a type of suspender system that goes over the shoulders. This garment was typically worn by workers who found them simpler to keep clean.

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Agbada
Wiki Commons by Buyauthenticrecords
This garment constitutes a full three-piece wardrobe. What is this West African apparel called?
Gaiters
Agbada
Pinafore
Kit
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The agbada is often used to describe just a robe-length garment worn by men, although it can contain up to three full pieces of clothing including a pair of trousers that taper toward the ankle, a long-sleeved shirt and the robe worn over both.

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Coiffe
Wiki Commons by XIIIfromTOKYO
Lace for days! Which of these customary headdresses in France have separate designs for single, married and widowed ladies?
Shalvar
Fedora
Coiffe
Kroje
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The coiffe, once a staple of wardrobes in the Brittany area of France, is now mostly worn for formal occasions. They are ornate lace headpieces in different designs for a woman's varying stages of life but can be upward of 15 to 16 inches high on top of the head.

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Toga
Wiki Commons by Albert Kretschmer
Julius Caesar probably wore one of these. Which of these was a staple in ancient Roman closets?
Espadrilles
Chacabana
Caftan
Toga
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You've seen the pictures: Great orators of ancient Rome, addressing a crowd, wearing what looks like a bedsheet wrapped around and around them. This article of clothing was actually known as a toga, made of wool, and with various designs for different class systems.

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Mukluks
Wiki Commons by Djembayz
These boots were made for walkin' ... and out of reindeer skin. What is the name of these shoes popular in Arctic circles?
Tuque
Mukluks
Pancho
Goucho
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Today, a modern company has coined the brand name, Mukluks, but the original "mukluk" was a boot fashioned from the skin of a seal or reindeer. Mukluks are a favorite in Arctic areas to protect feet from the cold.

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Ghutrah
Image Source / Image Source / Getty Images
This distinctive red-and-white headdress goes by different names, depending on where you are in the Middle East. What is it called in Saudia Arabia?
Ghutrah
Lika
Opanci
Kimono
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The ghutrah, as it is known in Saudi Arabia, also goes by "shemagh" and "keffiyeh" throughout the Middle East. It is traditionally red and white and worn by men throughout the region, accompanied by a black sash.

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Sombrero
Ivy Reynolds / DigitalVision / Getty Images
The cartoon mouse Speedy Gonzales from "Looney Tunes" was known to wear which of these?
Cowichan
Sombrero
Lappa
Dhoti
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The sombrero is as synonymous with Mexico as it is with the world's fastest cartoon mouse. This wide-brimmed headpiece is designed to help the wearer block the sun's rays in Mexico's steamy climate.

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Klomp
Wiki Commons by Algont
This style of shoe, known popularly as a clog, is called by what name in its native Netherlands?
Tam
Klomp
Poffer
Tocado
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

One shoe makes a klomp, but a pair are a klompen in their native Netherlands. Their name may be attributed to the sound they make when worn, which they still are daily in their European homeland.

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Hijab
Mireya Acierto / DigitalVision / Getty Images
This headscarf is an essential piece of a Muslim woman's wardrobe, covering her head and her hair. What is it called?
Burka
Sari
Hanbok
Hijab
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Women of the Muslim faith wear a hijab as a means of covering their heads, a literal interpretation of what the word "hijab" means. This is sometimes confused with a burka, which also conceals the face.

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Dashiki
WilliamSherman / E+ / Getty Images
Popular in Africa, which of these clothing items features bright colors in a pullover tunic-style top?
Dashiki
Tantour
Thawb
Chokha
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The dashiki has been a favorite of African countries, particularly Nigeria, for years. It was originally created as a brightly-colored pullover tunic for men to wear to work while keeping the heat at bay.

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Dirndl
4FR / E+ / Getty Images
You may have seen women wearing this dress at an Oktoberfest event. What is it called in German?
Ulos
Brogue
Dirndl
Sampot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A dirndl is a traditional dress worn by women in Germany and Austria that features a knee-length design and a typically cinched waist. This is the female wardrobe counterpart to the man's lederhosen.

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Bolero
FernandoAH / E+ / Getty Images
This Spanish jacket has been influenced by both dancing and fighting. What is it called?
Kaftan
Bolero
Junihitoe
Vaquero
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The bolero jacket, a cropped ornate jacket that first appeared in the 19th century, draws its inspiration from bullfighting, which is rooted in a type of Spanish dance. Today, the bolero is similar to what you might think of as a shrug.

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Tam O'Shanter
Lisay / E+ / Getty Images
A Scottish bonnet worn by men, this hat derived its name from a poem by Robert Burns. What is it called?
Shalvar
Kroje
Tam O'Shanter
Peplos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

So goes the Burns poem, "... This truth finds honest Tam o' Shanter ... ," which somehow became the name for a Scottish hat typically knitted from a single piece of fabric. Tam O'Shanter hats usually come in a plaid pattern.

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Aloha shirt
Trevor Williams / Photodisc / Getty Images
Which of these shirts, popular in Hawaii, is also celebrated in the mainland?
Mackinaw shirt
Madras shirt
Aloha shirt
Breton shirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

An "aloha shirt" or "Hawaiian shirt" is a favorite in its originating Hawaii, but today, you can find these style of breezy, button-down shirt in just about any store throughout the U.S.

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Sarape
Robert Harding / Robertharding / Getty Images
Clint Eastwood popularized this Mexican shawl, which can also double as blanket or wall hanging. What is it?
Sarape
Tuque
Amauti
Pollo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Mexican sarape may be as popular as the Mexican sombrero, coming in a variety of colors typically accented with fringe. The colorful patterns are by design, too — ancient civilizations believed the colors would safeguard from evil spirits.

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Beret
UygarGeographic / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these wardrobe pieces, a staple in France, might remind you of a pancake?
Toquilla
Beret
Kandura
Breton
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The beret has an interesting and varied history, from being worn at one time by only the poorest individuals in society to being adopted as a piece worn by military leaders and political activists. We like to think of it atop a Frenchman's head, though, eating a baguette at a Parisian cafe.

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Knickerbockers
ImagineGolf / E+ / Getty Images
Before MC Hammer made baggy pants famous, these loose-fitting, knee-length trousers were particularly popular with golfers and newsboys. What were they called?
Knickerbockers
Madras
Montera pants
Bandoliers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

New York now has the Knicks, which is short for Knickerbockers, which — you guessed it — came from the popular pants style in the early 20th century. Knickerbockers later became just "knickers," and the team became the Knicks.

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Stetson
Wiki Commons by -oo0(GoldTrader)0oo-
Cowboys made the "10-gallon" version of this popular in the United States. What do we know it as?
Pareo
Stetson
Amauti
Sulu
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 10-gallon Stetson hat is nearly a requirement if you live in Texas. Most people are unclear where it earned its "10-gallon" description, though, going back and forth between the image of it holding 10 gallons of water (it won't) and it drawing inspiration from Mexico's "tan galón" sombrero.

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Rastacap
John images / Moment / Getty Images
Travel to Jamaica and you're likely to see more than a few people wearing which of these pieces?
Rastacap
Tracht
Bonnet
Guayabera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jamaicans favor the "rastacap," which is a bulbous, woven hat, thanks to extra room up top to accommodate braids or dreadlocks. The cap has also been associated with religious beliefs of Rastafari on the island.

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Luhkka
MSW / Cultura / Getty Images
Made from wool to keep the wearer warm, these pieces resemble a poncho with a hood. What do they call these in Russia?
Luhkka
Trews
Chiton
Coppola
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The luhkka is designed with colder temperatures in mind, helping cover the wearer from the top of their head to at least their waist. In the U.S., we might most closely associate these with the design of a poncho.

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Shuka
Brittak / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these African garments is also sometimes referred to as a blanket, due to its size and shape?
Shuka
Yoke
Zoris
Girdle
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The shuka is typically attributed to the Maasai people of eastern Africa, with it drawing parallels to a blanket thanks to its size and shape. Shukas are predominantly red and can be worn wrapped any number of ways.

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Aran
ParkerDeen / E+ / Getty Images
In the United States, we tack the word "fisherman's" to the beginning of this sweater, but in Ireland, it is known as which of these?
Faixa
Aran
Poffer
Kroj
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These chunky sweaters favored by many in the United States actually have roots in Ireland as an "Aran jumper." This piece earned its name from the region in which it originated, the Aran Islands.

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Wimple
Kparis / E+ / Getty Images
This one-time headpiece covers a woman's chin, neck and hair, exposing only the face. What was it called?
Chador
Wimple
Kebaya
Sinh
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A wimple was designed to expose only the most essential parts of the face from the forehead to just below the mouth. Women in medieval times wore these to demonstrate their modesty.

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Huipil
Wiki Commons by AlejandroLinaresGarcia
Heavily embroidered or more simple, which of these traditional dresses is favored by women in Central America?
Huipil
Sarong
Arkhalig
Ulos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You've likely seen these popular dresses around and didn't know what they're called. The huipil can be very ornate or much simpler, and covers a variety of clothing types from shirts to a poncho-style piece to a full-length dress.

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Obi
Shoko Shimabukuro / E+ / Getty Images
In Japan, if you have a kimono, you're probably going to need one of these to go with it. What is it?
Sokutai
Lavalava
Obi
Gaucho
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The "obi" is part of the kimono attire in Japanese society, functioning as a type of belt or sash to complement the outfit. Obis vary in color and design based on the person wearing them.

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Kurta
Aliraza Khatri's Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these colorless and collarless styles is popular in India?
Clout
Kurta
Shirta
Aloha
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

These might remind you of a long nightshirt of sorts. The kurta is a tunic-style top with no collar (and no color, typically) worn by men throughout India. Pants to accompany a kurta are known as "pajama."

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Non la
JethuynhCan / Moment / Getty Images
Which of these Vietnamese hats bears a striking resemblance to a cone?
Non la
Fedora
Stetson
Songket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Vietnamese "non la," which means leaf hat, should perhaps mean "cone hat" instead. Its shape comes to a peak at the top, tapering down on the side to form a wide cone. The design is said to help protect the wearer from sun and rain.

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Chiton
DaydreamGirl / E+ / Getty Images
This ancient Grecian garment differed from the toga in that it was sown rather than draped. What did they call it?
Opanci
Chiton
Faixa
Sarot
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You may find the chiton and the toga to be similar in appearance, but the two are, in fact, different. A chiton was sewn, particularly around the shoulders and along the sides, while a toga was gently draped (but had no stitching).

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Kebaya
Nora Carol Photography / Moment / Getty Images
Is it a dress? Is it a blouse? Perhaps it's both. Which of these wardrobe pieces is a staple for Indonesian women?
Parka
Kebaya
Sarong
Tam
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

It started as a wardrobe piece for royals but was loved by so many that it became a regular wardrobe item for women in Indonesia as well as the nations of Malaysia, Thailand and other countries. It mimics both a blouse and a dress and often incorporates lace or silk.

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Pareo
Btrenkei / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these should you grab if you go on an adventure to Tahiti?
Rebozo
Pareo
Selendang
Pollera
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Similar to a sarong, the "pareo" is popular in Tahiti and nearby islands as a length of fabric tied around the waist to be worn as a skirt. Some women even wear them further up the torso as a dress.

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Capote
Wiki Commons by Daderot
If you're extra cold, this thick jacket with a hood, favored by the French and Canadians, might help. What is it called?
Bandanna
Denali
Parka
Capote
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sharing a name, but no other history, with noted author Truman Capote, the thick coat that comes with or without a hood was first created from blankets. Travelers to the New World favored them, as did Canadians, to help deal with harsh winter conditions.

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Lavalava
Wiki Commons by Michael Coghlan
Samoans prefer this loose-fitting garment and wear it for both business and pleasure. What is it called?
Kotomisse
Lavalava
Kurta
Booboo
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A lavalava can be brightly-colored, a length of fabric tied at the waist, or more subdued in color for special occasions or as part of a dignified uniform. It seems many island nations have their version of a sarong and Samoa is no different.

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Gho
Copyright Morten Falch Sortland / Moment / Getty Images
They didn't just get out of the shower; these robe-length garments are the national dress of Bhutan. What are they called?
Gho
Bunad
Barretina
Stola
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though it gives the appearance of a dress, the gho is actually designed to be worn belted by Bhutan men. (The women's version is called a kira.) Both form the base of most outfits in this small country, with extra pieces layered on for special occasions.

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Macawiis
Wiki Commons by Stretchy Bill
In Somalia, men eschew pants in favor of these brightly-colored skirts. What are they called?
Ushanka
Macawiis
Lamba
Lesso
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Not only are these sarong-style skirts colorful, but their name is reminiscent of a colorful bird known as the macaw. They may also be plain white as well, at the discretion of the man wearing it.

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Kain
Electravk / Moment / Getty Images
If you are planning to go to church in Indonesia, you'll probably want to wear one of these, a type of sarong. What is it?
Kain
Fustanella
Huipil
Fedora
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A kain, as it's known in Indonesia, is a type of skirt that takes the shape of a sarong, or a piece of fabric wrapped around the wearer and tied at the waist. Another part of traditional Indonesian clothing for women is a sash, known as a selendang, that accompanies the kain.

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Kolt
Wiki Commons by Thorguds
Which of these might be an ideal wardrobe topper if you were herding reindeer? (Seriously.)
Konzu
Lesso
Kolt
Fouta
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A kolt, sometimes also known as a gákti, looks like a brightly-colored tunic or dress worn by the Sámi people in northern Europe and Russia. It is particularly useful when it's cold thanks to its high collar and one-time construction of animal skin.

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