What is this?

I've been in touch with a Norwegian friend and she believes it is Norwegian. She added a link
www.norskflid.no/bunad/bunader/
Not sure why that hasn't got a direct link (i.e. blue) but it will connect if highlighted.

The embroidery could be from a number of countries in the Balkans, or Austria or Germany.

Drindls are worn in Austria the skirts are usually pleated with tiny pleats while German drindls are gathered. I have no idea whether Swiss drindls are pleated or gathered at the waist.

A museum of textiles, or one with a large collection of costumes might well be interested.

Edelweiss flower points to Austria

ExDancer Try contacting the Victoria & Albert Museum, they helped me identify some items of antique clothing some years ago. If they can't help they may be able to direct you to someone who can. My first thought was Austrian, Swiss or German perhaps. It's really lovely and in great condition.

I imagine thee must have been an embroidered blouse to go under that little jacket.
Also, its pretty grubby, the white lining to the jacket and hat is generally discoloured and I feel I want to wash it.
The local museum may be able to help - thank you to those who came up with that idea. I'm not sure the skirt is authentic, it has the feeling of having been made on a modern sewing machine as it has an elasticated waist and no placket opening.
Oh the questions I wish I'd asked my Mum before she died!

I got carried away and forgot to add, you could send a photo to a couple of Embassies to ask, though these days they might not be interested in such trivial stuff.

I love this thread, so many helpful suggestions, and so many memories for me anyway.
When I was a child I used to perform national dances on stage at competitions. Our dance school was very fussy about the authenticity of the dress, (it gave added marks to win,). I remember my mum and me traipsing round the Embassies in London for pictures of the fabrics and styles. The Polish Embassy was particularly helpful and gave us a handful of beautiful postcards and afternoon tea! I wore a pretty headdress with flowers and ribbons in that dance.
I disliked my Russian dance, it was too energetic and the red boots were difficult to dance in. My friend used to perform a beautiful Dutch dance with clogs.
Sorry to wander and reminicse, and write it all down, but I guess that's what GN is about for many.

I forwarded this to Norwegian friends who say the neckline and embroidery could make it from Norway. However each region has its own and they only know of one with a striped skirt. Their suggestion is possibly Icelandic Upphlutur

I don't think it is worn today, other than st the Oktoberfest, but the Tyrolean hat was commonly made from green felt and featured feathers, flowers, or other ornaments in the hatband.

Surely the hat (felt) has to be the clue?
I get the Norwegian thoughts, the skirt looks very authentic, but do they not wear cloth, lacy type headgear? I think Romania wears scarves.

Ashcombe

I agree with ixion that a local dance school, amdram society or museum are all good suggestions.

A dress historian would be horrified at the dance school or amdram society suggestion. An item of clothing 100 years old being used by either would fall apart in no time!

A museum that has a clothes/textiles collection would be the better bet; if only for assessment and advice on what to do with it.

Please do not bin it

There’s a story to that outfit I would have to explore. Have you done your family tree? That’s a start, it must have meant a lot to your mother to have kept it.

I just googled images of national dress and what is striking are the similarities.
It could be Romanian.
All useful for a dance group or suchlike.

As others have said don't throw it out . Post the lovely photo onto a local site, Gumtree perhaps, with a respectable price and see if you get some interest.

I agree with ixion that a local dance school, amdram society or museum are all good suggestions.

It looks like Norwegian national dress to me.

Don't bin it !

Sell or donate it .

Antique adult versions make surprising amounts of money .

I'm almost certain that it's Norwegian because of the shape of the bodice and the border. It's also the right colour .

grannyactivist also thought that it might Norwegian .

It’s lovely, I thought German dirndl but could be Austrian or Swiss. Certainly European. Please don’t throw it away, it’s an heirloom!

have you tried googling the picture ?

Polish perhaps.

why would you throw it in the bin ??
rather than give it to a charity shop at least.
there is an oxfam shop in london, ? drury lane, that specialises in vintage clothes.

I think it's Finnish. I used to collect costume dolls and had one from Finland. If you Google Finnish national costume you can see examples. But what to do with it, I don't know. Maybe a dance school or children's theatre group?

My thought was Austria too and that the flower was an Edelweiss

Looking at the age of your mum is it possible that this was a gift to her at the end of the Great War? If so then Germany or Austria seem likely places of origin. There was also a trade agreement between the UK and Norway at that time and the Norwegian National Dress (Bunad) having been reintroduced in 1913 would have been a lovely gift for a sailor to take home.

Please pass it on to a local museum who may be able to discover a little more about its origins. Such a precious outfit.

My immediate thought was Austrian too - from Tirol
The Edelweiss on the apron certainly suggest that and although the style is very like a German Dirndl, and I know that every region or “Land” has its own variation, I also think the hat suggests Tyrolean.

I'd say possibly Austrian.
I agree a local dance school might like it especially if they do BTDA competitions.
It's lovely.