About Mongolia

Mongolian traditional clothing reflects the country’s nomadic lifestyle, climate, and history. For over 800 years, the design of the deel has remained practical, functional, and adapted to Mongolia’s extreme weather conditions. The nomads' wardrobe is compact but has many variations able to serve different purposes. "It is amazing how this nation invented clothes that can fit all seasons and needs, are well thought out, and are used in many different ways," wrote medieval travelers from Europe.

Traditional Mongolian clothing centers around the deel, a long robe worn by both men and women. Designs vary by region, season, age, and social status. Today, traditional clothes are widely worn during national festivals such as the Naadam and Tsagaan Sar.

What Is a Mongolian Deel?

The deel is a core garment of Mongolian traditional dress. It is a long, calf-length robe made from a single piece of fabric and secured with a belt.

The Key Features of Deel

• High collar
• Long sleeves with wide cuffs
• Overlapping front panel fastening on the right side
• Cloth or metal knot buttons
• Worn with a long silk or cotton sash

The deel is made to be practical. It is worn every day to stay warm and protect against wind, works well for horseback riding, and can even be used as a blanket or pillow when sleeping outside.

Its structure has changed very little over centuries because it is already perfectly adapted to Mongolia’s climate.

Seasonal Types of Deel

There are three types of deels, each designed to suit Mongolia’s extreme seasonal variations:

1. Dan Deel (Summer Deel)

• Is lightweight fabric
• Bright colors
• Worn mainly in late spring and summer
• Common among women

2. Terleg (Mid-Season Deel)

• Light padding
• Suitable for spring and autumn
• Worn by both men and women

3. Winter Deel

• Heavily padded
• Lined with sheepskin or cotton
• Thick outer material such as wool or brocade
• Designed for temperatures below -30°C

While the overall design of the Deel stays the same, the fabrics used vary depending on the season.

WHAT DO MONGOLIAN MEN WEAR?

Mongolian men traditionally wear practical and functional clothing, designed for horseback riding, outdoor work, and protection against the harsh climate. Their dress is simpler than women’s, but it still reflects social status, age, and region.

Key Features

• Wider fit, which allows freedom of movement for riding and daily activities
• Darker colors: commonly brown, grey, or deep blue
• Minimal ornament
• Secured with a long sash around the waist

WHAT DO MONGOLIAN WOMEN WEAR?

The traditional clothing of Mongolian women is ornamental and symbolic, signifying marital status, social standing, and geographic origin. Unlike men’s functional clothing, women’s clothing may feature complex designs, accessories, and headpieces. 

Key Features

• Bright and colorful deels with silk or brocade fabrics
• Elaborate headdresses featuring coral, turquoise, and silver ornaments
• Temple pieces with small bells fixed to the hair
• 32-stitch crown detail on some ceremonial hats, symbolizing the unification of 32 Mongolian tribes
• Silver and pearl jewelry for added status and decoration

Mongolian Traditional Hats

One of the most colorful and original items of Mongolian national dress is the traditional headwear. There are over 400 different styles depending on social status, gender, and tribal affiliation.

In the Middle Ages, both women and men wore summer hats made from plush, wet velvet with upturned brims and brocaded pointed tops. The hats were often crowned with a fanciful knot and, in ancient times, symbolized power capable of intimidating enemies.

During summer, Mongols typically wore either this type of hat or a flat-topped "Toortsog" hat, which was constructed from six separate gores forming upper and lower sections. The upper part was sewn from six distinct pieces, not a single piece of fabric.

Certain styles were restricted by social rules: married women could not wear these hats, which were reserved for girls and men.

Women’s holiday headwear was known for its originality and rich decoration. It typically included:

• A holiday hat made from silk and velvet
• A complete hair ornament set, with the lower part of the hat made from velvet and the upper part from red silk
• A hair holder adorned with coral, pearl, and mother-of-pearl
• The Shanaavch, a temporal adornment with small silver bells
• The Tolgoin boolt, a silver headdress studded with precious and semi-precious stones

Women’s hats were generally more fashionable than men’s, and the ribbons were often decorated with turquoise.

Mongolian Traditional Boots

Mongolian boots are distinctive for their upturned toes. There are both historical and practical explanations for this:

Some scholars suggest that boots with upturned toes existed before 1578, when Buddhism arrived in Mongolia, showing how religion incorporated local customs. In practice, this prevents a rider’s feet from slipping out of stirrups and allows easier movement despite thick, rigid leather.

These tall boots are still worn in Ulaanbaatar and are especially common in rural areas.

Key Features

• Made from thick, unbending "buligar" leather
• Decorated tops with leather appliqués
• Identical left and right shape
• No laces or zippers, making them easy to slip on or off quickly
• Can be worn in all seasons, with thick felt socks in winter and lighter in summer

WHY TRADITIONAL CLOTHING SUITS NOMADIC LIFE

Designed for Horseback Riding

The loose cut and side fastening allow riders to sit comfortably for long periods. The wide fit ensures freedom of movement.

Layering for Extreme Weather

Temperatures in Mongolia range from hot summers to winters below -30°C. The deel allows easy layering underneath without restricting movement.

Protection from Wind and Dust

The high collar and overlapping front shield the chest from cold winds and desert dust storms.

Belt as Functional Tool

The long sash (bus) is not only decorative. It supports the lower back during riding and physical work, and it creates space to carry small items like a knife, snuff bottle, or tools.

Multi-Purpose Garment

A deel can function as outerwear, work clothing, ceremonial dress, bedding, and even temporary storage. This versatility reflects the efficiency required in nomadic life.

FAQ:

1. What is a Mongolian deel? A deel is a long robe worn by men and women, fastened at the side with a sash.
2. Do Mongolians still wear traditional clothes? Yes, especially during festivals, weddings, and in rural areas for daily use.
3. What materials are used? Silk, wool, cotton, brocade, sheepskin, and leather.
4. What is the difference between men’s and women’s dress? Men’s clothing is simpler and darker; women’s is decorative with jewelry and headdresses.
5. Why do boots have upturned toes? To prevent slipping in stirrups and ease walking in thick leather.
6. Are there regional differences? Yes. Color, embroidery, and hat styles vary by region and ethnic group.
7. Can tourists try on traditional clothing? Yes, cultural tours and festivals allow visitors to wear deels and take photos.

Discover Mongolia Travel has operated since 2004 and organizes travel tours across Mongolia, including cultural experiences during major national festivals.