The Provencal woman through her costumes

When did these photos date? Our guest Patricia Renoux took them in 2022! It was in Saint Tropez (Var). Costume story...

The costume, a Provencal tradition

For both men and women, the traditional Provencal costume depends on the region of Provence where one lives, social status, age and family situation. It is worn on the occasion of local events and great occasions.

It was in the 18th century that regional costumes diversified. During the 19th century, diversification was increasing, then declining with the appearance of the Great Stores.

Like the rest of French society, the Provençal population was strongly compartmentalized. Thus the royal ordinances at all times recall the authorized signs and the manner of clothing: « Each must dress according to his rank and the shape of his clothes must conform to his situation ». Silk and velvet are reserved for members of the nobility. The people will dress with rough and solid fabrics and used clothes.

But, no matter what, for throughout the centuries, the Provencal woman has had to stop radiating her attachment to this land to the varied landscapes, its plains, its forests, its rolling vineyards, its olive groves and its lavender fields.

With patience and fervor, she finely assembles fabrics and colors, combining stripes and flowers. She embroiders hair and shawl, so careful work! She wears with love and pride this Provencal costume so dear to her heart.

It maintains Provençal traditions through the traditions and customs of the terroir. Its beauty shines just like its timeless values.

Provencal costume: do you know the bastidane?

The bastidane is an affluent class, her husband is a housekeeper, he owns and gives life to the household of the produce of her fields. On weekdays, she wears an Indian dress or a cotillon piqued on an embroidered cotton or linen shirt. In addition, she puts on a short or Basque caraco. His damn white, can be printed. Her apron is tuned with her suit.

Her cap is embroidered and sometimes she wears a straw or felt hat. Most of the time, it is the quality of the fabrics that distinguishes it from the artisan. To go to Mass, his cotillon is stooped, white or printed under a silk dress.

The Provencal artisan in costume

Her husband often owns her property, so the craftsman is an easy class. She often runs a shop. She wears an Indian dress to receive her clientele, over a canvas shirt. Her apron is made of cotton. She wears a damn white or simple print worn in a triangle and crossed on the chest. Her hairstyle « Courduro » is embroidered and piped. Sometimes she wears a straw or felt hat.

The Provencal peasant in costume

The peasant is poor and she does not seek luxury. She works hard and her clothes are cut in solid and coarse sheet (shape, linen or cotton). She leaves herself and brings her thread to the weaver who will make for her the cloth of clothes. Her wardrobe is little provided but it does not exclude a certain elegance in the working outfit: she wears a striped cotton skirt, blue or red... and white.

She wears a hand woven canvas shirt (night and day) a corselet and a caraco, she puts on her shoulders a damn printed cotton. On her skirt, she puts a plain cotton or flowered apron, she garnishes her hair with a simple cap. In the summer, for field work, she wears a large straw hat, the capeline (black for women, natural for girls).