The coloured embroideries ornamenting the lingerie and costumes of Bulgarians mark their pronounced taste for polychro-m decoration.
Bulgarian national costume, basically composed of strong, hand woven linen, lends itself particularly well to this sort of er embellishment, thanks to the extensive plain surfaces which remain free for the purpose. For women, the chemise — that serves at the same time as dress — is covered neither by a skirt nor a bodice : the skill of the embroideress has full play upon the front and back, the whole length of the sleeve, around the collar, wrist-bands and even the bottom hem, over all of which spaces are strewn embroideries in motifs more or less large and complicated, wide or narrow borderings. The same is true of the ac accompanying shawls of various sizes and styles. Men's shirts are ornamented only at the collar, front and cuff. As to jackets and coats for the two sexes, they are tailored in felt, trimmed with simple piping.
