DSIMCB9 The Kazakh traditional costumes are actually the dresses of an ancient nomad. Many kinds of European clothes also originated here in Central Asian steppe. Europeans deeply impressed when they first saw the nomad's clothing. Trousers are the invention of nomads which were used for riding. Such words as 'camisole' and 'caftan' were borrowed from the languages of Turkic nomadic tribes. The Kazakh traditional costumes are kimeshek, shapan, camizole, kebis. takhia, tymak.
Shapan. The shapan is man's outer robe made of velvet, velveteen or velour. It is worn with a belt and its bottom and flaps are decorated with a pattern made of braid in traditional style. Usually the shapan is presented to a noble and honored quest as a sign of one's special favour and attention.
Camisole. The camisole is an overcoat both for men and women put over a shirt or dress. It is usually sleeveless, ending at the hips or waist and closed with special fasteners. Women's camisoles are more brightly colored than men's.
Kimeshek. For a married Kazakh woman to uncover her hair was considered indecent. Often she covered it with a head-dress with a turban arranged as a cylinder on the head and a shawl which had a special cut for her face.
Takhia. The takhia is a men's everyday cap which covers the top and back of the head. Different forms are worn by the different people groups of Central Asia.
Tymak. The tymak is a traditional men's head-wear consisting of two flaps protecting the ears and a third part covering the" back of the head and neck down to the shoulder-blades. It is made from animals fur. The upper part is usually decorated with cloth.