Page 35 - BHUTAN 2007
P. 35
THE NATIONAL UNIFORM
The retention of and emphasis on the national costume is certainly one of
the strands in the fabric of Bhutanese society that strengthens its amazing
homogeneity. The man’s “goh” is a one-piece, short-skirted, rather kilt-like,
outfit that also features long sleeves with very wide (usually white) cuffs.
Fabrics are seasonal with lighter materials being used in summer and
heavier wool cloth used in winter. But, whatever the season, the men favor
bright colors, plaids and stripes though gray and navy blue are often seen as
well. The goh is fashioned from a single strip of cloth and is wrapped around
the body, similar to the wrapping Indian women employ in securing their
saris. The outfit is held in place by means of cloth belts of different designs
but always wrapped very tightly around the waist to prevent unfolding of
