Explore every episode of the podcast Norwegian bunads

In this episode, we uncover the story of the Lødrup bunad, one of Østerdalen’s official festive costumes and a fascinating example of how history, art, and cultural debate shaped Norwegian tradition.

Listeners will learn how this bunad was designed in the 1940s by Ruth Arnestad Lødrup, an accomplished artist whose work drew inspiration from Østerdalen’s historic garments and embroidery. Commissioned by Tynset Husflidslag during the war years, the project faced delays due to material shortages and heated debates about what a regional festive costume should look like. Eventually, the Lødrup bunad shared first place in the 1948 competition with the Marie Aaen bunad, cementing its place in history.

We’ll explore the distinctive design elements of the Lødrup bunad: its characteristic skjøteliv (bodice with flaps), striking color options such as black or pale red with contrasting edges, and the skirt adorned with four embroidered stripe patterns. Completing the costume are linen or winter shirts, a decorative pocket, headwear inspired by traditional caps, black stockings, and silver jewelry from Østerdalen. Together, these features created a festive bunad that stood out both in form and symbolism.

Finally, we discuss how the bunad lives on today. Through Hulda Bunader, customers can purchase complete, hand-sewn Lødrup bunads crafted with traditional techniques and Norwegian materials, or opt for material kits with fabrics, embroidery, and accessories to sew their own. This ensures that the legacy of the Lødrup bunad remains both preserved and practiced, connecting past debates with modern craftsmanship.

This episode invites listeners to see the Lødrup bunad not just as clothing, but as wearable art born out of history, resilience, and regional pride—a legacy still carried forward today.

In this episode, we explore the story of the Marie Aaen bunad, the official festive costume (festbunad) for Østerdalen, and a striking example of how bunad traditions continue to evolve.

Listeners will learn about the bunad’s origins in a 1940s competition to create a new regional festive costume, where Maria Aaen’s design—drawing inspiration from Alvdal’s Olenstua rosemaling—won alongside the Lødrup bunad. We’ll uncover how her vision, shaped by textile experts, developed into a distinctive design with specific bodice cuts, skirt styles, embroidery patterns, and accessories. We’ll also explore the story behind the name “Marie” versus her actual name “Maria,” and the early controversies that accompanied the bunad’s introduction.

Beyond its history, we look at how the Marie Aaen bunad has adapted over time. From apron options—embroidered black wool, checkered black-green-red, or a newer solid green version created after customer feedback—to the choice of accessories and fabrics, this bunad illustrates how tradition and wearer preferences interact. While rooted in history, the bunad continues to be a living garment, balancing authenticity with evolving style.

Finally, we highlight how Hulda Bunader keeps this tradition alive today, offering both completed garments and material kits with authentic Norwegian fabrics, embroidery patterns, and accessories. Their work ensures that the Marie Aaen bunad remains not only a piece of heritage, but also a craft, a choice, and a story still unfolding.

This episode invites you to discover the Marie Aaen bunad as more than just clothing—it is a symbol of regional pride, cultural creativity, and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Not all bunads were created for grand celebrations. In this episode, we explore the forgotten story of Norway’s everyday bunad—a lighter, more practical version of the traditional costume that once challenged conventions and gave ordinary people access to national dress.

We begin with the Blåtøysbunad, named after the inexpensive “blåtøy” fabric it was made from. Unlike the formal wool bunads, this simplified style had fewer requirements for silver, shoes, or embroidery. It was accessible, affordable, and widely used as daily wear in the first half of the 20th century. We’ll also look at how some cotton versions of traditional bunads—like the råndastakk—found new uses, even as uniforms for waitstaff, showing how bunad traditions could adapt without losing cultural meaning.

From there, we dive into the broader story of the so-called “summer bunad”, promoted by cultural pioneer Hulda Garborg as a practical, self-sewn garment for women’s associations, folk dance, and everyday life. With shorter sleeves, lighter fabrics, and less adornment, it became popular across Norway as a bunad for all occasions—not just holidays or formal events. Yet despite its widespread use, the summer bunad faded from memory, partly due to its association with children’s wear and the lack of official preservation efforts.

We’ll also discuss the cultural tension behind these garments: how they blurred the line between festive costume and everyday clothing, challenging ideas of what a “proper” bunad should be. And finally, we ask: could these lost bunads have a future? With today’s focus on sustainability, practicality, and accessibility, perhaps the everyday bunad is due for a modern revival.

Alongside this story, listeners will learn how Hulda Bunader continues to champion Norwegian heritage, offering both custom-made bunads and DIY material kits—always with a focus on sustainability, local production, and keeping cultural traditions alive.

This episode invites you to see bunads not only as heirloom garments, but as adaptable traditions shaped by history, rebellion, and the everyday lives of ordinary Norwegians.

For many, a bunad is one of the most meaningful connections to Norwegian heritage—but did you know you can actually sew one yourself? In this episode, we explore how Hulda Bunader makes the process of creating your own traditional costume both accessible and authentic, blending centuries-old craft with modern guidance and support.

We begin with material kits, specially designed for those who want to make their own bunad. Each kit includes pre-cut, high-quality fabrics tailored to your measurements, along with pre-marked components, embroidery patterns, and step-by-step instructions. Whether you are an experienced sewer or just beginning, these kits provide the confidence to start a project that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

From there, we look at the variety of bunad styles available, including well-known regional costumes like the Østerdalsbunad and Marie Aaen bunad. We’ll walk through the process of choosing a style, ordering a kit, and beginning your sewing journey. Along the way, listeners will learn how sewing your own bunad can provide not only cost savings compared to purchasing a completed one, but also the chance to personalize your garment with unique details.

But Hulda Bunader’s offerings go far beyond kits. For those who prefer professional help, the company provides completed bunads, fabric by the meter, silver and accessories, courses, consultations, and repair services. This ensures that anyone—from beginners to advanced sewers—can find the level of support they need.

Finally, we discuss the bigger picture: how tradition, sustainability, and cultural preservation are central to Hulda Bunader’s work. By making authentic Norwegian fabrics available and keeping traditional techniques alive, the company helps ensure that bunad-making continues to be a living craft, not just a historical artifact.

This episode will inspire you to see bunads in a new way—not only as garments to wear on special occasions, but as projects you can be part of creating. Whether you’re reconnecting with your Norwegian roots, curious about the costs and craft of bunads, or looking for a meaningful hands-on project, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of what it means to sew your own bunad.

Sewing a bunad may seem like a daunting project, but with the right guidance and materials, it can become a rewarding journey into Norwegian tradition. In this episode, we explore how Hulda Bunader makes bunad-making accessible for everyone—whether you are an experienced sewer or just beginning to discover this part of your heritage.

We begin with material packages, Hulda Bunader’s most popular option for those who want to sew their own bunad. Each package includes pre-cut, high-quality fabrics tailored to your measurements, all the necessary accessories, and detailed step-by-step instructions. This means you can focus on the craft itself without worrying about sourcing or preparing the materials.

From there, we look at the wide selection of bunad styles available, including regional favorites like the Østerdalsbunad and the Marie Aaen bunad. The episode walks you through the process of choosing your bunad, ordering a kit, and starting your sewing project—bringing a piece of Norwegian tradition into your own hands.

But Hulda Bunader is much more than just kits. Their online store offers everything from bunad fabrics sold by the meter, to silver clasps, socks, sewing tools, and yarn. For those who prefer professional help, they also offer completed bunads, custom orders, repairs, and consultations, ensuring that every customer finds a solution that fits their needs.

Finally, we discuss how Hulda Bunader emphasizes quality, sustainability, and tradition in everything they do. From sourcing authentic Norwegian fabrics to preserving traditional sewing techniques, the company ensures that each bunad is not only beautiful but also a faithful continuation of cultural heritage.

Whether you’re hoping to make a bunad yourself, looking for guidance on a family heirloom, or simply curious about the process, this episode will give you a detailed look into how Hulda Bunader supports bunad-making every step of the way.

The Østerdalsbunad for men is a striking example of how history, tradition, and craftsmanship are woven together into a living cultural heritage. In this episode, we take a closer look at the men’s folk costume from Østerdalen—its origins, evolution, and the choices available to wearers today.

We begin with the authentic reconstruction of the bunad, based on garments from the 1800s. Key elements include black vadmel knee breeches and jacket, a patterned wool vest, and a cotton or embroidered linen shirt. You’ll hear how details such as buttons, hosebands, and headwear can be customized, from silver clasps to the distinctive skjoldlua cap that has remained part of the bunad for generations.

We then trace the evolution of the bunad in the 20th century, when local craft organizations like Elverum Husflidslag and individual tailors helped adapt historical garments to contemporary styles. Listeners will discover how changes in fabric (from traditional vadmel to broadcloth), jacket cuts, and button styles created new regional variations—yet still held on to classic hallmarks like knee breeches and short jackets. We’ll also discuss fascinating historical details, such as the discovery of the “Alvdalsknappen” button and how museums and archives in Østerdalen provided the foundation for today’s reconstructions.

Finally, we highlight how Hulda Bunader brings this heritage into the present day. From their Oslo workshop at Bogstad Gård, they offer complete handmade bunads, material kits for those who want to sew their own, and expert services like courses, lectures, and repairs. By emphasizing sustainability, local production, and the passing down of knowledge, they ensure that the men’s Østerdalsbunad is not just preserved, but continues to evolve as part of Norway’s living tradition.

This episode is for anyone curious about men’s bunads—whether you’re exploring your Norwegian roots, considering commissioning or sewing your own, or simply want to understand the layers of history stitched into each garment. Expect to walk away with a richer appreciation of the Østerdalsbunad and the enduring craftsmanship that keeps it alive.

The Østerdalsbunad for women is one of Norway’s most fascinating traditional costumes, blending history, fashion, and regional identity. In this episode, we take a deep dive into its origins, design, and the choices available to those who wear or create it today.

We begin with the bunad’s stylistic roots: how elements like the bodice and pocket reflect Rococo fashion from the late 1700s, while the skirt, shirt, and apron carry influences from 19th-century dress customs. You’ll hear how Hulda Bunader builds on this tradition, offering everything from material packages and fabrics to fully hand-sewn, custom-made bunads crafted with authentic Norwegian materials and traditional techniques.

From there, we explore the regional story of the Sør-Østerdal and Nord-Østerdal bunads. While a shared standard pattern was created in the 1920s and remained consistent for decades, later efforts—particularly through Husfliden—introduced distinctions. We’ll discuss how these changes shaped today’s perceptions and why many assume, incorrectly, that the Nord-Østerdal bunad must use only red bird-patterned fabric or wool damask. History tells a different story: a rich diversity of fabrics and styles existed long before modern standardization, and Hulda Bunader encourages a return to this broader palette of authentic choices.

Finally, we clear up misconceptions about skirts and colors. Since the 1920s, the Østerdalsbunad has used the same skirt cut for both north and south, with fabrics available in identical color options such as green or damask. The idea that skirt color marks regional affiliation simply doesn’t hold up against history—what matters is the craft, the fabric, and the tradition carried forward.

This episode will give you a deeper understanding of the Østerdalsbunad, its evolution, and the choices available to today’s wearers. Whether you’re curious about bunad history, considering making your own, or simply want to learn how regional identity and cultural heritage are woven into every garment, this conversation will inspire you to see bunads in a new light.

When you think of a bunad, it’s easy to picture the colors, embroidery, and silver—but behind every bunad lies something even more fundamental: the fabric itself. In this episode, we dive into the world of bunad textiles with Hulda Bunader and explore the materials that give these garments their character, durability, and beauty.

We begin with wool fabrics, the cornerstone of most bunads. You’ll hear about two-shaft wool fabric—a classic, solid-colored textile that is both versatile and durable, often used for bodices, skirts, and capes in women’s bunads. Then we move into vadmel, a robust, tightly felted wool cloth with centuries of tradition in Norway. Naturally warm, windproof, and water-resistant, vadmel has long been a staple for men’s bunads and Sami clothing, with roots in Norway’s history of workwear and outdoor garments.

From practical to decorative, we also explore the world of brocade—richly patterned fabric, often with shimmering threads, used for vests or bodices to create an exclusive look. You’ll learn how brocade evolved from weaving techniques that once incorporated real gold and silver. Alongside brocade is damask, an elegant monochrome fabric where patterns appear through contrasts of matte and shiny surfaces—timeless, sophisticated, and perfect for bodices, aprons, or pockets.

We’ll also discuss the important role of linen and cotton: fine white linen for shirts, coarse linen for linings, and cotton for lighter garments or bunads for children. And no bunad is complete without an apron fabric—whether woven wool, printed textiles, cotton, or damask—each adding its own personality to the costume.

Finally, we highlight something truly unique: exclusive bunad fabrics available only through Hulda Bunader. These are specially reconstructed textiles developed in collaboration with renowned Norwegian producers, based on historic garments and archival sources. It’s a way to keep tradition alive while offering today’s makers access to authentic, one-of-a-kind materials.

Whether you’re fascinated by textiles, planning to sew your own bunad, or simply curious about the history woven into every thread, this episode will deepen your understanding of what makes a bunad not just a costume, but a living piece of Norwegian heritage.

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In this episode, we dive into the world of bunads—Norway’s treasured folk costumes—and meet Hulda Bunader, led by artisan Hege Steihaug Barstad. From their workshop at Bogstad Gård in Oslo, Hulda Bunader has become a central resource for everyone interested in bunads, whether you’re looking for a complete outfit, sewing your own, or simply curious about the stories these garments carry.

You’ll learn about the wide range of products and services they offer, from hand-woven fabrics, patterns, and accessories, to material kits that allow you to create your own bunad at home. We’ll also explore how Hulda Bunader passes on knowledge through courses, lectures, and repair services—ensuring these intricate traditions live on for future generations.

Expect insights into specific bunads like the Østerdalsbunad, discussions about sustainability and local production, and how Hulda Bunader blends old traditions with a modern approach. And since their shop is located in the historic surroundings of Bogstad Gård, you’ll also hear about the unique cultural experience of visiting—combining bunads with art, history, nature, and even dining.

Whether you’re Norwegian American reconnecting with your roots, a sewing enthusiast, or simply someone fascinated by cultural heritage, this episode will give you both inspiration and practical knowledge about the enduring world of bunads.