For many Romanians living abroad, 1 December means a flag in the window, dinner with friends or a service at the local Romanian church. And, more and more often, a Romanian blouse. Perhaps the simplest way to carry a bit of home with you, wherever you are.
Why wear a Romanian blouse on 1 December
1 December is Romania’s National Day. Since 2022 the date has one more link to the blouse: on 1 December 2022, UNESCO inscribed “The art of the traditional blouse with embroidery on the shoulder (altiță) – an element of cultural identity in Romania and the Republic of Moldova” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The Romanian blouse (ie) also has its own day: Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse, celebrated on 24 June since 2013. But in winter, on National Day, it becomes the most beautiful way to say where you come from without saying a word.
How to “read” a Romanian blouse
A traditional ie has three parts you’ll spot right away:
- The altiță – the wide embroidered band on the shoulder, the richest part of the blouse. It gives the “blouse with altiță” its name.
- The încreț – the narrow gathered strip under the altiță that pulls the sleeve in.
- The râuri – the rows of embroidery running down the sleeve, sometimes all the way to the cuff.
When choosing a blouse, look at the altiță first: that’s where you see the motif, the colours and the care in the work.
How to choose the right Romanian blouse
1. Size comes first
A Romanian blouse is worn loose, not fitted. Measure your bust and compare it with our size guide, which lists centimetres for every size. If you’re between two sizes, message us and we’ll help.
2. Colours
- Red and black – the classic pairing, perfect for 1 December.
- Blue – calmer and more elegant, easy to wear to work with jeans.
- Warm-coloured flowers – for a cheerful, festive blouse.
3. The occasion
For a church service or a reception, choose long sleeves and rich embroidery. For time with friends, short or 3/4 sleeves with jeans. For a wedding or christening, a white blouse with lace looks festive without feeling like a costume.
Hand-embroidered or machine-embroidered?
It’s worth knowing what you’re buying. A fully hand-stitched blouse can take many days or even weeks of work, and its price reflects that. The blouses we currently offer at Ie de Acasă are machine cross-stitched on cotton, following traditional patterns. We chose them so they stay affordable and easy to wear often, not just once a year. We say so on every product page.
How to wear it without looking like a costume
- With black or blue jeans and boots – the easiest option for 1 December.
- With a black midi skirt and a long coat, for a dressier evening.
- With wide white trousers in spring and summer.
- For men: the Romanian shirt goes with dark jeans or black trousers.
How to care for it
Check the label first. Generally, a cotton blouse should be washed gently at a low temperature, inside out and without bleach, so the embroidery keeps its colours. Iron it inside out too.
Order early for 1 December
We ship within 2–3 days of your order; delivery time depends on the country. If you want your blouse in time for National Day, don’t leave it to the last minute.