Anyone and everyone! Dutch dancers, museum volunteers, and most parade participants wear costumes. However, there is no limit to who can wear them! You are invited to wear a Dutch costume whether or not you are a volunteer or parade participant.

Parents of elementary school students should be especially aware that their children are required to wear Dutch costumes when they march with their schools in the parades.

Many styles of dress have been worn in the Netherlands, largely due to its geography and social structures. Even though the country is approximately a third the size of Iowa, its twelve provinces and hundreds of villages have allowed for unique and distinct styles of dress to emerge throughout its history. The distinct costumes are a result of different classes, religions, occupations, marital statuses, and more.

The most comprehensive book locally available is "Dutch Costumes: A Look Into the Past" by Jacki Craver and Phyllis Zylstra. The book features beautiful images and descriptions of dozens of Dutch costumes, including women's, men's, and children's, and it especially highlights those often worn at Tulip Time in Pella. It can be purchased at the Pella Historical Museums gift shop or at the button below.

Another gorgeous book is "Between the Sea and the Sky" by Dutch photographer Jimmy Nelson. The book features hundreds of images of costumes worn throughout the Netherlands, along with information about various the various provinces and villages they represent.