Dawnswyr Nantgarw's costumes have been based on original garments dating from 1750 - 1880, selecting elements from folk and aristocratic dress of the period. Coarse woollen cloth was widely used by the ordinary folk, and this can be seen in our traditional overdress. The pattern of our betgwn is very old and in many variations were seen throughout the country. Collars and aprons would have been made from cheap cotton or muslin, with layers of heavy woollen petticoats, but today we use lightweight cotton and linen. the dress of the period would be simple and practical for country folk, suitable for farm work. The men would wear cord or woollen britches, woollen waistcoats and shirts with clogs on their feet. Special costumes would be kept for certain festivals; examples of these are our Gwyl Ifan (Midsummer Eve) costumes, made of white muslin and the colourful dress fo the Grasshopper and Tom Jones' Rali - both fertility dances.

Our grander costumes are based on the english and French court dress; although by today, the designer has a certain freedom to develop style and to choose from a wide variety of fabrics available. We chose rich colours; red flowers on a purple background, a cream betgwn with multicoloured flowers over lace and a red skirt. Frock coats are worn by the men, with black britches, velvet and bocade waistcoats in gold, black and purple with lace collars and cuffs. We attempt to use original patterns whenever possible and choose fabrics similar to the original, but of course as the dances develop, our costumes must reflect those changes, and develop what is by today a living tradition but still retain the essential elements of the traditional Welsh costume.