The Romsdal Bunad, Bolsøy Version
- Marion Solheim
- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 10
The Bolsøy bunad is one of four women’s bunads from Romsdal - and perhaps the most well-known and widely worn. It was designed during World War II by Mali Furunes. She played a key role in shaping several of the region’s bunads.
Drawing inspiration from garments dating back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Furunes undertook a detailed and dedicated process. The embroidered skirt is believed to be based on a skirt from the island of Bolsøy in Romsdal.
By 1947, the bunad was complete. The Bolsøy bunad quickly gained popularity. No wonder! It’s a truly beautiful work of art. The first version was entirely blue, but it was later produced in rust red and green as well. Today, the most common version features a red bodice paired with a blue skirt.
-Here at Husfliden in Molde, the all-blue Bolsøy bunad is the most popular choice for those getting their first bunad. The Bolsøy version with a red vest remains a recognizable classic as well. After all, the original bodice that this design is based on was also red, explains bunad maker Paulina Boyle. She crafts traditional costumes from across the Romsdal region at Husfliden in Molde.
A Close Look – Piece by Piece
Livet (the bodice) is decorated in line with other traditional, embroidered Romsdal bunads. It features colorful and detailted embroidery on both the front and the back. It has two split peplums in front and inverted pleats in the back. Red is the most common color, but it also comes in blue, green, and rust red.
All photos: Norsk Flid Husfliden Molde, Ole Ekker
Stakken (the skirt) is pleated, with gathered fabric at the back. Along its hem runs a delicate embroidered floral vine. This is as mentioned, said to originate from Bolsøy. The skirt is typically made in blue wool today, though rust red and green versions also exist.
The shirt is a classic white linen blouse with stunning white embroidery. The details appear on the collar, cuffs, neckline split, and shoulder panels.
Lomma (the pocket) is detachable, made in the same color and fabric as the bodice, and features the same embroidery. The clasp is crafted in silver, brass, or silver-plated brass, with several design variations.
Søljene (the silver accessories) are inspired by traditional silver from Romsdal. They typically include a decorative halsknapp (neck button) with hanging pendants; this one is tailor made for the Romsdal areal. Also, the silver accessories include a large brystsølje (chest brooch), and mansjettknapper (cufflinks).
The cap matches the skirt in both color and material. It features a smooth front piece and a rounded, gathered back section. The embroidery on the back mirrors that of the bodice and pocket, and a delicate white lace runs along the front and sides.
And what if the weather turns cold? No worries! In the mid-1960s, Mali Furunes collaborated with Gislaug Skåden and together they created a matching kep (cape). Circular in cut with a back seam and standing collar, the cape is made in the same color and fabric as the skirt, lined with red wool, and fastened with a silver clasp.
Another bunad that is widely used in the region is the beautiful Ørskogbunad, one of the bunads from Sunnmøre. Read about it here!
What About the Gentlemen of Romsdal?
The men of Romsdal have their own bunads too. The most common is called Romsdal herrebunad, and has been in use since the 1920s. It is based on historical garments, though their exact origins are somewhat uncertain.
The main fabric is gray wool, while the trousers are flap-fronted. They are made from dark blue or blue-black wool.
-The vest is important, says bunad maker Paulina.
-It can be made from solid green wool or a green checked wool fabric. The checked pattern is a replica of an original fabric from Måndalen, and it’s also used in the women’s Rutastakk (checked skirt).
The shirt is white linen with whitework embroidery. The vest is a wool plaid in red, green, and black tones.
The jacket is light gray wool with green edging along the collar, front, shoulders, and pocket flaps.
The outfit is traditionally worn with white woolen knitted stockings, although older versions include stockings dyed in “pot blue” using a technique called stryping.
Accessories include traditional søljer (silver jewlery), such as a halsknapp (neck button) and mansjettknapper (cufflings). Also, let’s not forget the colorful garter bands, and a gray knitted hat with a green looped edge and a decorative tassel.
It looks mighty fine, if you ask us!
But that’s not all. There’s another men’s bunad from the region known as the Embetsmannsdrakt - the “civil servant’s suit.” It’s a replica of a traditional 19th-century outfit preserved at the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.
-This version features a long red coat with yellow lining and details, light-colored leather breeches, and a vest made from floral silk brocade, explains Paulina.
-It’s worn with the same stockings, garters, and shirt, but can be paired with a black bunad hat.
Kids in Beautiful Bunads
Bolsøy bunads and Romsdal men’s bunads are also made for children—miniature versions of the adult styles. Because the kids are included too!
-Mali Furunes was one of the first to start sewing children’s bunads for the Romsdal Museum’s Leikarring, so they could dance in traditional costume, says Paulina.
-Here at Husfliden in Molde, we sew the Bolsøy, Malo, and Vågstrand versions for girls, and they’re essentially identical to the adult bunads. Boys can also wear a matching bunad with blue breeches, a checked vest, and a short grey jacket.
Getting Married in the Bolsøy Bunad?
Yes, you can!
-A bride can wear traditional bridal accessories from the region of Romsdal over her regular Bolsøy bunad, explains Paulina.
-This includes a silver crown, a decorative breastpiece, and a white apron - even though the bunad typically doesn’t feature an apron. Today, you can rent bridal accessories from the Romsdal Museum, including a beaded and mirrored breastpiece modeled after an older original, and a replica of a bridal crown from Kleive. The originals are on display at the museum.
In short, the Bolsøy bunad is colorful, elegant—and it’s easy to see why so many people love it!
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