Men: The yileki or waistcoat of this costume is double-breasted like some other island waistcoats. However, the style of the embroidery is unusual in that coloured silks are used instead of cording, and the designs are distinctively Cypriot in style - typically wavy lines and patterns. The large trousers or vraka are made up of many metres of black cotton fabric, the excess of which is taken from between the knees and tucked into the back of the waistband. This is then covered with a brightly coloured, striped cotton cummerbund.

Women: Since the Middle Ages Cyprus has been renowned for its wonderful woven textiles such as wool and silks, and its long tradition and great knowledge of folk art. Weaving became highly developed and was the main occupation of the women, who processed raw silk and cotton to be sold in the commercial centres both for local consumption and for export to Europe and the Near East. In the costume of Karpasi, the fabric of the overdress was traditionally woven in stripes, and each area had its favoured colours. The pantaloons were embroidered with bright silks. The basic shaped overdress, with a central opening and side slits, was worn by women all over the island from childhood to old age. A small headscarf, usually dark purple, red or green, was worn over plaited hair. A slight variation, worn in Paphos, had a dress with an embroidered apron replacing the pantaloons.