Despite the development of technology and commerce, the Nenets, the indigenous people of northern Russia, still wear their traditional winter clothing. It is comfortable, functional, and perfectly adapted to the harsh climate. Moreover, national clothing reflects the worldview and beliefs of the Nenets.

Northern clothing is designed to be worn even at temperatures below -50°C, combined with strong winds, snow, and the need to spend a long time outside. It has many functional features: for example, warm fur mittens are usually sewn to the sleeves of the outerwear, so that they do not get lost during a long trip on a sled. Northerners use thigh-high boots, with fur sewn to the sole in such a way that the pile prevents the wearer from slipping on ice and snow.

Some Nenets clothing is brightly decorated with contrasting fur mosaics, colorful pieces of cloth, patterns, and bead embroidery, while other is austere and minimalistic, using a muted palette of natural colors. Nenets craftswomen have always paid a lot of attention to the coloring of clothes, avoiding colors that clash or create a jarring effect when used together. They tried to make each item unique and distinctive.

Fur clothes are sewn using natural tendon threads, which are strong and durable. They are made of tendons from the back of a deer. The tendons are dried and carefully separated into thin fibers by hand. Each fiber is twisted into a thread in one direction from one end to the other. The thread is passed between the lips to moisten and fasten. Each thread has a length of up to half a meter. They are not thicker than small factory-woven threads but are characterized by great strength and elasticity.

The shape of a Nenets women’s hat is similar to that of a poke bonnet. The back part is made of reindeer and mink fur, as well as strips of gray and white fur. There is dark blue and green cloth sewn between the seams. The sides of the hat are made of muskrat fur. Two suede straps are sewn onto the hat. They are tied to secure the hat in place.