chokha

A type of overcoat that is part of the traditional clothing of people from the Caucasus, such as Georgians, Circassians, and Chechens, among others, as well as other groups that have interacted with them, like Russian Cossacks.

They are most recognizable from the attached gazyrs - several fabric tubes lined up side-by-side in a row on the breast, formerly used to hold rifle charges, but now mainly decorative. Chokhas also characteristically have a v-shaped or triangular neckline that is often very deep, in many cases extending down to the breasts, exposing the wearer's shirt (usually button-up) underneath. The bottom hem of a chokha is generally pleated and extends down far enough to cover the knees, but not touch the ground. They may be any color, but are prototypically black or some other dark color.

The following tags are aliased to this tag: cherkeska (learn more).