The features of the nomadic lifestyle of the Kyrgyz people found their reflection in their national clothing. Firstly, the clothing had to be lightweight and comfortable for ease of movement while riding horses. Secondly, it had to be durable yet simple, so it could be easily crafted in a natural environment. Thirdly, it had to reliably protect individuals from the cold, which was crucial in mountainous climates.

The main materials used for making clothing were coarse wool, felt, animal skins, and leather. Wealthy families could afford garments made of expensive fabrics imported from cities along the Great Silk Road.

The outerwear for men and women is called "chapan." Chapan is a kind of padded robe or made of durable and warm woolen fabric, with buttons and a standing collar. In winter, sheepskin tulups – thin, and fur coats – ichik, made from fox, wolf, or lynx fur, were worn. The main traditional footwear is boots with long shafts and narrow toes adorned with colorful ornaments.

Men wore spacious leather or suede trousers, embroidered with colored threads (chalbar, kandagay), undershirts (kyeinyok), felt robe (kementay). Noble and wealthy people wore jewelry. A symbol of wealth in men's clothing is a wide leather belt (kemer) adorned with various silver inserts.

Traditional women's clothing consisted of a long white shirt or dress (kyeinyok) and long trousers. Young women wore sleeveless vests made of colored velvet – chyptama. Married women wore a button-down skirt with fur and patterned embroidery – beldemchi.

Special attention in the traditional clothing of the Kyrgyz people is given to headgear. The ak kalpak – a white felt hat worn by men – is a true symbol of the Kyrgyz people. A unique headgear in the form of a turban made of thin white kisei – elechek, is worn by married women.