Alaska Fashion: What is a Kuspuk?

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What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

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This blog post has been a lonnnng time coming. I interviewed my dear friend and colleague months ago for this post about Alaska fashion and the Native people culture. In general, I wanted her to answer the question, β€œWhat is a kuspuk?”

What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

I must admit, I was the least familiar with Alaska fashion, most importantly, Alaska Native kuspuk when I moved to Alaska. During my first few months in Fairbanks, I remember asking a colleague why she still had her raincoat on! She laughed and said it was her Native outfit called a kuspuk.

What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

So what is a kuspuk? Exactly my thought! A kuspuk, also known as Qaspeqs or AtikΕ‚uks by different Alaskan tribes is an overshirt with large front pockets worn by Alaskan Natives.

According to my Alaskan friend, Dawn, kuspuks were traditionally hooded and helped to protect the wearer from the heat of the sun and bugs during activities like berry-picking. But the more modern styles like the teal version she is wearing are usually unhooded.

What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

This traditional Alaska fashion piece comes in all shapes and sizes. You’ll mostly see Atikluks worn as a shirt (the pink version I am wearing) or as a dress (the style Dawn is garbed in). kuspuks are worn by everyone including men, women, and children.

As a child, Dawn grew up in Kotzebue, which is 30 miles above the Arctic Circle. She was involved in the Aleut Native dance group dancing where she got to wear more elaborate Atikluks and simpler styles as seen here during traditional dance performances.

What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

I was born and raised in Nigeria, and our clothing is a huge part of our identity. Moving to Alaska and discovering that the traditional Alaska fashion was more profound than the classic denim and t-shirt resonated with me.

So I asked Dawn to elaborate a little more about the kuspuks we were wearing. If the fabric, print, and style held any particular meaning to her or her Inupiaq and Aleut heritage. Here’s what she had to say:

What is a Kuspuk? Alaska fashion compared to New York fashion

β€œI’m sure way back when before they had fabric they used materials from the animals that they caught. If they had a good year of hunting, they used to use nice fur and animal skins. In the past, they made kuspuks that were waterproof like intestines. The ones nowadays can also have a zip-up front. The nice big pockets are convenient for berry-picking or while you’re out and about.”

The kuspuk Dawn is wearing was made by her Godmother, and the one I have on was made by Dawn’s babysitter.

What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

Also part of my Alaska fashion series:

Modern times has allowed kuspuk makers to create this Alaskan fashion to be more stylish with lining and rick rack trim on the bottom of the skirt. The big sleeves allow you to wear other clothing underneath the kuspuk if you need to.

The beauty of wearing a Kuspuk. The Alaskan Native cultural overshirt (dress)

My follow-up question for Dawn was, β€œHow would you style an Atikluk?

I needed to know because I felt a little overdressed standing next to Dawn in stilettos while she had waterproof boots on.

A black girl wears a Kuspuk for the first time. Here's what she thought!

She said, β€œIt all depends on what you’re wearing the kuspuk for. If you’re wearing it while berry-picking, then you’ll probably pair the overshirt with some jeans and boots.

But if you’re wearing it to a special event like a wedding or graduation ceremony, you would tailor the kuspuk to the function – lace and silk kuspuks are options that come to mind.”

Dawn added that as far as she knows, Atikluks can be made with any fabric of your choice. She even has one made out of Hawaiian print a long time ago by her grandmother.

What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

My last pressing question for Dawn was her opinion about seeing non-Native people wear Atikluks. I needed to know if this unique style should or should not be worn by outsiders.

Dawn said, β€œNatives would be happy to see other people wear an Alaskan kuspuk. There are a lot of people in my hometown who are not Native, and these people wear kuspuk.

It is a great way for Non-Natives to show their pride and appreciation for a culture they’ve adopted and become a part of. I like to welcome people to wear our Alaskan kuspuk.”

Alaska fashion - What is a Kuspuk?

Where can you get a kuspuk? Well, not at the department stores. You have to make one for yourself or order a handmade Atikluk. A simple Google search pulled up Sue’s Kuspuks Facebook page and these options from Etsy sellers.

Click on image to shop handmade kuspuks

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What is a Kuspuk? was the question I asked an Alaskan Native. I was curious to learn more about the origin of this lovely outfit. Unlike New York and Paris, Alaska fashion is alive and well. Here’s my first go at trying to look like a local in a Kuspuk aka Atikluk.

And if you’re up for it, here’s the best video I found on how to make an Alaskan kuspuk. You may be able to purchase a kuspuk pattern online if you need specifics (here and free here).

Special thanks to my Inupiaq friend, Dawn for indulging my curiosity about Alaska fashion, particularly, Alaska Native kuspuk. I am thankful to have a platform that allows me to share a snippet of the Last Frontier. As always, thank you for reading.

You may also like these posts: Summer Solstice – Alaska Midnight Sun | Alaska Fashion Blogger – Surviving Winter |

I am wearing:

Multicolored sandals (similar)
Faux suede moto pants (similar)
Floral print kuspuk overshirt (similar)
Dawn – Floral print kuspuk dress (similar)

Photos by SNH Photos

20 Comments

  1. Wow sis what a awesome story and friend sharing is caring lol πŸ˜‚ take care God bless
    I love the outfit and the shoes too !

  2. I have to say it seems like a strange piece to me!
    I don’t know much about fashion but it those huge pockets look strange haha.
    But that’s the thing about fashion.
    It’s full of creative ideas!

  3. These are so cute! I have never heard of them, but if I get to visit Alaska, I will have to get one πŸ™‚ I loved learning about them,

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