Getting a Bunad Ready for Confirmation
By TaVare · updated 2026-08-03
Getting a bunad ready for confirmation is as much about good timing as about the garment itself: the confirmand needs the right fit, the bunad should be clean and freshened, and the silver in place. Much you can prepare at home – airing the wool, washing the linen shirt, checking the silver – while alterations and a proper clean of the wool body are professional work. Here is the checklist that gets the bunad ready for the big day, in good time before the spring rush.
Start with the fit
Confirmation is often the occasion for the first adult bunad, and the fit matters most. Bunads are sewn with generous growth allowance, so the garment can be taken in or let out and the hem let down as the teenager grows. Try the bunad on the confirmand in good time, and see where it pulls, is too loose or too short. If the confirmand has an inherited or handed-down child's bunad, it can often be let out and lengthened rather than replaced – but that is specialist work, not a quick home stitch.
Air, freshen and wash only what can take it
A bunad is not washed like ordinary clothes – the wool body is aired and spot-cleaned, never machine-washed. Here is how to make it fresh yourself before the day:
- Hang the bunad to air in fresh, moving air, out of sun and damp, for a day or more – airing removes most odour from wool.
- Brush lightly with a soft clothes brush to lift dust and lint, well clear of embroidery and silver.
- Blot a fresh stain gently with a barely damp, white cloth – never rub, and never heat or bleach.
- The linen shirt and apron can be gently hand-washed in lukewarm water if they are genuine linen or cotton and colourfast – the wool body must never be washed.
The silver and the final details
The bunad silver gives the outfit its character, and it is cared for according to its finish. Bright (blankt) silver can be buffed gently with a silver cloth; oxidised (oksidert) and gilded (forgylt) silver should only be wiped lightly with a soft, dry cloth – you must never polish away the dark oxidation or use a silver dip. Put the silver on last, after perfume and hairspray, and store it separately and airtight – never with rubber bands, which tarnish silver. While you are at it, check that clasps, buttons and dangles (løv) are secure.
Plan alterations and cleaning in good time
If the bunad needs taking in or letting out, the wool body needs a proper clean, or the embroidery and silver need professionals, it pays to be early – confirmation season and spring are busy. Send the bunad to us across Norway, and we alter and clean it according to the garment's fabric and construction, with methods gentle to wool, embroidery and silver. Describe what you want – for example taking it in for the confirmand, cleaning, or silver polishing – in the comment field, and you see the price before you order. Be early ahead of 17 May and the confirmation.
You see the price before you order.
Frequently asked questions
When should I get the bunad ready for the confirmation?+
Be early. Spring is busy for both cleaning and alterations, so don't leave it to the last minute – that way any taking-in, cleaning and silver care are done without stress.
Can the confirmation bunad be let out to grow with the teenager?+
Yes. Bunads have deep hems and generous growth allowance, so a specialist can let the hem down and let the seams out as the confirmand grows.
Can I clean the bunad myself before the confirmation?+
You can air and spot-clean the wool and hand-wash a genuine linen or cotton shirt. The wool body itself must never be washed at home – that is professional cleaning.
What if the confirmation bunad is inherited?+
Assess its condition, check for moths and look over the silver, and have it fitted to the confirmand. An inherited bunad can usually be let out and refitted to a new wearer.
Rather have us handle it?
You see the price before you order.