The Ottoman-style anterija was worn by wealthy Muslim women throughout the 19th and in the early years of the 20th centuries, often with other special-occasion pieces as part of a 'ženski begovski komplet'.

The traditional anterija is worn as an overdress and adorned with intricate gold or silver decorations set off by the deep jeweltones of the background. It is typically made from velvet, brocade, satin, or other expensive (often imported) fabrics. The dress features a fitted bodice with a deep, round neckline and a flared, bell-shaped bottom that ends at the ankles. The edges and seams are accetnuated with heavy metalic embroidery (zlatovez), and the extra-long sleeves are open to reveal the fine clothing and jewelry underneath. The dresses feature floral patterns, folk symbols, and traditional geometric motifs, which can indicate the wearer's cultural or relgious background.

A similar ensemble with a long open vest was worn by men. The garments were favored the aristorcracy and other wealthy urban landowoners and came to symbolize tradition, prosperity, and cultural identity throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today, the techniques are often featured in ethnic folk costumes.