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What is Malaysia's traditional attire?
Malaysia's traditional attire, known as Baju Kurung, has its roots in the 15th century. The male version is called Baju Melayu, while the female counterpart is Baju Kurung. Malaysians typically wear these garments on special occasions such as weddings, New Year's celebrations, or Hari Raya festivals.
As a predominantly Muslim country, Malaysia celebrates Hari Raya, a major festival held in early August, marking the end of the Ramadan fasting month. Today, Malaysia's traditional clothing has evolved with modern influences, featuring vibrant colors, and is often worn during significant events.
Traditional clothing of Malaysian women
The traditional attire for Malaysian women, known as Baju Kurung, consists of a long skirt or sarong that extends from the waist to the ankles, paired with a long-sleeved top that reaches the knee or the hip. When wearing Baju Kurung, Malaysian women often cover their head with a scarf or drape it over their shoulder.
Today, Malaysian women combine traditional clothing with modern styles. They might wear a knee-length blouse over a full-length skirt. In addition to the Baju Kurung, Indian-origin Malaysian women often pair their attire with a Sari and jewelry. Sikh women may wear a silk dress that extends past the knee, along with silk pants worn outside.
Traditional clothing of Malaysian women
Traditional clothing of Malaysian men
The traditional clothing for Malaysian men is simpler than that of women. The attire includes a long-sleeved shirt, a double-layered hat, and a short sarong-like cloth that reaches the knee. The traditional male clothing of Malaysia is also designed with intricate and attractive patterns and details.
In addition to the Baju Melayu, Malaysian men from various communities wear distinct outfits. For example, Sikh men wear loose trousers with a turban, while the Peranakan community typically wears a shirt paired with a Dhoti and a folded headscarf.
Traditional clothing of Malaysian men
The significance of traditional Malaysian clothing
While touring Singapore and Malaysia, it’s not hard to spot Malaysian men and women in their traditional attire. But what does this clothing symbolize? Traditional Malaysian clothing is known for its modesty and elegance, ensuring that the arms and legs are covered. The Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu represent a unique cultural hallmark of the country. As the Malay community makes up the majority of Malaysia's population and follows Islam, much of the country's cultural practices, including traditional clothing, are influenced by this community.
Beyond just being traditional garments, Baju Kurung and Baju Melayu also represent the beliefs and faith of the Malaysian people. The Malaysian government has allowed for more modern, streamlined designs of these traditional clothes, making them more practical and widely accepted in today’s fast-paced society.
The significance of traditional Malaysian clothing
Traditional clothing of Malaysians in the past
Before the popularity of Baju Kurung and Baju Kebaya, Malaysian women wore Kanban Sarong. This outfit consisted of two pieces: a lower garment wrapped around the hips to cover the legs, thighs, and hips, and a top piece to cover the chest and torso. Additionally, a piece called Kain Kecubung was used to cover the head, arms, and shoulders, protecting from the harsh sunlight.
For men, the traditional attire consisted of two garments. One piece was wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body, while a smaller piece was tied around the head to form a headpiece.
The difference in traditional Malaysian clothing between the nobility and commoners was reflected in the quality of fabric used. The nobility often wore expensive materials such as batik, ikat, songket, or tenun, paired with precious stone or gold jewelry. Today, off-shoulder dresses have also appeared in traditional rituals and dances, especially in Kelantan, where they are considered symbols of elegance, aesthetic appeal, and femininity.
Exploring traditional Malaysian clothing from the past
When do Malaysians wear traditional clothing?
So, when do Malaysians typically wear traditional attire? Let’s explore below with Mytour:
- Traditional Malaysian clothing is often worn during significant events such as weddings, festivals, and Hari Raya celebrations. During the Chinese New Year and the Islamic Hari Raya in August, Malaysians wear traditional garments as a sign of respect.
- At weddings, the groom wears Baju Melayu and the bride wears Baju Kurung. The bride's attire is typically more detailed and intricate. The groom’s outfit matches the bride’s, and they both wear a headpiece. Wedding attire is usually in shades of purple or cream.
- Malaysians also wear traditional clothing during Friday prayers, which has become a cultural hallmark of the nation.
Where can you experience wearing traditional Malaysian clothing while traveling?
According to travel experiences in Malaysia, wearing traditional clothing for a photo op is a popular activity among tourists. To rent authentic and beautiful Malaysian traditional outfits, here are some recommended places to check out:
RentSmart
- Rental price: From 180RM - 22RM per outfit (approximately 1,024,000 - 1,252,000 VND) depending on the style and material
- Contact: https://www.rentsmartasia.com/shop/
- Information: RentSmart offers a wide variety of Malaysian outfits in all sizes for you to choose from.
Aron Nawi Creations Costume Rental
- Rental price: 150RM - 200RM (ranging from approximately 853,000 - 1,133,000 VND)
- Address: No. 13-1, Jalan Tasik Utama 3, The Trillium, Lake Fields, Sungai Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Contact number: +60 3-9054 7388
- Information: Offers a wide range of traditional Malaysian outfits for both men and women, as well as costumes for performances and dances. A deposit fee of 100RM (approximately 600,000 VND) is required for rental and will be refunded upon returning the attire.
Traditional costume rental locations in Malaysia
Some tips when wearing traditional Malaysian attire
To wear traditional Malaysian clothing beautifully and respectfully, you should consider the following tips:
- It’s important to respect the traditional attire of the country when you wear it during your visit to Malaysia.
- Wear the traditional Malaysian outfits correctly, and avoid altering them to fit your own style.
- When taking photos in traditional Malaysian attire, remember to pose appropriately to create beautiful memories.
- Whether wearing Malaysian traditional clothes or any outfit in your own country, always aim for modesty and neatness. Avoid overly revealing clothing.
Learning about traditional Malaysian attire is also a great way to better understand the culture when you plan to visit this country. If you get the chance to travel to Malaysia, don’t forget to rent a traditional outfit and take memorable photos. If you’re planning your upcoming Malaysia trip but haven’t found a good deal on a tour yet, contact Mytour via hotline 1900 2083 for quick and detailed advice!
Author: Phương Thảo
Image source: Internet
