Written by : Joyce Chua
The baju kurung is one of the simplest yet resplendent ethnic costumes around. Worn typically by Malay women from Brunei and Malaysia (where it is the national costume), Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, the baju kurung consists of a knee-length blouse worn over a long skirt, usually matched with a scarf or shawl. The skirt is made from a long cloth with folds on one side, while the blouse is collarless, has long sleeves, and extends to between the hips and knees.
Baju kurungs typically come in bright festive colours like viridian, royal blue or yellow, and the more elaborate ones may come embellished in gold and pearls. Modern versions, like the ones offered by Rizalman or Jovian, may come with contemporary details such as graphic prints or peplums.
And who says only festive seasons call for baju kurung shopping? There’s no reason not to look absolutely stunning in a sleek and vibrant ethnic costume every day! Before you shop for baju kurungs online, check out 5 fun facts about the traditional Malay costume:
1. Baju kurung is actually the name for the both the male and female costume. In Malaysia, however, the female dress is called baju kurung, while the male one is called baju melayu.
2. There are two versions of the costumes that are more popular: the baju kurung teluk belanga and the baju kurung cekak musang. The main difference between this two fashion styles is the cutting at the neck. The teluk belanga is collarless and the neckline is stitched in a manner known as tulang belut (“eel’s spines or bones”); while the cekak musang has a standing collar with holes for five buttons, including two buttons for the collar.
3. Baju kurungs are sometimes made of lush fabrics such as silk, imported from Turkey, Japan, South Korea, or India, or from the Malaysian states of Terengganu or Kelantan.
Traditional Malays prefer baju kurungs made of fabric from these eastern Malaysian states, where the culture of batik and other hand-designed fabrics is still going strong. In the more conservative states in northern Malaysia, women often wear a baju kurung with a headscarf (tudung or hijab).
4. Baju kurung is loosely translated as “enclosed dress”.
5. In 2013, Singapore’s most famous Malay fashion designer, Ashley Isham, finally tried his hand at designing Malay costumes.
The London-based womenswear designer is best known for his crepe jersey draped gowns that come in rich jewel tones. He had never ventured into traditional Malay costumes until last year, when he launched his first baju kurung line in time for Hari Raya Puasa.
The line, called Tradisi by Ashley Isham, is a nine-piece made-to-measure capsule collection, priced from $420 for a modern kebaya Pahang (made of organza and satin) to $650 for an embroidered abaya or long-sleeved floor-length gown. The collection was made available at Boutique by Ashley Isham.
What styles or details do you look for when buying baju kurungs? How do you wear your ethnic costumes? Share your style tips in the Comments section below!