Malaysia’s largest ethnic group, which make up more than 50% of the population, although this drops to less than 25% in East Malaysia are well-known with their Baju Kurung (aka Baju Melayu for male). There are also several types for each attires depending on their origin and time.
The Baju Melayu is a loose tunic worn over trousers. It is usually complemented with a sampin – a short sarong wrapped around the hips. Meanwhile The Baju Kurung is a knee-length loose-fitting blouse that is usually worn over a long skirt with pleats at the side. It can also be matched with traditional fabrics such as songket or batik.
There’s a lot of interesting facts and secret behind the Baju Melayu. The five buttons represent the five pillars of Islam for the Cekak Musang, and the one button in Teluk Belangan represents Tauhid (the belief that there is only one god, Allah). For the three pockets for both design symbolize Islam, faith and generosity.
The Baju Melayu are influenced much by Islam because it dates back to the Sultanate Malacca about 700 years ago in this archipelago.
Even height of the sampin worn represent the person status. Single males will wear it above their knees, married person below the knees. Some say that if a married person wears it short, they are looking for a new partner.
To know in details about Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung, please visit this website, it tells the origin since early establishment of Sultanate Malacca.
Although Baju Melayu and Baju Kurung are considered traditional, they are still been worn every single day, either for special and non-special occasions. For example, the male can be seen wearing the Baju Melayu on Friday for the Friday’s prayer.
And as for Baju Kurung, you can see almost every women, from different generations either in school or working in the government rocking it. Since many generation has passed the syle of the Baju Kurung undergoes modernization but still maintain its authenticity.
Sources
https://www.omarali.com.my/sejarah-pakaian-tradisional-melayu/ https://www.noorarfa.com/rahsia-di-sebalik-rekaan-baju-melayu-dan-kain-sampin/ http://www.projektravel.com/2017/06/cara-pemakaian-samping-yang-betul.html
Busana Malaysia 