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DE’ UNITE: SHE 101 – HIMPUNAN LAPORAN TEKNIKAL PROJEK PELAJAR

4.0 Malaysian Traditional Costumes

Malaysia is a beautiful country with diverse cultures and a rich history. People from different ethnic
backgrounds have distinct sets of traditional attire that reflect their cultures.

4.1 Malay Traditional Costumes

Before the 20th century, Malay women still wore kemban, just sarongs tied above the chest, in
public. As Islam became more widely embraced, they started wearing the more modest yet elegant
baju kurung. 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. Typically,
these traditional outfits are completed with a selendang or shawl or tudung or headscarf. The
traditional attire for Malay men is the baju melayu. The baju melayu is a loose tunic worn over trousers.
It is usually complemented with a sampin - a short sarong wrapped around the hips and also songkok
on top of the head.

Figure 2.0 Malay Traditional Costumes

4.2 Chinese Traditional Costumes

Comfortable and elegant, the traditional cheongsam or 'long dress' is also a popular contemporary
fashion choice for ladies. Usually, it has a high collar, buttons or frog closure near the shoulder, a snug
fit at the waist and slits on either one or both sides. It is often made of shimmering silk, embroidered
satin or other sensual fabrics. The samfoo is another traditional Chinese attire, but it is usually worn
by older and more mature women. Similar to pyjamas, it is a two-piece garment with a loose-fitting
top worn over three-quarter length or ankle-length pants. The changshan is the traditional attire for
men. One may find button-up shirts that are made from similar materials as the cheongsam. These
shirts can be either long-sleeved or short-sleeved with frog closure buttons running down the centre.

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