Colors of Tradition

Indonesia

The national costume of Indonesia is the national attire that represents the Republic of Indonesia. It is derived from Indonesian culture and Indonesian traditional textile traditions. Today the most widely recognized Indonesian national attires include batik and kebaya, although originally those attires mainly belong within the island of Java and Bali, most prominently within Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese culture. Since Java has been the political and population center of Indonesia, folk attire from the island has become elevated into national status.

Baju Batik

Baju Batik

Batik is the national attire of both women and men from Indonesia. Batik is a cloth that is traditionally made using a manual wax-resist dyeing technique to form intricate patterns. Batik cloth were wrapped around the hips with multiple folds in front called wiron, while the upper torso wear kebaya fitted dress. Traditionally for men, the edge of batik cloth also can be sewn together to make a tubular cloth as sarong, or wrapped around hips as kain in fashion similar to women's. Sometimes men who wear batik shirt usually also wearing a songkok or peci cap to make it more formal in a traditional way. Batik shirt or blouse are also available for women. Batik pattern differs from region to region, especially across Java and other islands and have their own motifs or patterns unique to respective local tradition and culture.

Baju Kebaya Indon

Baju Kebaya

The kebaya is the national attire of women from Indonesia. It is sometimes made from sheer material such as silk, thin cotton or semi-transparent nylon or polyester, adorned with brocade or floral pattern embroidery. Kebaya is usually worn with a sarong or batik kain panjang or other traditional woven garment such as ikat, songket with a colorful motif. Kebaya is usually worn during official national events,traditional ceremonies and weddings by the Indonesian women.

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