Types of Baju Kebaya in Malaysia
Baju Kebaya generally serves as a traditional dress for Malay women. They often wear Baju Kebaya during celebrations. Typically, Baju Kebaya features long sleeves, splits at the chest, and is covered with a brooch. In Malaysia, there are many types of Baju Kebaya dresses with different designs.
Types of Baju Kebaya that are popular in Malaysia include:
1. Baju Belah Kebaya Panjang
Also known as Kebaya Johor-Riau, this traditional clothing of Johor women has a pattern that ‘restricts’ the body parts. This kebaya shirt features a long cut up to the ankles, splits, slits, and pleats in the front. This fashion is famous in Melaka, Perak, Selangor, Kedah, and Perlis. Later known as ‘Baju Panjang’ and ‘Kebaya Panjang,’ this traditional dress evolved into a long-sleeved kebaya with a straight front, “kekek,” and split chest covered with accessories like studs or three brooches.
2. Kebaya Nyonya
This kebaya remains popular today, especially in Melaka. Kebaya Nyonya originates from the Chinese Peranakan people. Rubia gauze, commonly used to make Kebaya Nyonya, involves plain woven fabric made of fine twisted yarn to produce a rare and light texture. The thread used to sew Kebaya Nyonya fabric is machine embroidery thread made of silk, cotton, or polyester. Decorated with flower and animal motif patterns in various colors, Kebaya Nyonya showcases high-quality fabrics and threads imported from Europe to suit the status of the Nyonya.
3. Kebaya Chitty
Originating from the Peranakan Indian Chitty tribe, Chitty’s kebaya uses opaque material, unlike Nyonya’s semi-transparent fabric. Kebaya Chitty features fine embroidery or none at all. Chitty women wear both long and short kebayas.
4. Kebaya Selangor
This kebaya extends past the knee, worn separately, with four pleats in the front, folded at the neck, and straight sleeve ends. The Baju Kebaya Selangor represents a combination of the Kingdom of the Malay Sultanate of Malacca, Selangor, Perak, Kedah, and Bugis influences.
5. Kebarung
Known as Kebaya Labuh, this dress combines elements of Baju Kebaya and Baju Kurung. Originating from Selangor in the early 90s, Baju Kebarung is looser than regular kebayas and pairs well with “batik” fabric.
6. Kebaya Riau-Pahang
Known as Baju Riau Pahang or Turkish Kebaya, this kebaya has a collared and buttoned neck like Baju Kurung Cekak Musang but features a split front attached with a brooch like other kebayas.
7. Kebaya Pulau Pinang
Traditional to the Peranakan Jawi, which includes Indian Muslims like Mami and Mamak, this kebaya has a long cut and is made of sari fabric. Mami’s Kebaya often uses lace fabric decorated with sequin embroidery, while Mamak’s prefers sari fabric.
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