Why do Balinese women wear white kebaya?

Balinese women wearing white kebaya and sarong during ceremony (Photo via Shutterstock/Tropical Studio) Balinese women wear white kebaya as pakaian adat (customary dress) with sarong during rituals and ceremony. For other occasions or daily activities, they prefer more colorful kebaya with shorter sleeves.

What is the origin of kebaya?

Kebaya Indo or Eurasian kebaya were popular amongst European ladies during the Dutch colonnial era in Indonesia. Dutch women and Indos (European-Asian ancestry) of high social status adopted kebaya as a formal social dress, adding their signature lacy fabrics to the traditional blouse.

What is a Javanese kebaya?

The elegant Javanese kebaya comes with a simple design and a V-neck cut. Usually, it’s made from opaque or semi-transparent fine fabrics, plain or patterned, with stitching or embroidery adornment. They also come in other materials, such as cotton, brocade, silk and velvet.

What is a Balinese kebaya made of?

The tight-fitting kebaya is made of semi-transparent fabrics, such as cotton or brocade, adorned with embroidery or lace. Sometimes the fabrics are already patterned with stitchings. Kerongsang brooch is seldom used and in exchange, Balinese wear a sash or shawl wrapped around the waist.

What is the Balinese kebaya?

The Balinese kebaya is part of busana adat or customary dress, Balinese women are required to wear kebaya during Balinese Hindu rituals and ceremony in pura. White kebaya are favoured for Balinese religious rituals.

What is kebaya Panjang and how to wear it?

The kebaya panjang was shortened to make it easier and comfortable for women to move while carrying out daily activities at home or outside. In the past, it was often used by women when they were at home, working in the fields or attending wedding ceremonies. Normally, it is paired with batik sarong.

What are the traditional dresses of Indonesia?

Often, when one thinks of Indonesia, a colorful image of women dressed in blazing fabrics, wearing accessories and headdresses, comes to mind. The most common traditional dresses you’ll see natives wearing, belong to the Javanese, Sudanese and Balinese regions.