Traditional Dress in Indonesia

On a daily basis, Indonesian people wear clothes similar to that of the Western style. Most Indonesian men go to work with suits and ties, and on casual occasions would simply wear regular pants and shirts. For women however, a dress is a must without exceptions, even in extremely hot weathers; the majority of women also have to cover their faces with only the eyes showing through their veils on some occasions.

Like the countless islands of this archipelago, there are also a lot of traditional dress in Indonesia that represents the diverse regions, tribes, and customs of the country. The different beautiful islands hide within its midst its own unique style of traditional dress, representing their ancestral customs and society in clothing. Although the more modernized parts of Indonesia would only use these types of clothing on special occasions such as weddings, special celebrations, and festive events, the different traditional dress of the country is well-preserved and proudly shown if needed.

Among the most famous of traditional dress in Indonesia is that of the Minangkabau. The Minangkabau is actually an ethnic group, native to West Sumatra’s highlands. Their clothing usually flows in stunning Sumatran silks, rich and glowing in colors of shining gold’s and scarlet reds. The Javanese also have their own version of traditional dress in Indonesia in special sarong style which is worn for ceremonies and Friday prayers; its more casual version is the soft cotton tubular sarongs which are very comfortable and cool. Java women wear them in patterns of soft floral, while the men in plaid patterns.

In the region of Lampung, the sarongs are elaborated with golden threads that make them rather heavy, so its top is frequently left plain so that it can be folded and tightly tied. The Palembang district also ornate their sarongs with gold threads, however, women often take pride in beautiful silk ikat selendang, as well as headscarves edged in gold.

The batik is also a very popular traditional dress in Indonesia with various and tons of it in special types, designs, and fabrics. The most excellent of the cloths made for the many traditional dress in Indonesia, customarily form part of a family’s assets; they’re specifically brought out, displayed, or worn during ceremonies, exchanged in ceremonies, and used as items for dowry. A lot of these mores are still followed today in occasions such as weddings.