Baju Kurung, the Malay Traditional costume

The Malay traditional costume, which is called 'Baju Kurung',
is a lose cut dress worn by the Malays during the olden days.

But the costume evolved to be more colourful and fashionable as time pass. The Malays were influenced by the fashion style of traders who came from China, India, Middle East and Europe. There are different kinds of styles of the Baju Kurung namely Baju Kebaya, Baju Melayu, Baju Kurung Pahang. The names differ due to the unique design and cutting for each costume.

A sample of Baju Kebaya; a blouse-dress usually worn with a sarong or kain batik. Notice the flaps that runs in the centre where the blouse meets. Ladies normally attach a three-piece brooch (kerongsang) since the Kebaya has no buttons down the flaps.

A sample of a simple Baju Kurung. A big brooch (kerongsang) is worn to accessorize and make the costume looks more exclusive.