Fashion across cultures

FASHION OF SINGAPORE

Welcome to the exotic fashion of Singapore! Singapore does not have a national costume but it’s three main ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay and Indian) each have their own traditional styles of dress that are used on certain occasions.

The Nyonya Kebaya

The Kebaya is a traditional costume worn by the Nyonyas which consists of a translucent, figure-hugging top worn over an undershirt, and a batik sarong. The top is typically decorated with delicately embroidered flowers and patterns that serve to demonstrate the gentleness and conscientiousness of the Peranakan woman. 

Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/febelima/batik-kebaya-indonesia/

Baju Melayu

The Baju Melayu is the name for the traditional Malay clothing. It is worn by men and consists of a shirt for a top, sarong, worn over a pair of trousers, complete with a cap known as the songkok. The songkok is a religious hat which is worn many muslim men. 

Image from: http://www.zurfauzie.com/product/baju-melayu-with-pleated-bm-002/

The Baju Kurung

Malay women sometimes wear the baju kurung with the tudung, which covers the hair and neck of a woman for conservative reasons. Being a popular choice, today Malay women are seen to wear the Baju Kurung in their day-to-day lives.

Image from: http://www.mootiara.com/collection/baju-kurung.html

The Sari

There is an outstanding population of immigrants from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Nepal in Singapore, therefore many women there are seen in the traditional clothing called a Saree. The saree is seen to be a traditional garb, draped with a long, flowing and glamorous piece of cloth, usually unstitched. 
One draping style which is most common in Singapore is known as the Nivi style, which involves wrapping it around the waist and tucking in inside the skirt, while draping the remaining cloth over your shoulder and allowing it to hang around the waist level. 

Image from: http://comesingapore.com/travel-guide/article/546/traditional-costumes-of-singapore

The Dhoti Kurta

The Dhoti is a bottom traditionally worn by Indian men, containing a rectangular piece of cloth wrapped around the waist and legs. The top is known as a Kurta, which is a loose garment that becomes wider towards the bottom. This arrangement, collectively known as the Dhoti Kurta, is commonly worn by men from North India for formal occasions, but have recently been used in many other settings.

Image from: http://couchbooktatoes.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/dhoti-kurta-pics-images-photos.html

Cheongsam

The Cheongsam is knows as a “long garment” in Chinese. It is 1-piece dress that hangs loose from the body, and it was designed specially to conceal the body-shape of the wearer. Today, the Cheongsam worn by women is flattering to the body, and comes in many varying lengths, colours and designs. Women are found wearing this in occasions such as the Chinese new Year, weddings and other functions. 

Image from: http://www.cozyladywear.com/qipao-cheongsam-c-87.html

Who knew Singapore was home to many different cultures exhibiting a diverse range of looks in fashion! pretty cool I must say :) 

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