What Do Malaysian Women Wear?
Malay women follow a conservative dress code impacted by the nation's Islam religion, as well as their own culture. However, other ethnic groups, such as the Chinese and Indian minorities, don't necessarily follow these conventional dress codes. Because of trade and penetration from other cultural groups, the style of dress is diversifying, and the changes are being met with government and religious resistance.
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Traditional dress
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The kebaya, which is a diaphanous pleated blouse is paired with the sarung, a cylindrical cotton fabric that is folded as a skirt. The sarung is generally in a floral or other feminine print and can also be worn alone, particularly when sleeping and bathing. The selendang can serve as a veil or head scarf.
Contemporary dress
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The tudung is an example of a more modern form of village dress. It consists of a long-sleeved tunic and baju kurung, or floor-length skirt. Typically, the anak tudung, or head scarf, is also worn. The pieces may be of matching fabrics or separate items--even including short-sleeved blouses and T-shirts.
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Muslim influences
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Islam is Malaysia's official religion, and more than 60 percent of the ethnic Malay population practice it, according to the Telegraph. Because of Muslim standards of modesty, women's clothing typically covers the entire body, with the exception of the face, hands and feet. A covered head also signifies humility and modesty. However, because Islam came into the country by choice, not by force, Malays feel that their own cultural heritage has been preserved to a greater extent.
Western influence
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Globalization has not fully penetrated Malaysia, but it is more visible in the urban areas. City dwellers can be seen in Western-style skirts, pants, blouses and shoes. However, shorts, miniskirts, or strapless or sleeveless tops are still avoided.
Dress restrictions
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In October of 2008, Malaysia enacted a law that banned women from dressing in a masculine way, specifically in men's, or men's-inspired clothing, according to the London Telegraph. The reasoning behind the law is that such styles of dressing denied a woman's femininity was a violation of human nature and encourage lesbianism. Earlier that year, high heels were discouraged in a provincial city.
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References
- Photo Credit reader image by haemengine from Fotolia.com
