Malaysians, as all other people, have various styles of
clothing pertaining to their ethnicities-- and sometimes religions. Flowing
clothes are used for many women conservative or not, since wearing loose clothes
ensures coolness. Men, however, take on their respective styles of clothing,
varying from one area to the next. All cultures have similarly influenced one
another,
When walking in the streets of any town in Malaysia, don' t
be surprised to see one minute an Indian woman wearing a shalwar kameez and the
next see any Malaysian man walk by in a suit!
Festivals
and celebrations are highly regarded as the time to bring out your nicest
clothes. In fact, taking on shabby clothes to an event means being disrespectful
to both event and host! Festival costumes are always brightly colored and
resplendent-- if you're in Malaysia, check out a festival near you to view
beautiful costumes up close.
On the other hand, summer clothes are used every day of the year--even in homes where the a.c. is turned on. Therefore, don't bring your favorite sweatshirt to Malaysia-- you won't need it and will end up the fool, sweating in the warm air.
Many factors in Malaysia affect the style and type of clothes worn there. Take,
for example, the clothing worn by Malay people , otherwise known as the
Bumiputra (see Malay Ethnicity for more about this). The clothing is light, with
no dark colors, is airy, comfortable and cool.
Due to the climate, which has high temperatures and equally high humidity, the Malays have adapted and wear a baju kurung for the women, and baju melayu for men. (Click here for more information about this.) Orang Asli, which include the Iban, wear airy clothes, light dresses or pants for the men which help them live comfortably in their villages or even in the cities.
Indians, on the other hand, already familiar with the climate and humidity, the fact being that they came from India, a large hot country close to Malaysia, wear loose flowing clothing. However, they are beginning to change. Chinese people are, as a matter of fact, beginning to shift from the past clothing styles which would be warm and uncomfortable in the climate to those that are strikingly similar to Malay styles. Overall, the heat and climate in itself have been two of many factors in deciding the clothing styles of the Malaysians.
Shout out!