Planning to get a new Baju Melayu? Before you go and make the purchase, there are some things you must consider. You do not want to be making an impulse buy and regretting it right after as traditional Malay costumes are not pocket-friendly, especially good quality ones. 

What kind of material does the Baju Melayu come in?

Similarly, for women with their baju kebayas and baju kurungs, various types of fabric are available to choose from. Pick your favourite material from cotton, silk, viscose, crepe, max mara, Balotelli, and others. For easy breathability and comfort, opt for cotton or crepe. Crepe fabric is thin, feels soft and is not easily crumpled. To stand out in the crowd, definitely go for satin or silk, as it gives off a natural shine. However, they tend to stick to the skin when it starts to get warmer during the day.

What styles are there?

The Baju Melayu typically comes in two styles, the Cekak Musang and Teluk Belanga. For a more formal and presentable look, go for the Cekak Musang. It has a raised collar with 5 buttons at the front. The Teluk Belanga style gives off a more friendly and approachable vibe, perfect for open house events! The Baju Melayu also comes in loads of colours. Choose primary, neutral colours for a minimalistic look or go for bright, loud colours. Whatever floats your boat!

Where are you wearing it to?

For formal events like weddings and company annual dinners, the Baju Melayu Cekak Musang is a go-to. To keep the aesthetic and obtain an elegant traditional look, both your Baju Melayu top and trousers should be kept limited to one material, whether satin or cotton. However, there is no one rule to follow. Pair your Baju Melayu top with your favourite jeans, and you get yourself an everyday casual look.

What is your budget?

The Baju Melayu is usually accompanied with a kain samping, which is a cloth that wraps around the waist and a songkok. The total amount for a complete set can easily range from prices as low as RM50 to a staggering RM1,000. Give yourself a reasonable price range and stick to the budget. You don’t necessarily have to get tailored made ones, there are plenty of beautifully designed Baju Melayu that are ready-made in the market, which falls within your price point. Make sure to do your own research and search for credible reviews online.  

In a nutshell, we recommend that you invest in a good Baju Melayu. Who knows, you may just pass it down to generations to come as a family heritage. Without compromising too much on the style and design, we suggest that you prioritise comfort when picking out your next Baju Melayu!