Before the 20th century, Malay women wore kemban. After the spread of Islam, they began to wear the baju kurung. In Malay culture, clothes and textiles are viewed as items of beauty, power, and status. Among popular Malay textiles are Songket and Batik.
Men wear a baju (shirt) or Tekua (a type of long sleeve shirt), baju rompi (a vest), celana (trousers), a sarong around the waist, capal (sandals) and a tanjak or tengkolok (headgear). Traditional Malay dress varies between different regions but the most popular traditional dress in modern day are the Baju Kurung for women and the Baju Melayu (for men).
Online Malay lessons for kids: dinolingo.com