Baju panjang

The baju panjang is a long and loose fitting tunic. This makes it suitable in the hot, humid climate of the Southeast Asian region as it allowed for ventilation, while also projecting a modest appearance. The decorative motifs are done in brocades which are decorative shuttle woven fabrics, often done using silk threads. The designs on this piece consist of pink floral sprays set against a green fabric. These are considered auspicious symbols in the Peranakan culture and they symbolise posterity. With the introduction of the aesthetically more appealing kebaya in the early 20th century, the baju panjang began to fall out of favour with younger Nonyas. It became increasingly worn only by the older generations of Peranakan women.