The baju panjang is a long-sleeved, loose tunic that reaches to calf-length. The garment opens in the front which is secured by a set of usually three jewelled brooches or kerosang. This piece is also referred to as a baju batik as it is made from dark brown batik cloth patterned with small, repetitive floral motifs. The baju panjang was worn over a sarong, which is a piece of cloth sewn together at the ends to form a tube. The wearer then stepped into the tube and by folding the excess cloth over itself, tightened the tube into a skirt. The baju panjang is not indigenous to the Peranakans, but was borrowed from the Malays who possibly borrowed it from elsewhere. Although the origins of the garment have not been ascertained, some researchers believe that it could have been derived from the Arabic habaya, a long tunic that opened in the front.
