The kebaya is an open tunic with long sleeves, a collarless neck and front opening. It is a hip-length garment and is gently shaped to flatter the figure. This kebaya is possibly made from white voile and is decorated with embroidery, hence the name kebaya sulam. Cutwork stylised circular floral motifs run down the centre and bottom hems of the piece, as well as on the bottom of the sleeves. Embroidered motifs of flowers, complete with stems and leaves and sewn with white thread are found on the front lapels, the bottom of the sleeves as well on the lapik, which refers to the triangular shaped lower front panels covering the wearer’s lap. The rest of the piece is interspersed with designs of small carrots. Such designs of kebayas became common in the mid-20th century. The use of embroidery on the kebaya allowed Nyonyas to have greater leeway to customise their own individual piece, so that the chances of them wearing an identical piece with someone else were greatly reduced. Being of a translucent material, this garment would have been worn with an inner, possibly long-sleeved undershirt.
