What’s Special About Traditional Clothes In Myanmar?

“Longyi” – a sarong-like garment is an essential part of traditional clothes in Myanmar when both men and women wear it at many special occasions. If visiting Yangon city, you’re likely to see most of Burmese people dressed in this piece of cloth even than their modern clothes.Through their traditional clothes, several cultural and personal traits are shown, which can be seen as the unique feature of Myanmar fashion industry. And such costumes find no difficulty in making a strong impression in the hearts of many friends from all over the world once they visit the country. Visit to try wear traditional clothes in Myanmar with: Myanmar holidays

Back to the history of Burmese wardrobe

Burmese women are in their traditional htamein- source: internet

Dating back to 1750s, traditional clothes of Burmese people was decorated with some stunning pieces of jewelry, especially when the wearers held a high status in society, like court officials for example.

Women had a few floral ornaments, even on their blouses and footwear. Before Longyi, the local men put on a skirt-like piece of clothes called “Taugshay Paso” while women were dressed in a “htamein”. Even though not so different from the Longyi, such ancient styles were assessed to be more elaborate.

Traditional clothes in Myanmar- source: internet

Regarding men’s taungshay paso, it has over nine meters of fabric while the Htamein for female owns numerous kinds of fabrics plus a string of beads. You can see it brush along the floor when the locals start to walk. Meanwhile, “longyi” is only two meters long, so it’s much easier and handier to put on! Indochina tours Myanmar

Right before the British attacked and invaded Burma, the type of fabric was the signal of the wearer’s wealth and status in society at that time. For example, silk fabrics were usually worn only by royal or rich people. Meanwhile, the poor Burmese only wore silks for weddings or other special events.

A traditional Burmese traditional costume- source: internet

Which occasions do Burmese people wear traditional clothes?

Most people from other countries will choose to dress traditional clothes on some special occasions and festivals. But in Myanmar, the locals wear their costumes every day just because they feel extremely comfortable, especially in the hot and humid weather of Myanmar.

What’s special about traditional clothes in Myanmar is how easy they are for people to put on and take off whenever needed in daily life. More interestingly, these garments can be freely pulled up to transform into a complete raincoat. Burmese women here are not euphuistic at all, particularly in the way of dressing up.

They rarely put on any makeup even in some important events. Thus, when visitors come to visit Myanmar, they have a feeling that both people and place here are just simple, friendly, and sincere.

So once traveling to the country, it’s best to try putting on their traditional costumes. And don’t forget to chat with the people, I’m sure that you will love them immediately.

Longyi and Htamein – The inspirations of Myanmar costumes

Men and women are wearing Longyi and Htamein- source: internet

Men wear one shirt without a collar, which is also considered as the masculine longyi. On the other hand, women would put on one blouse covering their shoulders and their feminine longyi (known as Htamein).

Both of these types of traditional clothes are the great inspirations of the local costumes: They’re both long and falling to the ankles. If it’s a man, he tends to wear his Longyi around his hips and tie one knot in front. If it’s a woman, you’ll see her fold it and stabilize on one side that she likes.

Each nation has its own special traditional clothing which stands for its social status and cultural value. These types of garments worn by Burmese people are often determined by the histories of their country, climate, tradition, and even ethnic groups.

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