Various Types of Traditional Javanese Clothing, Each with Unique Characteristics

Kapanlagi.com - Java is one of the most populous islands in Indonesia, which has various ethnicities and cultures. From language, musical instruments, to traditional clothing used in special events, such as traditional ceremonies and weddings, in order to preserve the culture and ancestral heritage.

Javanese traditional clothing itself has different characteristics, according to each region. Not only the beauty of art, Javanese traditional clothing also uses motifs as meanings and identities of the clothing.

Here are various types of Javanese traditional clothing summarized on Wednesday (7/2/2024)

1. Kebaya

Portrait of Aurelie Hermansyah in kebaya attire (Source: Instagram/fdphotography90)

Kebaya is one of the traditional Javanese clothing that has undergone modernization. In the era of the kingdom, kebaya was only worn by nobles and royal families as a symbol of social status. However, as time goes by, this traditional clothing from Central Java began to be worn by the general public. The motifs and colors in kebaya apparently have their own meanings. Flower motifs symbolize the beauty of nature and spiritual meanings in the beliefs of Central Java, while peacock motifs symbolize grace and glory. The color red in kebaya indicates courage and strength, while the color yellow has the meaning of nobility and luxury.

2. Jawi Nangkep

Portrait of Bobby Nasution and Kahiyang Ayu in traditional Javanese clothing called Nangkep (Source: vidio.com)

Jawi Nangkep is a traditional clothing from Central Java specifically for men. The upper part is called beskap, which is combined with kain jarik and several accessories, such as keris, blangkon, footwear, and jasmine flowers. Jawi Nangkep traditional clothing is believed to radiate grace and masculinity for men. Jawi Nangkep traditional clothing has two main types, Jawi Jangkep, usually used for formal occasions, while Jawi Jangkep Padinten is used for non-formal events, such as casual events, family events, or daily activities, so it is designed to be more comfortable and relaxed.

3. Kanigaran

Portrait of “Paes Ageng Kanigaran” (Source: liputan6/Putu Elmira)

Kanigaran is a traditional Javanese attire specifically made for the bride and groom of the royal family of the Ngayogyakarta Sultanate, often referred to as “Paes Ageng Kanigaran” or “Grand Attire in the style of Kanigaran”. Usually, Kanigaran is made of high-quality velvet fabric with a dodot lower garment, a typical Javanese cultural attire. Kanigaran is believed to not only be a traditional attire, but also reflects honor, cultural heritage, and the royal family's tradition.

4. Basahan

Portrait of Raffi Ahmad and Nagita Slavina in Javanese Basahan traditional clothing (Source: adatpengantinmuslim.blogspot.com)

Basahan is a Javanese traditional attire that has similarities with the Kanigaran attire. The difference is that Basahan is worn by the bride during the wedding ceremony and does not have outerwear like Kanigaran. Basahan focuses more on the inner elements of the attire and has simpler accessories. Javanese traditional attire Basahan also holds sacred and ceremonial meanings in a wedding.

5. Mantenan Clothing

Portrait of Javanese Mantenan traditional clothing (Source: rivorma.com)

Mantenan Clothing is a traditional clothing originating from East Java. The clothing is worn by the bride and groom during the wedding ceremony that follows the traditional customs of East Java. The clothing, which was once worn by the Javanese Kings in ancient times, is made of black velvet fabric with motifs made of gold wire for women. Meanwhile, men wear black beskap with different cuts between the front and back parts, as well as a black peci with gold accents. Both wear additional accessories in the form of jasmine flowers.

6. What is Traditional Clothing?

Traditional clothing (also known as traditional attire, regional clothing, or traditional garments) is clothing that expresses identity, which is usually associated with a geographic region or a specific period in history. Traditional clothing can also indicate social status, marriage, or religion.

7. What Traditional Clothes Exist in East Java?

Traditional clothing in East Java originates from Banyuwangi. The jebeng costume is a plain kebaya specifically designed for women. Meanwhile, the thulik attire for men consists of a plain black long-sleeved shirt with gold buttons and matching trousers.

8. What is the Traditional Clothing for Javanese Men?

The word "Beskap" comes from the term "Beschaafd" in Dutch, which means "civilized." Beskap is a traditional clothing for men that originated from the Javanese region, including Solo. Beskap is usually worn in traditional ceremonies and other official events.

9. What is the Traditional Kebaya?

Kebaya is one of the popular traditional clothing in Central Java. This kebaya has a simple blouse design with long sleeves. Kebaya is often worn in traditional ceremonies or formal events.

10. What is the Traditional Clothing of Madura?

Pesa'an is the traditional clothing of Madura, a province in East Java. Pesa'an is one of the main symbols representing the cultural heritage of traditional clothing from East Java in the archipelago. Pesa'an can be worn in important events of the Madurese community, such as wedding ceremonies or other significant occasions.

(kpl/dva)