Baju Melayu

Baju Melayu is the traditional outfit for Malay men. The name actually means "Malay shirt" but is a full suit comprising three parts. The first is a long-sleeve shirt, of silk, or cotton, or a mixture of cotton and polyester. The shirt is usually of a single colour without pattern with a raised collar called cekak musang (fox's lease). Next comes a pair of long pants, of the same material as the shirt. The third piece of the outfit is a piece of cloth called samping wrapped around and folded over the waist. The wearer may also wear a headgear in the form of a songkok to complete the ensemble.

In highly formal occasions, such as an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, a black Baju Melayu with a black samping embroided with gold thread is the required attired. It is also the attire that Malaysian ambassadors are required to wear when presenting their credentials to foreign heads of state. On the other hand, a white Baju Melayu is worn by the Malaysian royalty when they go into mourning over the passing of a member of the royal family. ... www.asiaexplorers.com