The Perfect Wear for the Scorching Heat in Malaysia: Kurtas

It’s not new to us Malaysians that the weather here is hot and humid all year long. On a good day, the temperature can drop to about 23°C; however, typically, it ranges from 25°C to 38°C. The highest temperature ever recorded here in Malaysia was in 1998, as temperatures hit 40.1°C. The sweat, stickiness, and smell that come with this weather are incredibly uncomfortable to deal with, and that’s why people here in Malaysia almost always opt for lightweight fabric for most of their apparel. 

You can easily spot a few men wearing kurtas in Malaysia during the festivities season. For example, during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Deepavali, kids and adults alike get together in their kurtas to celebrate the occasion. The kurta made from soft cooling cotton material is the secret to beating the scorching heat here in Malaysia!

In our multicultural country, the kurta is commonly worn by Malay and Indian men. A traditional kurta has a straight-cut design with full sleeves and length that reaches the knees. Even though this style is still seen worn by many in the 21st century, fashion industries have modernized this cultural wear with just a touch of elegance. You can find that there are varying styles of kurtas in Malaysia today. There are knee-length, hip-length, ankle-length, and even calf-length cuts.  

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Source: VELRIA

There is such an excellent demand for kurtas in Malaysia that there is also a market for women’s fashion. A kurta made for women is known as a kurti. Both kurtas and kurtis can come in various colors and designs. Some are kept simple for a minimalistic approach, while some are embroidered with gold thread for a fashionable look. The choices are limitless; you can also get them custom-made and tailored for you.

For those just looking for a quality and versatile kurta, VELRIA has released three uniquely distinctive collections of kurtas for Malaysian men; the Nastia, Kurnia, and Pendita collections. The Nastia and Pendita collection incorporates the use of a single yet stunning dress stud in their individual designs. The former has a Teluk Belanga style neckline while the latter has a Cekak Musang style collar. The Kurnia collection embraces simplicity by combining the Cekak Musang collar with three buttons that hold up the placket.kurnia-beige

Source: VELRIA

Unlike the loose-fit cutting that you can find in Malaysia, VELRIA’s kurta are definitely made to flatter the body. All the kurta collections by VELRIA are crafted from European cooling cotton material and designed to have a regular fit through the body and chest to bring out a more masculine look. Whether you’re looking to wear a kurta for the coming Raya or just to a casual open house, VELRIA has got you covered with their collection of kurtas. 

The History Behind the Baju Melayu We Have Today

Over the years, Baju Melayu as a traditional attire has developed. While retaining an homage to the traditional element, we see the design evolving over the years to take into account the changing lifestyle. Every Raya, men and boys alike get all dressed up in their Baju Melayu, looking clean and dashing. But do you know how it came about? Are you familiar with the inspiration behind the clothes you adorn yourself in every Raya?

Dating back to the 15th century, the Baju Melayu was first seen in Malacca, the most important trading port in Southeast Asia. Foreign traders going in and out of Malacca have influenced the styles and designs we are wearing and loving today. The loose-fit style, trousers, and overall elegance of the design were inspired by the Arabs, Mongols, and Europeans. 

It came in mainly two specific styles, the Cekak Musang and the Teluk Belanga. Although this traditional wear has evolved in many phases, the elements in these two styles are still very much incorporated in the Baju Melayu we have today in modern society.

Source: VELRIA

The Cekak Musang style has a raised collar with dress studs holding up the placket of the shirt. As this gives off a more classic look, this design is very much preferred for formal events like weddings or annual dinners. 

Source: VELRIA

The Teluk Belanga, on the other hand, has an open neckline that’s hand-embroidered using an eel-spine stitch pattern with a single dress stud holding the collar together in the center. This style is a favorite for kids and adults alike. They’re comfortable, and the matching trousers can always be switched out for a more casual look with a pair of jeans or slacks. 

The Baju Melayu Collection by VELRIA includes both these traditional styles with a touch of modern simplicity. Available in versatile colors, the matching set is made in the classic loose-fit cutting with high-quality cotton material, which leaves you feeling cool and comfortable all day. Check out the collection we offer here at VELRIA.

Comfort All Day in Sophisticated BENTARA Baju Melayu Nude

Do you know what our choice of outfit says about us and how it could influence our mood?

In our daily lives, we send social signals and nonverbal cues to others from what we are wearing, including the ‘colors’ we put on ourselves. Not only that, colors play an essential role in the fashion industry.

 It carries a strong connection with individuals’ well-being that there is a therapeutic process known as “Color Therapy”. This therapy has long existed, and it was a crucial medical practice in ancient Egypt, Greece, and China back then. There were rooms painted in different colors to treat ailments. Color Therapy is all about identifying and understanding the power of color caries and connecting particular colors to one’s life to aid physical, mental, and emotional illness.

Colors draw attention, evoke feelings, and establish an emotional connection with others. Nothing beats the refreshing feeling and seeing our reflection in uplifting colors. Start a joyful day by putting on a clean-looking and vivid outfit while exuding optimism and an inspirational vibe to people around you.

The Baju Melayu collection at VELRIA comes in an array of vivid colors, including the BENTARA Baju Melayu in Nude and Red, and the PADUKA Baju Melayu in Orange and Blue. The collection comes in a two-piece set, offering the utmost coziness with its loose-fit cutting and cotton material. Whether you are walking or sitting, the material allows you to move in all directions with no restrictions. The soft texture gives not only a lightweight feel but as it is made with cotton, you will definitely keep cool all day.

Among the Baju Melayu collection, our Nude color piece is one of the most recommended selection suitable for both casual and special occasions. This color is timeless, modest, elegant, and sophisticated. Its warm undertones induce warmth and comfort. As a neutral tone, Nude is agile and enormously versatile, pairing flawlessly with almost any other shades on the color palette. With this Baju Melayu, you can easily match it with accessories and a pair of shoes that come in a wide range of colors.

Minimalistic, simple elegance that combines excellent qualities of comfort. Grab yourself a set of Baju Melayu in Nude today or discover more of our collections here!

Buy it Right, Wear it Right: Baju Melayu Style Tips

Throughout the history of Malaysia, the styles of Malay traditional costume for men, the Baju Melayu has gradually evolved. This heritage wear is constantly reinvented with new twists while ensuring traditional elements remain.

Transformation did not happen on the fashion elements, but also in consumers’ behaviors. The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digitalization and prompted changes in shopping behaviors from visiting physical retailers to shopping online. With that, we have seen concerns popping up in regards to poor-quality products sold online, buying the wrong sizes, or even having difficulty controlling spending.

So, as we shop online for our favourite Baju Melayu, Baju Kurung, Baju Kebaya or Tudung, how do we shop wisely? Here are our three tips:

1. Plan a Budget
Set a budget and do your research to avoid overspending. The best thing about online shopping is that it allows you to check and compare various shops, qualities, prices, and more.

You might have a go-to tailor for custom-made outfits. However, it is undoubtedly costly to always go for a tailor on speed dial for your outfits. While visiting bricks-and-mortar retailers have become challenging amidst Covid-19. Fret not, you don’t have to spend a ton to find unique patterns and cuttings online. Online shopping is not just convenient but provides a wide range of options for you to find the best collection that suits you. VELRIA provides a range of selection and we’re sure you can find the right fit.

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2. Get the Right Fit and Right Fabric
Getting the right fit will rely on the cutting that you prefer. For the modern trendsetter, you may go for the slim fit cutting. While those who prefer a more traditional look can go for the classic Baju Melayu that features a loose fit.

The Baju Melayu collection by VELRIA combines both quality and modern elements. The collection is made in loose-fit cutting with cooling cotton fabric. The flexibility and comfort will certainly help you to stay cool all day long with ease to move around.

3. Don’t Forget the Accessories
Accessories are an important element that could help in elevating your overall look. Style up your outfit with a watch and a pair of well-polished shoes. You could also match your outfit with a plain or patterned songket and even a well-fitting songkok during special occasions such as festival celebrations and weddings.

When you’re ready after reading these few tips, head on to the wide array of VELRIA’s collections here