The earliest form of Kebaya thought was originates in the court of the 15th century Javanese Majapahit Empire, as a way to blend the existing female Kemban, body wrap of the aristocratic women, to be more modest and acceptable. During the last period of Majapahit kingdom, Islamic influence began to develop in coastal Javanese towns, thus there was a need to adapt the Javanese fashion to the newly adopted Islam religion. The tailored blouse, often made from sensitive sheer fabrics, were worn over kemban torso cover to cover the back again, shoulders and arms, in order for court girls to appear more moderate. Aceh, Riau and Johor Kingdoms and Northern Sumatra adopted the Javanese style kebaya as a means of social expression of status with the more alus or refined Javanese overlords.The name of Kebaya as a particular clothing type was noted by the Portuguese when they landed in Indonesia. Kebaya is associated with a type of shirt worn by Indonesian women in 15th or 16th century. Prior to ...
A kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress