The earliest form of Kebaya considered was originates in the court of the 15th century Javanese Majapahit Kingdom, as a means to blend the existing female Kemban, body wrap of the noble women, to be more modest and acceptable. Throughout the last period of Majapahit kingdom, Islamic impact began to grow in seaside Javanese towns, thus there was a need to adapt the Javanese fashion to the newly used Islam religion. The tailored blouse, often created from delicate sheer fabrics, were worn over kemban torso wrap to cover the back again, shoulders and arms, in order for court ladies 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 observed 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 1...
A kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress