The first form of Kebaya considered was originates in the court of the 15th century Javanese Majapahit Empire, 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 influence commenced to grow in seaside Javanese towns, thus there was a need to adapt the Javanese fashion to the newly followed Islam religion. The customized blouse, often made from sensitive sheer fabrics, were worn over kemban torso wrap to cover the back, shoulders and arms, in order for court females 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 mentioned by the Portuguese when they landed in Indonesia. Kebaya is associated with a type of shirt worn by Indonesian women in 15th or sixteenth century. Pr...
A kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress