The first form of Kebaya believed was originates in the court of the 15th century Javanese Majapahit Kingdom, as a way to blend the existing female Kemban, body wrap of the aristocratic women, to be more modest and acceptable. Throughout 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 customized blouse, often made from delicate sheer fabrics, were worn over kemban torso wrap to cover the back, shoulders and arms, in order for court women to appear more humble. 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 blouse worn by Indonesian women in 15th or sixteenth century. Prior to...
A kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress