The earliest form of Kebaya believed was originates in the court of the 15th century Javanese Majapahit Empire, as a means to blend the existing female Kemban, torso wrap of the aristocratic women, to be more modest and acceptable. During the last period of Majapahit kingdom, Islamic impact started out to grow in seaside Javanese towns, thus there was a need to adapt the Javanese fashion to the newly adopted Islam religion. The customized blouse, often produced from sensitive sheer fabrics, were worn over kemban torso cover to cover the back, shoulders and arms, in order for court women 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...
A kebaya is a traditional blouse-dress