Baju

Baju is a Malay word used in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei to refer to clothing or garments. In everyday usage, baju denotes an item of clothing, but it is also combined with a descriptor to name traditional outfits, such as baju kurung, baju kebaya, or baju Melayu. The term is widely used across Malay-speaking communities and adapted to regional fashion.

Common traditional forms include baju kurung, baju kebaya, and baju Melayu. Baju kurung is a traditional women's outfit consisting of a loose-fitting long-sleeved blouse worn over a long skirt. Baju kebaya is a fitted, often sheer blouse paired with a sarong, batik skirt, or other lower garment and is worn in various Southeast Asian cultures. Baju Melayu is the traditional Malay men’s attire, typically a loose-fitting shirt with a standing collar worn with trousers or a sarong, and often accompanied by a sampin.

In Indonesia, baju also encompasses regional costumes known as baju adat, worn for ceremonies, weddings, and cultural events. Other common terms include baju koko, a buttoned shirt worn by Muslim men, and baju batik, which refers to outfits incorporating batik fabric.

Cultural usage varies by region and occasion, with some forms adopted as everyday wear and others reserved for formal or ceremonial settings. The word itself remains a neutral, overarching label for clothing within Malay-speaking communities.