muumuu

Muumuu (muʻumuʻu) is a loose, full-fitting dress from Hawaii. The garment hangs from the shoulders with little or no waist shaping and typically falls from knee to ankle. Modern muumuus are usually short-sleeved or sleeveless and feature bright, tropical prints.

Origins: The muumuu emerged in 19th-century Hawaii as a more comfortable alternative to the formal holoku dress worn by Hawaiian women during the period of Western influence. The name is Hawaiian; the exact origin of the term is not definitively documented. Early muumuus were often cut from rectangular pieces of fabric and sewn with side seams to create a simple, draped silhouette.

20th-century expansion: In the mid-20th century, Hawaiian fashion gained popularity on the U.S. mainland and abroad. Designers and manufacturers marketed muumuus as casual resort wear, using cotton, rayon, or blends with bold floral or tropical prints. The style remains closely associated with Hawaiian culture and island life and is worn both casually and for special occasions in Hawaii.

Variants and care: Muumuus may include belts or drawstrings and necklines ranging from scoop to boat or V-neck. Lengths vary from knee to ankle, and some versions are worn as a cover-up at the beach. Typical care involves machine washing on a gentle cycle, depending on fabric.