Baju Kebaya

Shop baju kebaya designed for the modern Malaysian woman — from easy kutu baru and kebaya moden to elegant songket and long traditional cuts. Every piece is made to be worn with a tudung, with wuduk-friendly details on selected designs. Order online with cash on delivery, or try them on at our boutique in Shah Alam.

What Is a Baju Kebaya?

The baju kebaya is a traditional women's blouse that opens down the front and is worn over a long skirt, usually a sarong or batik kain. In its classic form, it has long sleeves and front panels that overlap. It is fastened with three brooches called kerongsang: a larger ibu at the top and two smaller anak below it.

The open front is what separates a kebaya from a baju kurung, which is a closed tunic pulled on over the head. The kebaya is also usually more fitted to the body, giving it a more tailored, elegant silhouette.

A Heritage Recognised by UNESCO

The kebaya is worn across Southeast Asia, and in December 2024 it was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Malaysia led this joint nomination with Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, under the title "Kebaya: Knowledge, Skills, Traditions and Practices". The recognition celebrates not just the garment but the craft behind it: the cutting, embroidery and dressing traditions passed from one generation to the next.

Types of Baju Kebaya in Malaysia

Kebaya Labuh (Kebaya Panjang)

The original Malay kebaya is long, falling to the knee or below, with straight front panels and long sleeves. A slightly shorter version that ends just below the knee is known as kebaya sekerat tiang or separuh tiang. Today, the long kebaya with a modern twist is one of the most popular choices for Raya and formal events.

Kebaya Moden (Kebaya Pendek)

The modern or short kebaya is cut to around hip length, without the traditional side panels, while keeping long sleeves. It is lighter, more fitted and easier to wear for office days, Raya visits and evening events. Our Seroja kebaya, for example, pairs a modern cut with songket fabric for a festive finish.

Kebaya Kutu Baru

Originating in Java, the kutu baru is recognised by an extra panel of fabric across the centre front that joins the two sides. In Malaysia, the similar Kebaya Kota Bharu from Kelantan also features a fastening at the centre of the chest. Our Kasum and Tun Teja kebaya kutu baru designs bring this classic shape into everyday modest wear.

Kebaya Riau Pahang

Also called Kebaya Turki, the Riau Pahang kebaya has a buttoned collar like a cekak musang baju kurung, but keeps the open front of a kebaya, with kerongsang pinned below the buttons. It is a refined, structured choice for weddings and formal events.

Kebaya Nyonya

The Peranakan kebaya, a blend of Malay and Chinese traditions, is known for sheer fabric or lace decorated with intricate embroidery, and is usually paired with a colourful batik sarong.

Kebarung

A blend of the baju kurung and the kebaya, the kebarung combines the longer, looser shape of the kurung with kebaya-inspired details. It is a good choice for anyone who wants the elegance of a kebaya with more ease of movement.

Kebaya Tradisional vs Kebaya Moden

The traditional kebaya, or kebaya labuh, keeps the long length, overlapping front panels and three-brooch closure. The kebaya moden simplifies the cut, removing the side panels and gusset for a shorter, sleeker shape. Both remain popular: the traditional kebaya for ceremonies and adat, and the kebaya moden for Raya, office wear and weekend events. Explore our baju kebaya tradisional collection for classic, ceremony-ready designs.

Choose Your Fabric

Kebaya Songket

Songket, handwoven with gold or silver threads, has long been used in Malay ceremonies. A kebaya songket is the natural choice for nikah, tunang, bersanding and Hari Raya.

Kebaya Lace

French lace over a lined base gives a soft, feminine finish. Our Kasum kebaya kutu baru combines breathable cotton with French lace detailing, ideal for long days in Malaysian heat.

Kebaya Brocade

Rich woven patterns with a gentle sheen give structure and an occasion-ready look. Our Tun Teja kutu baru is cut in brocade for Raya and evening events.

Baju Kebaya for Every Occasion

• Hari Raya: Recent Raya seasons have favoured refined, elegant silhouettes like the kebaya labuh and Riau, in colours such as burgundy, rich brown and lilac alongside classic maroon, emerald and black.

• Nikah, tunang and weddings: Songket and lace kebaya in off-white, gold, and soft pastels create a graceful, ceremonial look for both the bride's family and wedding guests.

• Office and everyday: A kebaya kutu baru or kebaya moden in cotton or lace pairs easily with a plain skirt or batik for a polished, modest outfit.

Fit, Sizes and Wuduk-Friendly Details

Most Carlanisa baju kebaya come in sizes XS to 2XL. Selected designs feature wuduk-friendly sleeves with zips, so you can take your wuduk without changing outfits. Check our size guide, or send your measurements to our team on WhatsApp, and we will recommend the right size.

Looking for a Baju Kebaya Shop Near You?

Carlanisa is a Malaysian modest fashion label founded in 2019, with a boutique in Shah Alam, Selangor, a short drive from Kuala Lumpur. Visit us to see the fabrics and try on your kebaya in person. You can also shop our full baju kebaya collection online, with delivery across Malaysia, cash on delivery and 7-day easy returns.