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Clothes are more than just pieces of fabrics stitched together. Every apparel has a function dictated primarily by topography. Tropical countries, for example, dress in breezy fabrics and bright, colorful garments. At the same time, countries in the northern regions of the world layer up to protect themselves from inclement weather.
Eventually, this combination of geography and dress style gives different regions of the world a distinct look. Moreover, the traditions originating in such cultures that typically incorporate these garments give individual societies their unique identity.
Sadly, because of changing mindsets, in some cases comfort, and due to the availability of newer materials, traditional dresses are no longer as popular as they once were. In several countries, locals wear traditional clothes only on special occasions, be it a cultural event or a religious holiday.
Clothes in the Maldives
Traditional Maldivian clothes have evolved dramatically over the country’s 850-year-old documented history. Moreover, those with a keen eye for style will find that dresses in the Maldives showcase cultural influences from pre-Islamic and Islamic times across the Arab world, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Although the western way of clothing nowadays has a universal appeal, there are countries where traditional clothes are still an integral part of life and its many celebrations.
In the Maldives, you can still see islanders wearing some customary garments, that have long been a part of their culture, on a daily basis. At the same time, some of the more elaborate attires are reserved for special occasions.
Dhivehi Libaas
Libaas is a word commonly used for any traditional dress in the Maldives. Dhivehi is the native ethnic group belonging to the Maldives, so they typically wear this outfit.
As cited in the memoirs of Ibn E Batuta, who visited the Maldives in 1355, the Dhivehi Libaas is the earliest recorded attire of the atolls.
The dress is distinctly known for its embroideries, Kasabu Viyun, adorning the necklines and borders. You’ll also notice that Dhivehi Libaas usually come in bright colors like red, blue, or green, worn with an underskirt, Feyli.
Although you can find some ready-made dresses in shops, locals have them made to measure, depending on the occasion they need them for. Garments for weddings, important dance performances, and celebratory functions typically have intricate embroidery. Maldivian women further accessorize the dress with gold jewelry and ornate hair-dos.
Dhigu Hedhun
One of the traditional Maldivian clothes, increasingly popular with the younger generation, Dhigu Hedhun, is a common sight during ceremonial events such as National Day or weddings. It is also the national dress of the Maldives and is known as Faaskurihedhun.
Dhigu Hedhun translates to “long gown.” The embroidery around its collar makes it a favorite choice among young girls. Moreover, it has a flattering cut and plenty of lace around the collars and cuffs, making it the perfect choice for any occasion. To complement the dress further, women pair the dress with a lace veil known as bolifothikolhu.
Locals on less touristic and commercial islands wear simpler versions of the Dhigu Hedhun daily. Traditional fabrics of the dress include lace-like materials. Chiffon and synthetic textiles are common in the more modern dresses. Lately, several women have started opting for a white version of the dress for their wedding ceremonies.
Whether contemporary or styled in its olden ways, Dhigu Hedhun continues to represent authentic Maldivian culture.
Burqa
The burqa is the Maldives’ only visible Islamic influence, commonly worn by the female population. Maldivian women wear traditional black robes with their heads shrouded as a sign of respect for their religion.
While one of the most recognizable traditional dresses of the Maldives, Burqas have changed over the years. The modern variants of the garment include matching the burqa with robes and scarves. It’s a lovely blend of heritage and style.
Hedhun Buri
For many Maldivians, Hedhun Buri is a memorable blast from the past. Although not a common sight nowadays, this two-piece dress was at one time commonly worn by younger Maldivian women.
A dress sported during the day, it consisted of a top and a skirt. The tops had beautiful floral designs and short sleeves. If worn by adult women, the sleeves tended to be longer. The skirts, folded in pleats, resembled the Lungi or Veshti of India.
Hedhun Buri was an everyday attire, but also one that many liked to wear during cultural performances. As a result, the material used for the dress range from cotton to satin, depending on the garment’s purpose.
The dress is no longer readily available in the marketplace. Visitors can, however, order one to measure at a local tailor during a sightseeing trip in Malé.
Traditional Maldivian clothes for men
Men’s fashion in the Maldives tends to be plainer than that of women. There are also fewer choices in design and material when it comes to traditional Maldivian clothing for males. Interestingly, though, conventional Maldivian men’s dresses tend to be quite androgynous.
In the olden days, men dressed in Fosha and Feyli. The latter is a piece of cloth that wraps around the bottom part of the body. It resembles the sarong, and men still wear it during Bodu Beru performances. It has a trademark black base with white stripes design. On the other hand, Fosha is a white cloth covering the body’s top part. It can be both full or half-sleeved.
Later, men started wearing the “Mundu” on their lower half and Ganjufaras on their upper body. A white tee shirt made of thin cotton is called a Ganjufaras. Locals, however, often wear a Mundu with any tee shirt, especially the youngsters.
Sarungan
Sarungan was the natural progression in the clothing style of men. It comes from the word “sarong,” a fabric wrapped around the waist and worn with a shirt.
The Sarungan was traditionally a black wrap with white stripes at the bottom, giving it a characteristic appearance. However, they are now available in checks and stripes also. Similarly, men typically wear a plain white shirt to formal occasions. At other times, the shirts can have different types of colorful prints.
On the islands, men frequently wrap their heads to protect themselves from the extreme heat. This headgear is now a part of the Sarungan ensemble. The sarungan becomes a formal dress when paired with a white shirt.
Headgear
Call it a weather requirement, a religious practice, or fashion, wearing some form of headwear is common among Maldivian men.
Depending on the type of work, men wear different headgear, from caps to scarfs or wraps. It’s fascinating to note that even the headgear takes influence from various other regions of the world.
You’ll notice a scarf influenced by the Persian kaffiyeh among traditional Maldivian clothing. Straw-woven hats adorned by fishers resemble the Japanese Roningasa. A more popular choice among the men is the thakihaa which originates in Africa. The younger generation, though, is more than satisfied wearing a stylish western cap.
Tourists wishing to take home a part of the island culture can purchase almost all types of traditional Maldivian clothes. However, some of them do require visiting a sewist. There are several shops in Malé where you can order a dress. Else, check with your resort concierge, and they will be able to arrange a dress for you.
Additionally, many travelers love to renew their wedding vows through a traditional Maldivian marriage ceremony when visiting the Maldives. Private island retreats can arrange for you to wear traditional Maldivian clothes on this memorable occasion. And to make your holiday all the more exciting, book a stay in a Maldivian resort where you can get a fantastic honeymoon package.
