In the past, Malay women used to wear kain batik lepas (unstitched batik sarong) for both casual home wear and formal occasions.
However, its use has seen a decline as many have turned to more practical ready-to-wear batik outfits.
For some, wearing batik lepas is considered complicated as it requires time and knowledge of specific techniques to drape it properly.
Zulaikha Zulkafli, owner of Andani Studio, hopes to change that perception.
She organised a Kain Styling workshop at the “Riuh Raya Baik-Baik” event in Kuala Lumpur to revive the charm of unstitched batik sarong and make them relevant today.
Zulaikha said the workshop idea came about when she realised that many people owned kain batik lepas, but did not know how to wear it neatly and stylishly.
“Nowadays, many only know how to wear a sewn sarong or ready-made outfits.
“In the past, most sarong styles were done manually with specific techniques, and it is actually not difficult at all,” she told Bernama.
Zulaikha found through a survey that while interest was there, confidence was lacking.
“I teach the most basic techniques to help people gain confidence,” said the 33-year-old.
During the workshop, participants were introduced to basic styling techniques such as the wave-style sarong and pario, all achieved using just one piece of fabric.
The workshop also encouraged creativity, allowing participants to style batik fabrics according to the occasion and their personal taste.
“I realised that when starting this initiative, many people want to be ‘experts’ (at tying the sarong) before even trying.
“It’s really about confidence. If we are afraid of making mistakes, fewer people will attempt it.
“Perfection comes with practice,” she said.
Zulaikha said the first step was understanding the fabric, as differences between coarse weave or soft cotton determine how the fabric flows and how it will look when worn.
Participants are also taught to “read” the batik patterns, identifying the top and bottom sections and arrangement of motifs so that the cloth can be worn neatly while respecting its original design.
“These patterns were created with great artistry, so wearing it correctly is a form of appreciation for the craftsmanship.
“Wearing the sarong is a regional cultural practice.
“Most of the techniques are similar, but each place has its own style and the key is to know the basics,” she said, adding that she had studied fabric-wrapping techniques in neighbouring countries such as Indonesia and Singapore.
Zulaikha believes reintroducing manual styling techniques can increase appreciation for local batik.
Zalina Markisan, 55, who was among the workshop participants, said the techniques she learned opened new possibilities for wearing batik lepas.
“As Malaysians, we are familiar with wearing batik sarong, but we do not always know the correct way.
“I learned how to keep the fabric secure and neat.
“Our batik is also very beautiful and unique, and the patterns are easy to mix and match with different styles.”
The sales manager added that the workshop introduced seven new tying techniques that participants could try on their own.
“Previously, I just tied the fabric randomly, but now I know several neater ways.
“I can now style the batik lepas with more confidence.”
