When Batik is Worn

Batik dresses are worn for several purposes, such as ;
1. Informal Dresses
It is a free choice, usually for daily casual wear.
2. Formal Occasions
In some parties, as a state banquets, receptions, etc, the invitees are requested to wear batik. Long sleeves shirts for the men and 'kain batik' (long batik to cover the lower body) for the women.
3. Traditional Occasions
It is worn to present the traditional wedding ceremonies, special ceremonies for the Royal families, etc.

In a wedding ceremony the bride and the bridegroom wear the same motif of batik Sidomukti, symbolizing a happiness and prosperous life. Using the same motif symbolizing the togetherness. The parents of the bride and the bridegroom wear batik with motif of Truntum, symbolizing the advice of the parents to the newly weds to enter the new life with full of love and confidence.

Traditional Dress
Women's traditional dress, especially in Yogya and Solo court families, consisting of :
1. Jarit or Tapih or Sinjang
A 'kain panjang' (long cloth of batik) measuring around 2 m x 1 m to cover the lower body, tightened with stagen (large waist band)
2. Kebaya
It is a traditional long sleeved shirt (the material used is not from batik, usually from silk and other fine materials).
3. Selendang
It is used as attractive piece of clothing to compliment the traditional dress. The 2 m x 0,5 m selendang cloth hung over one shoulder.
4. Kemben or Semekan
It is special for ceremonies in Karaton (palace) or Royal family ceremonies. Instead of wearing Kebaya, to cover the upper body, a kemben is worn.

Men's Traditional Dresses
1. Jarit or Bebed
Men kain panjang, tightened with stagen.
2. Surjan
Men traditional long sleeved shirt (only for Yogya style) and the material is not batik.
3. Beskap
Instead of wearing surjan, the men wear a coat (beskap of Solo style or Atila of Yogya style), the materials is not batik.
4. Blangkon
It is a headgear made from batik.
5. Keris
The dagger is worn at backside of the waist, as a compliment to the dress.