How To Wear Batik Indonesia's Traditional Fabric

Tourists may know batik as a textile adorned with exquisite patterns. But for locals, batik is a generations-old craft and tradition cherished in everyday life. Many Indonesians wear batik as a prized fashion item for formal and casual occasions, not only out of respect, but also because it’s beautiful and versatile. Here’s how you can wear batik, Indonesia’s traditional fabric.

Batik Outerwear

Batik makes a great layer, thanks to its lively patterns. From formal blazer to laidback kimono cut, you can fancy a fashionable outerwear from your traditional batik fabric. Wear it over tank tops or plain shirts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BT-vZoAANdB/?tagged=batikouterwear

Batik Shawl

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYYGA_7F5mV/

Batik Skirt

You can sew a pretty batik skirt or simply wrap the traditional cloth around your waist, twist it on the side, and tuck the end to your waist or hook some safety pins to put it together. Once you master the art of wrapping batik cloth on your waist, you can experiment with different lengths, layers, and asymmetry.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYcp9xwhBoB/?tagged=batikootd

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYXGns3FZiI/?tagged=batikootd

Batik and traditional kebaya top

The traditional kebaya top is probably batik’s most natural match. Kebaya is a traditional blouse from ancient Java, with ornate lace or embroidery. It is usually combined with long batik skirt or wrap.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYfezuxAh-x/

Batik couple attire

Batik’s charm doesn’t only look good on women. You can make a man’s shirt and a dress or skirt with the same batik cloth to make a matching outfit for couples, or even for the whole family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYm_tGZgiDw/?tagged=ootdbatik

Batik Accessories

Beyond fabric and clothing, you can also find the traditional pattern in accessories —bangle, necklace, clutch, and more. You can wear batik accessories with modern attire as a statement item.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BX770WfBCiO/?tagged=batikclutch

Batik Dress

The traditional fabric is versatile enough to be sewn into all kinds of dresses, from maxi to mini and everything in between. With a minimalist and trendy design, the traditional batik can look much more modern, which is perfect for formal or even casual occasions. The lively colors of batik are also ideal to make avant-garde, extravagant dresses for your special event.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYmwIePl-Jr/?tagged=batikdress

Batik boho pants

The ethnic pattern of batik gives it a calming feel that makes it a perfect material for boho pants. You can make or buy batik loose pants that are not only comfortable, but also pretty charming. If you pair the pants with a semi-formal top and heels, you can even get a formal look. That’s how versatile batik is.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL6JPXeh319/?tagged=batikpants

Batik on denim

Some people are reluctant that batik can be an everyday casual outfit. If you have a simple batik top, try matching it with a denim pants for a casual look. It works!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYmJEeQlsxC/?tagged=ootdbatik

Batik x Black

Black is probably the safest color to mix with any kind of batik pattern. If you’re not sure how to match your vibrant, colorful batik, simply pick a black counterpart and you’ll never go wrong. Plus, it looks super elegant.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYnI9hAn5FV/?tagged=batikdress

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.