I love wearing traditional costumes when I travel – of course wearing a Longyi has been on my mind for the longest time.
It is not difficult to get your hands on a Longyi but you’ll probably have a tough time choosing one. Below you’ll find some tips, cost and how to get your hands on one.
Different types of Longyi
The Longyi locals wear are mostly custom-made but you can easily grab one that is meant for travellers at their local markets. The main difference is that the traditional Longyi is customised at waist area and have to be folded and tucked in correctly in order for the Longyi to stay in place. I bought my traditional Longyi at about 23,000 kyats.
On the other hand, a ready-made Longyi is much easier to wear with extra strings sewed on so that it suits a wide range of sizes. These are also much cheaper and usually more designs to choose from compared to the traditional Longyi. I got mine at 7,000 kyats.
Where to get your Longyi?
The easiest and convenient place to get a Longyi is at the Bogyoke Aung San Market where there is a huge section dedicated to textiles. There are many stalls selling ready-made Longyi, there are also a few distinct types of textile used for the Longyi. For example, I got mine at a shop specialises in Indonesian Batik. If you are going for the traditional Longyi, you can purchase your choice of Fabric at any store, and they can direct you to a seamstress which will then incur another cost.
Alternatively, I had my traditional Longyi done when I visited one of the workshops in Inle Lake where they dye and did the embroidery at the same place. It only took about 30 mins if it’s not crowded.
Choosing your Longyi
Their designs are distinguished between male and female. The rule of thumb is to go for bright colours and complicated embroideries if you want a femine design – you can’t go that wrong with these two criteria. Whereas, simpler design and dark colours, such as check or gingham are usually worn by men.
Not to worry if ladies were to choose a design that is deemed for men or vice versa because the locals are not overly conscious about that for foreigners. Instead, those who I have met shown their appreciation towards a foreigner who tried to adapt their culture.
I enjoyed wearing it so much in Myanmar! Everyone on the streets is wearing it, I find it so comfortable to be able to blend in. It’s a sense of their national pride.
Do you guys love wearing local costumes when you travel too?
