Malaysian Palekat

Palekat meaning "sheath" in Malay it is a large tube or length of fabric, it is consists of length
of fabric about a yard (0.91 m) wide and two-and-a-half yards (2.3 m) long. In the center of
this sheet, across the narrower width, a panel of contrasting color or pattern about one foot
wide is woven or dyed into the fabric, which is known as the kepala or "head" of the Palekat.
This sheet is stitched at the narrower edges to form a tube its often wrapped around the
waist and worn by men.
Palekat also one of the design fabric were uses for male, likes batik. Palekat is originally
introduced to Malay culture since thousand years ago witch related to Indian and Arabic
culture. Its also authentically creates parallel with the development of the Malay civilization
and culture especially during the pick of the Malacca sultanate empire in Malay Archipelago
in 14th century.
Palekat worn throughout much of South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Arabian Peninsula,
the Horn of Africa, and on many Pacific islands. The fabric most often has woven plaid or
checkered patterns, or may be brightly colored. Many modern Palekat have printed designs,
often depicting animals or plants using geometric motif.
Wearing Palekat is to brings the upper edge above the level of the navel (the hem should be
level with the ankles), positions the kepala at the center of the back, and folds in the excess
fabric from both sides to the front center, where they overlap and secures the Palekat by
rolling the upper hem down over itself. Malay men wear Palekat woven in a check pattern.
Palekat is mostly worn for Islamic function, ceremonies, festival an also worn daily by Malay
men at home. Now the uses of Palekat going to expend with the new trend to use as
modernize costume such as pants, shirts, kaftans, sarongs and many more items.