"Batik is a wax-resistant dyeing technique used on textiles. Due to modern advances in the textile industry, the term is also used for fabrics incorporating traditional batik patterns that are not necessarily produced using traditional batik techniques.

In the past, Indonesians, mostly adults, wear batik only at formal events. Nowadays it has become increasingly popular even among the younger generation with batik factories starting to manufacture more wearer-friendly and fashionable batik outfits.

Many office workers now wear batik on a daily basis, while local designers compete to produce more attractive designs.

While batik originated in Javanese courts, several other regions in Indonesia also have their own styles of batik. The fabric is also widely worn in countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand."

-The Jakarta Post

Yes, Batik has now evolved into a modern fashion item. We no longer wear it to formal parties only. Today's modern Batik has many various styles and designs that can be worn by everyone, from children to middle aged men and women. To give you a clue, here's one example of modern Batik designs by one of Indonesian famous designer, Edward Hutabarat :

I love how Edward incorporates Batik into casual chic styles, that proves how modern Batik is now. Batik is no longer a traditional type of formal clothing to be wear to special occasions. We now have casual Batik clothing even little children wears it.

And as a proud Indonesian you bet I also have my own Batik collections in my wardrobe. Here are some of them that I wear most often:

Here's one "classic/traditional" Batik wear. The Batik is the skirt I'm wearing and the top is called a Kebaya. As I told you in the above pharagraph, Batik was a type of formal clothing, commonly we wear it to wedding parties. We wear it as a bottom (in shape of a long skirt or just a "wrapped around fabric fastened with safety pin or ribbon"), and we usually combine it with another traditional Indonesian clothing called "Kebaya" (as seen above). This "Kebaya" can be short to the waist or long like mine above.



Contrary to the above, Batik has now evolved to many styles and designs. It's now available as casual dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. What I wear above is one example of modern Batik style, a casual dress that can be worn daily.

Another example, this one can be worn to a semi-formal occasions because of the motif, the fitted shape and classic simple design. I like this dress because I can style it up or style it down.

So how about you? Did you know about Batik before? And do you own one? Please share by commenting on this post ^___^