national dress As a multi- ethnic society, Singapore does not have one national dress or costume, but a variety. Efforts to create a national dress have often been attempts at fusing elements and characteristics of traditional costumes of the island’s main ethnic groups (Chinese, Malay, Indian and others). These efforts have not caught on.

One major push was the National Trades Union Congress’ attempt to create an ‘orchid shirt’— a long- sleeved shirt with orchid motifs worn untucked.

Because Singapore’s national language is Malay, and because of its historical ties with the Malay Peninsula, the term ‘national dress’ also sometimes refers to the sarong kebaya for women and long- sleeved batik shirt for men.

Today, it is considered appropriate to respond to an invitation specifying ‘national dress’ by wearing ethnic clothing from any of the country’s major ethnic groups.