The All-Purpose Skirt-like Burmese Longyi

A trip to Myanmar is sure to be an exhilarating and eye-opening experience.  The country is filled with beautiful temples, pagodas, scenic landscapes and friendly people.

A trip to Myanmar is sure to be an exhilarating and eye-opening experience.  The country is filled with beautiful temples, pagodas, scenic landscapes and friendly people.  In the midst of this wonderment, visitors will surely notice a certain type of garment worn by many.  It looks like a skirt and it is also worn by men.  What is this piece of cloth?

The longyi is a sheet of cloth worn in Burma measuring approximately 2 meters long and 80 centimeters wide.  The fabric is worn around the waist and is held in place by folding the fabric over, usually without a knot.  The cloth runs all the way down to the ankles but some people fold it up to the knees for extra comfort.

There are two types of longyis, the ones meant for men called paso and the ones for women called htamain.  Men’s longyis are generally larger than the women’s and the designs on the paso usually consist of checkered patterns, striped patterns or plain colors.  Women’s htamain usually consists of a black calico band for the waist, colorful designs or flora patterns.

Longyis are usually made from cotton, however all sorts of fabrics, both imported and domestic, may be made into these garments as well.  Most individuals have longyis that are reserved and worn during special events and ceremonies.  These elaborate garments are called cheiks and are usually made from silk.  Even the poor will have a cheik set aside for special ceremonies.

The longyi is a suitable and comfortable piece of garment, considering the warm and humid temperatures Myanmar can come across with.  The apparel allows some air to circulate, which keeps the wearer cool during times of intense heat.  The longyi is also convenient.  Instead of changing into shorts or trousers, men sometimes shorten their pasos.  This enables men to have more freedom and flexibility with their legs, allowing them to climb trees or participate in sporting activities.

Men are sometimes seen with a folded paso on one of their shoulders as a cushion for carrying heavy loads on their back.  Women also use a rolled and coiled htamin as a cushion on top of their heads for carrying water pots, baskets or other items.

Myanmar is a country of wonder and fascination.  It is filled with friendly people, magnificent monuments and wonderful landscapes.  Exotissimo’s The Very Best of Myanmar tour takes visitors to beautiful lakes and Buddhist monuments and the streets of historic Burmese cities.  If you want an in-depth journey into Burmese culture, then our People and Heritage tour is the package for you.  Take an enchanting journey to Myanmar’s past and current capital cities as you explore the marvels of Myanmar’s regal history and local culture.  Visit glittering pagodas, enigmatic ruins, villages and craft workshops in this enlightening Burmese trip.  You may also visit our suggested Myanmar tours page for even more memorable trips into Burma.

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