The Maldives is also known for its unique culture, which is reflected in the clothing and accessories worn by its people. The traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories hold great cultural significance. This represents the unique identity and heritage of the Maldivian tradition. In this article, we will take a closer look at Maldivian clothing and accessories and explore their significance.
Traditional Maldivian Clothing and Accessories
The traditional clothing of Maldives is known as the “Dhivehi Libaas.” The Dhivehi Libaas is a loose-fitting dress that is made from cotton or silk, and it is typically worn by women. The dress is ankle-length, with long sleeves and a high neckline. The dress is usually decorated with intricate embroidery, and it comes in a range of bright colors, including red, blue, and green.
Men, on the other hand, wear a long-sleeved shirt known as the “Kurta.” The Kurta is usually made from cotton, and it is worn with a sarong-like garment known as the “Feyli.” The Feyli is wrapped around the waist and worn with a sash called the “Kasabu Boavalhu.”
Accessories
Accessories play an important role in Maldivian culture, and they are used to complement traditional clothing. Here are some of the most popular accessories worn in Maldives:
Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah is a traditional headdress that is worn by women. The headdress is made from cotton and is typically decorated with beads and embroidery.
Thundu Kunaa
Thundu Kunaa is a traditional woven belt that is worn with the Feyli. The belt is typically made from coconut fibers and is decorated with intricate patterns.
Jewelry
Jewelry is an important accessory in Maldives, and it is used to complement traditional clothing. Women wear a range of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. The jewelry is usually made from silver, gold, or beads.
Significance of Maldivian Clothing and Accessories
The traditional clothing and accessories worn in Maldives hold great cultural significance. They represent the unique identity and heritage of the Maldivian people. The bright colors and intricate embroidery of the Dhivehi Libaas reflect the vibrant culture of Maldives, while the Fuvahmulah headdress and Thundu Kunaa belt symbolize the pride and respect for tradition.
Where to buy traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories?
There are several shopping destinations in the Maldives that offer a wide range of traditional clothing and accessories. Here are some of the top places to shop for Maldivian traditional clothing and accessories:
Top places to shop for Maldivian clothing and accessories:
Male Local Market
One of the best places to buy traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories is in the capital city of Malé. The city has several markets and shopping areas where you can find a variety of Maldivian products. The local market in Malé is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Maldivian culture. The market is located in the heart of Male, the capital city of the Maldives. Here, you will find a wide range of traditional clothing, including the mundu, libaas, and sarong, as well as other accessories such as jewellery and handicraft.
Majeedhee Magu
Majeedhee Magu is one of the busiest streets in Male, and it is also one of the best places to shop for traditional clothing and accessories. The street is lined with shops selling everything from clothes and jewellery to souvenirs and handicrafts. Market is known for its traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories, such as sarongs, thobes, and headscarves. You can find a wide range of colors and designs to choose from, and the prices are reasonable. The market is also a great place to buy souvenirs, such as keychains and fridge magnets.
Le Cute
Le Cute is a boutique located in Male that specializes in traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories. The boutique offers a wide range of clothing, including the mundu, libaas, and sarong, as well as jewellery and other accessories. Le Cute is known for its unique and stylish designs, and their products are popular among tourists and locals alike.
STO Trade Centre
The STO Trade Centre is a shopping mall located in Male that offers a wide range of traditional clothing and accessories. The mall has several shops that sell traditional Maldivian clothing, including the mundu, libaas, and sarong, as well as other accessories such as jewellery and handicrafts. The shops here offer a range of products at different price points, making it an ideal shopping destination for everyone.
Island Bazaar
If you want a more upscale shopping experience, you can visit the Island Bazaar in Malé. It is located in the heart of the city and offers a wide range of traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories. The store has a vast collection of sarongs, which is the traditional attire for men in Maldives. You can also find women’s dresses, shirts, and skirts in various styles and colors. The store also sells handmade crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.
Centro Mall
Centro Mall is a modern shopping complex in Malé, which houses several local and international brands. The mall also has a few shops that sell traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories. One of the most popular stores is ‘Maldives Heritage’, which offers a range of traditional clothing for men, women, and children. You can find colorful sarongs, dresses, shirts, and skirts, made from locally sourced fabrics. The store also sells traditional hats, jewelry, and handicrafts.
Chaandhanee Magu
Chaandhanee Magu is a bustling street in Malé, which is famous for its local markets and shops. It is one of the oldest streets in the city and offers a unique shopping experience. Here, you can find several small shops that sell traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories. The street is lined with vendors selling sarongs, dresses, and shirts in various colors and patterns. You can also find handmade crafts, souvenirs, and traditional Maldivian hats.
Nala Boutique
Nala Boutique is a boutique store located in Hulhumalé, which is a small island located near Malé. The store specializes in traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories for women. You can find a range of dresses, skirts, and tops, made from locally sourced fabrics. The store also sells traditional jewelry and accessories like headbands and hairpins. Nala Boutique offers a unique shopping experience, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the products.
Angolo Souvenir Shop
Located in the capital city of Male, Angolo Souvenir Shop is a popular destination for tourists who want to buy traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories. The shop has a wide variety of products, including sarongs, t-shirts, dresses, and scarves, all made from traditional Maldivian fabric. They also sell handmade jewelry, bags, and other accessories that are unique to the Maldives. The staff at Angolo Souvenir Shop is friendly and knowledgeable about the products they sell, making it a great place to learn about Maldivian culture while shopping.
Oevaali Art Shop
Another popular destination for tourists looking to buy traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories is the Oevaali Art Shop. Located in Male, the shop specializes in handmade products that are made using traditional Maldivian techniques. The products sold at Oevaali Art Shop include traditional Maldivian dresses, shirts, and sarongs, as well as handcrafted jewelry, bags, and other accessories. The shop also has a range of products made from coconut shells, which are unique to the Maldives.
Male International Airport
If you are short on time and want to buy traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories before leaving the country, Male International Airport is a great place to shop. The airport has a range of shops that sell traditional Maldivian clothing and accessories, including sarongs, t-shirts, and dresses. You can also find handmade jewelry and other accessories that are unique to the Maldives. The airport shops are open 24/7, making it convenient to shop at any time of day.
