The accessories worn with the Kebaya Setengah Tiang play a vital role in completing the ensemble and enhancing the wearer’s elegance. The following are the main accessories commonly used:

1. Telepok

• Function: The telepok is a traditional head ornament of Negeri Sembilan, made from cloth folded or tied in a distinctive style.

• Symbolism: It serves as a marker of identity for women in Negeri Sembilan and was historically worn both in daily life, such as while working in the paddy fields, and on more formal occasions, including adat ceremonies and traditional weddings. Unlike the horn-shaped tengkolok worn by Minangkabau women in West Sumatra, the telepok underscores the uniqueness of Negeri Sembilan’s women’s attire.

2. Cucuk Sanggul (Hairpins)

• Function: Women’s hair was traditionally styled in a high bun and adorned with cucuk sanggul (hairpins), sometimes complemented with fresh flowers such as jasmine or roses.

• Symbolism: The cucuk sanggul was often favored by young women and was particularly appropriate for formal occasions, weddings, and festive celebrations.

3. Kerongsang Tiga Serangkai (Three-Piece Brooch)

• Function: The kerongsang is an essential accessory, used to fasten the front opening of the kebaya securely.

• Design: The most popular type is the kerongsang tiga serangkai, consisting of one larger brooch (the “mother”) and two smaller ones (the “children”). These were commonly crafted from gold, silver, or decorated with gemstones.

• Symbolism: Beyond its practical function, the kerongsang also symbolized status and enhanced the beauty of the garment.

4. Dokoh

• Function: The dokoh is a traditional chest ornament resembling a necklace with plate-like pendants, worn across the chest, especially at weddings and formal ceremonies. It often served as an alternative to the three-piece kerongsang.

• Design: It typically features intricate designs inspired by floral, foliage, or other traditional motifs, giving a luxurious appearance.

• Symbolism: The dokoh signifies wealth, elegance, and the elevated stature of the wearer.

5. Rantai Panjang (Long Necklace)

• Function: The long necklace was worn either with the dokoh or on its own as a complementary accessory.

• Style: It lent a simpler yet elegant appearance, making it suitable for less formal occasions.

6. Earrings

• Function: The earrings, usually made of gold or silver, were worn to complete the look, particularly by women who did not wear headscarves.

• Symbolism: They symbolized modest luxury and the refinement of Malay women. In contemporary practice, however, with many women choosing to wear the headscarf in line with Islamic values, earrings are less frequently worn openly.

7. Bracelets/Bangles

• Function: Bracelets, typically crafted from gold or silver, were worn to adorn the wrists.

• Symbolism: They highlighted femininity and the delicate cultural refinement of Malay women.

8. Traditional Footwear

• Function: Footwear such as decorated sandals, low-heeled shoes, or traditional wooden clogs (bakiak) were often worn with the kebaya.

• Symbolism: Although simple, these choices maintained modesty while completing the traditional look

The Kebaya Setengah Tiang is crafted from a variety of fabrics selected according to function, comfort, and the wearer’s social status. The following are the materials most commonly used:

1. Cotton and Voile (Kasa Rubia)

• Usage: These lightweight and breathable fabrics were typically used for everyday wear due to their thin texture, comfort, and suitability for the tropical climate.

• Function: Ideal for women working in the paddy fields or managing household tasks, as they do not trap heat and are easy to style.

2. Brocade

• Usage: A luxurious fabric with raised patterns that provides an elegant texture.

• Function: Commonly worn for formal occasions, weddings, and cultural ceremonies, as it conveys prestige and grandeur.

3. Handwoven Songket

• Usage: Songket was the preferred fabric for ceremonial attire, as it is handwoven with gold or silver threads.

• Symbolism: Beyond its opulent appearance, songket represents high status and serves as a cultural emblem of pride in Negeri Sembilan.

4. Silk

• Usage: Reserved for the nobility or high-ranking individuals, particularly for prestigious events.

• Function: The fine, lustrous texture of silk enhances elegance and accentuates the refined tailoring of the kebaya.

5. Batik Sarong (Skirt) and Telepok

• Usage: The Kebaya Setengah Tiang is typically paired with a batik sarong as the bottom garment.

• Styling: The sarong is tied in the tindih kasih style, where the folds overlap from right to left in layered pleats, symbolically aligned with Islamic practice.

• Design: Batik sarongs commonly feature motifs such as floral patterns, bamboo shoots (pucuk rebung), or other traditional designs that reflect local identity.

• Alternatives: In formal ceremonies, songket sarongs were often worn as a more prestigious option.

Telepok: The telepok, the traditional headpiece of Negeri Sembilan women, was also commonly fashioned from batik fabric, further highlighting the cultural val

In general, the way of wearing the Kebaya Setengah Tiang is not very different from other traditional Malay garments. However, it requires particular care and precision, especially in the arrangement of the telepok. The following are the detailed steps:

1. Wearing the Batik Sarong

• The first step is to put on the batik sarong or, for formal occasions, a songket sarong.

• The sarong is tied using the tindih kasih style, where the folds overlap from right to left in layered pleats.

• The sarong must be securely fastened at the waist to ensure comfort and prevent it from loosening during wear.

2. Putting on the Kebaya Setengah Tiang

• The kebaya is then worn over the sarong. Its straight cut and half-mast length should be adjusted neatly so that it falls gracefully on the body.

• The front opening of the kebaya, which is naturally parted, should be properly aligned before fastening.

3. Fastening the Kerongsang

• A three-piece brooch (kerongsang tiga serangkai) is used to fasten the kebaya at the front so that it remains securely closed.

• The larger brooch (the “mother”) is placed at the upper chest, while the two smaller brooches (the “children”) are positioned below it.

• Besides its practical role in closing the kebaya, the brooch also enhances the overall aesthetic of the attire.

4. Wearing the Dokoh or Long Necklace (Optional)

• A dokoh, a chest ornament with plate-like pendants, may be worn across the chest, particularly for weddings and adat ceremonies.

• As a simpler alternative, a long necklace can be worn either in combination with the dokoh or on its own.

5. Wearing Earrings

• Traditionally, earrings made of gold or silver were worn to enhance the elegance of women who did not cover their heads with a headscarf.

• In a modern context, however, women who wear the hijab generally forgo earrings in public as a gesture of modesty.

6. Wearing the Bracelets 

• Gold or silver bracelets are worn on the wrists to complement the kebaya.

• These can be worn in pairs or in multiples to accentuate the refinement of traditional Malay feminine style.

7. Wearing the Telepok (Traditional Headpiece)

• The telepok is an essential head ornament, traditionally worn during adat ceremonies, weddings, or even for daily household tasks.

• It distinguishes itself from the horn-shaped tengkolok of the Minangkabau, highlighting the local originality of Negeri Sembilan attire.

• To wear it, a quarter-length of sarong cloth is draped from the back of the neck to the hairline.

• The two front ends of the cloth are then overlapped on the right and left sides, before the hanging front portion is pulled back to complete the arrangement.

8. Wearing the Cucuk Sanggul (Hairpin)

• Women’s hair is styled in a high bun and adorned with cucuk sanggul, often accompanied by fresh flowers such as jasmine or roses.

• The hairpin is generally fastened on the right side, while flowers are placed on the left side of the bun to balance the look.

9. Wearing Traditional Footwear

• The appearance is completed with traditional footwear such as decorated sandals, bakiak (wooden clogs), or low-heeled shoes.

• These choices maintain modesty while balancing elegance with practicality.