Accessories play an important role in completing the appearance of the Kebaya Perlis, especially among women of noble and royal lineage in the past. These accessories not only serve as ornaments but also help structure and secure the garment so that it appears neat and well-fitted on the wearer. The main accessories traditionally worn with the Kebaya Perlis include the following:

1. Kerongsang (Tiga Serangkai or Diagonal Style)

The kerongsang is the most essential accessory and the defining element of the Kebaya Perlis. It is used to fasten the front opening of the blouse, keeping the folds of the kebaya securely closed. The unique feature of the Kebaya Perlis kerongsang lies in its diagonal arrangement along the front fold of the blouse, rather than vertically as seen in other kebaya styles. There are two traditional methods of wearing it:

• First version: The front of the blouse has a visible fold, and the kerongsang is pinned along the fold.

• Second version: The fold overlaps directly without additional stitching, but the kerongsang remains diagonally placed as the main decorative focus. The kerongsang is typically made of gold, suasa (a gold-copper alloy), or silver, intricately engraved with floral motifs. It often consists of three connected brooches, known as kerongsang tiga serangkai.

2. Earrings

Earrings are worn as ear adornments, usually crafted from gold or silver. Their designs are simple yet refined, often inspired by northern Malay floral motifs such as bunga tanjung or fern leaves, which are common in traditional metalwork.

3. Necklace

Gold or silver necklaces are worn to complement the neckline of the kebaya. They are typically designed in modest styles so as not to overshadow the kerongsang, which remains the central decorative highlight of the chest area.

4. Bracelets and Rings

Bracelets are worn one or two on each wrist, usually made from gold or silver, while rings are worn on the middle or ring finger. Both accessories serve to enhance the wearer’s elegance without compromising the kebaya’s understated sophistication.

5. Hairpins (Cucuk Sanggul) and Hair Flowers 

Traditionally, Perlis women styled their hair in a high bun at the back of the head, adorned with gold or silver cucuk sanggul (hairpins) and artificial jasmine or rose flowers. These embellishments were often used during festive occasions or cultural performances to accentuate feminine grace and poise.

6. Shawl or Long Veil 

To cover the head and shoulders, Perlis women wore a light shawl made of chiffon, voile, or fine gauze. The color of the shawl was carefully coordinated with the kebaya and sarong to achieve a harmonious and modest overall appearance.

The Kebaya Perlis has been crafted using various materials throughout different periods, depending on its function, the wearer’s social status, and the availability of fabrics at the time. Generally, the materials used must be soft, lightweight, and easy to iron so that the kebaya maintains a neat and well-fitted appearance on the body. The following is a comparison between the traditional materials of the past and the modern materials currently used in the making of the Kebaya Perlis:

Traditional Materials (Before the 1930s to the 1950s)

1. Traditional Cotton Fabric

Widely used due to its lightweight nature, ease of sewing, and suitability for the hot and humid tropical climate. Traditional cotton is soft against the skin, providing comfort for daily wear.

2. Kasarubia Fabric

This was a special material used primarily for the kebaya of the noble and aristocratic class. Traditional Kasarubia had a slightly coarse exterior texture but was soft on the inside, making it appear thick yet comfortable to wear. This type of fabric is now rare and is considered a valuable textile heritage material.

3. Silk and Velvet (for Royal and Ceremonial Use)

For ceremonial kebayas and royal functions, silk and velvet fabrics were used to evoke luxury and refinement. These fabrics were often embellished with fine hand embroidery or sequins along the sleeve edges and blouse hems.

Modern Materials (From the 1960s to Present)

1. Modern Cotton (Thick Cotton or Stretch Cotton)

Modern cotton is thicker and more durable than its traditional counterpart. It is opaque and easy to iron, making it the preferred choice for both official and everyday wear.

2. Linen or Polyester Blends

These fabrics are used for their easy maintenance, wrinkle resistance, and longer durability. They are commonly chosen for kebayas worn by government officials, school uniforms, and formal institutional events.

3. Satin and Chiffon

Satin and chiffon are popular choices for modern kebayas because of their flowing texture and soft sheen. They are frequently used for official ceremonies, cultural performances, and royal celebrations in Perlis.

4. Songket and Batik (for the Sarong)

Although not part of the kebaya itself, the kain sarung (skirt) worn with the Kebaya Perlis is typically made from songket bunga tabur or finely patterned floral batik. These patterns enhance the overall beauty of the outfit without compromising the authenticity of its traditional design.

General Characteristics in Material Selection

• The fabric must be soft, lightweight, and easy to shape, allowing the kebaya to drape neatly without appearing stiff.

• The material should not be too thick to ensure comfort in Perlis’s tropical climate.

• The colour palette typically includes soft tones such as white, cream, light blue, green, or pink, reflecting the modest yet refined aesthetic preferences of northern Malay society.

The wearing of the Kebaya Perlis requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that the arrangement of folds, the placement of the brooches, and the overall shape of the attire appear neat while maintaining its traditional characteristics. Although the design of the kebaya is relatively simple, the correct method of wearing it is essential to ensure that the garment drapes properly on the body and accentuates its original silhouette. The following are the basic steps and methods for wearing the Kebaya Perlis:

Step 1: Wearing the Sarung (Lower Part)

1. The kain sarung (skirt) forms the lower part of the attire, usually made from songket bunga tabur or finely patterned batik fabric.

2. The cloth is wrapped around the waist with an overlapping front fold (wiron) facing the wearer’s right side.

3. The folds should be straight and well-aligned to match the centerline of the kebaya.

4. A fine pin or a small sash is used on the inside to secure the wrap and prevent it from loosening.

5. The length of the kain sarung should reach the ankles to allow easy movement while maintaining modesty.

Step 2: Wearing the Kebaya Perlis (Upper Part)

1. The kebaya is worn from the shoulders down, extending to just below the hips or the knees, depending on the design.

2. Ensure that the kekek (side panels) and pesak (front gussets) are properly adjusted so the blouse lies flat without wrinkles.

3. The sleeves should reach the wrists, with the cuffs neatly pressed and straightened.

4. For the traditional kebaya, soft fabrics such as Kasarubia or cotton allow the garment to drape naturally on the body without being tightly fitted.

Step 3: Fastening the Kerongsang (Chest Area)

1. The front part of the kebaya may be folded either with overlapping folds or a flat front without a slit.

2. The kerongsang tiga serangkai (three-piece brooch) is pinned diagonally from the neckline down toward the midsection.

3. Ensure that the brooches are not placed too close together or too far apart so the kebaya folds remain properly secured.

4. As the brooch serves as the main focal point of the attire, its arrangement must be symmetrical and aligned with the body’s natural proportions.

Step 4: Completing the Look

1. A shawl or long veil may be draped over the shoulders or worn on the head to complete the traditional appearance.

2. Additional accessories such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are worn according to the formality of the occasion.

3. Low-heeled shoes or embellished slippers are typically worn for formal events, while modest closed-toe shoes are preferred for casual occasions.

4. The overall appearance must be tidy, the kebaya should be well-ironed, the sarong folds evenly balanced, and the color of accessories must harmonize with the kebaya and kain sarung.

Distinctive Features of the Perlis Traditional Style

• The Kebaya Perlis does not have shoulder slits, making it easier to wear compared to modern kebaya designs.

• Its back portion resembles the baju kurung and lacks internal stiffeners, maintaining a loose and comfortable fit.

• This style of dressing makes the kebaya suitable for women of all body shapes, including plus-sized figures, without altering its original structure.

Overall, the traditional method of wearing the Kebaya Perlis highlights the precision of tailoring and the harmonious balance between the kain sarung, kebaya, and accessories. Proper wearing ensures that this attire not only appears elegant and refined but also preserves the authenticity of its original design, a heritage that dates back to the reign of Raja Syed Alwi in the early 20th century.