Throughout the history of Malaya and Malaysia, as we know them today, batik has been an important part of Malaysian culture and identity.
It’s always shown in a traditional light, but many fashion brands are reinventing and modernising batik. The latest designs are made to appeal to the new generation, while still retaining the core of what batik art is all about. With that, Beauty Insider is listing those brands for you to check out for yourself and snag a piece of clothing or two!
What Is Batik?
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Batik, to put it simply, is a process of decorating fabric using wax as a resist. Batik is an antique style of art derived from the Javanese terms amba (to write) and titik (to dot). Some have even described it as wax writing or drawing with a broken line.
Additionally, Batik is a cloth that requires the careful and repetitive processes of waxing, dyeing, and boiling. Wax is used to block off colours during the colouring process. Wax must be applied to any region of the cloth that is not covered by a specific colour.
Today, the traditional Batik and its techniques are still applied to modern Batik pieces. Many home-grown brands add their own twist to their Batik pieces as a way to incorporate them into every person’s wardrobe whilst preserving the art and culture of Malaysian Batik.
12 Brands with Modern Batik Designs You Can Shop in Malaysia
1. Batik Boutique
Batik Boutique is a multi-award-winning social company that aims to break Malaysia’s poverty cycle. They work with artists from underserved regions to create fair-trade clothing, household products, and accessories using batik. Moreover, they collaborate with batik craftsmen in Malaysia’s rural and urban areas to develop natural fibre batik fabrics. This cloth is subsequently given to their training centre’s seamstresses, who use it to manufacture goods in popular patterns.
They are able to change the situations of marginalised populations by giving work opportunities, sustainable incomes, and financial independence skills through this methodology. Batik Boutique presently employs more than 200 artists.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | 3, Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday (9am – 6pm), Sunday (Closed) |
| CONTACT | 03-2303 6052 |
2. Brava Batik
Raz Bahari’s line debuted with three reversible dress styles. Because these designs do not correspond to stringent Islamic dress regulations, the designer’s clientele is largely non-Muslim, but her brand receives great, encouraging feedback. The textiles are acquired locally in Terengganu and Kelantan, as well as internationally in Indonesia. The distinction between Indonesian and Malaysian batik garments is that Indonesian batik employs more earth tones, whereas Malaysian batik uses more vibrant colours.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | – |
| OPERATING HOURS | – |
| CONTACT | Website |
3. Gérson Custom Made Batik
Gérson began as a home tailoring company run by three sisters in Klang, Malaysia, servicing the local community. They had custom-made batik costumes manufactured for every Chinese New Year celebration as part of their family tradition. After 30 years, four cousins decided to take on the challenge of digitising their little family company. Since 2018, they’ve successfully transitioned from an offline to an online Instagram business, modernising batik patterns and specialising in custom-made batik clothing.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | – |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday (9am – 5pm), Sunday (Closed) |
| CONTACT | 011-1128 8532 |
4. Suria Artisan Batik
They are a mission-driven creative firm based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that focuses on developing original fine quality, contemporary batik. They have a zero-waste strategy in which their textiles are painted rather than dip-dyed, therefore conserving valuable water. The wax is then boiled away, leaving lovely impressions and the leftover wax is recycled.
Moreover, their major source of inspiration is the beautiful, complex patterns found in the Malaysian jungle. Their factory is situated in the heart of this natural wonderland, in Janda Baik, Pahang; which is home to one of the world’s oldest deciduous rainforests. This artisan site is presently undergoing expansion.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | 10-6, Sierramas Heights, Jalan Sierramas Barat, Sungai Buloh 47000 Selangor, Malaysia |
| OPERATING HOURS | – |
| CONTACT | – |
5. FERN
The brand was created in 2015 after creator Fern Chua won MyCreative Ventures’ Fashion Pitch 2013 in Malaysia. Its mission is to celebrate and rediscover the artistic beauty of Batik, an ancient cloth art form. It has pioneered the creation of eight main collections presenting vacation apparel for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Additionally, FERN became an Artisanal Collective last year, selecting home décor, jewellery, and accessories from artists all around the world. FERN’s refurbished flagship shop in Bangsar Village II debuted only last year.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | Bangsar Village II – UGF 17A, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur |
| OPERATING HOURS | Every day (10am – 10pm) |
| CONTACT | 011-2181 0712 |
6. Kapten Batik
Kapten Batik is a menswear brand that was created in 2017. Using handmade handicrafts and traditional fabrics, the brand encourages sustainable development. Its designs are described as “daily wear,” meaning something you can go to the pool while appearing put-together enough for lunch.
Their creativity is informed by their numerous trips around Nusantara. To create a premium batik that is customised and suited for the new generation market, Kapten Batik goods go through a comprehensive creative process. Inspired designs are traced onto a sheet of paper and duplicated by their talented team of designers, who then combine the designs to create a one-of-a-kind batik art.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | G3-11 Publika Shopping Gallery, 1, Jalan Dutamas, WP, 50480 Kuala Lumpur |
| OPERATING HOURS | Every day (10am – 10pm) |
| CONTACT | 03-6211 7796 |
7. Bujins Batik
Bujins Batik, a globally recognised brand, owes its success to Master Craftsman Amir Harith bin Mat Kashim. Bujin, as he is affectionately called, received the Golden Hand Award from our Prime Minister in 2009 and subsequently won the Piala Seri Endon’s Fashion Category in 2012. Bujin presently has a batik gallery in Putrajaya and, at the Bujin Academy, teaches the craft of batik to rural populations. Bujin’s passion for batik painting is firmly rooted.
Moreover, in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, they have a batik gallery with an exceptional batik collection. At the same time, they established Bujins Academy to teach the art of batik to rural people, particularly the young.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | 1-11, No, GM, 2, Jalan Robertson, 50150 Kuala Lumpur |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday, Wednesday to Saturday (11am – 6pm), Sunday & Tuesday (Closed) |
| CONTACT | 013-292 8980 |
8. BatikTEKTURA
Founded by Azrina Lasa and Yez Yusof, BatikTEKTURA is a homegrown Batik fashion brand that specializes in creating modern Batik while incorporating architectural elements. In doing so, they are able to produce unique and pleasing designs ideal for those who are into non-conventional, quirky fashion. The mixture of bold colours and experimental patterns is what makes this brand stand out, and their pieces are great to add spice to your wardrobe!
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | Jln Elektron U16/71, Denai Alam, 40160 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia |
| OPERATING HOURS | Daily 10:30am – 6:30pm |
| CONTACT | +60 1228 08004 |
9. MaryamBayam
Another local Batik brand that should be on your radar is MaryamBayam! The founder, Maryam, fell in love with Batik and everything related to it, which lead to the creation of her brand. She continues to uphold the tradition of batik while creating contemporary, timeless designs. In addition, she collaborates with local artisans for her MaryamBayam pieces and practices a sustainable way of producing her collections by repurposing them.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | Batu 16, Jalan Sepang, Kg. Chelet, 71800, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan |
| OPERATING HOURS | N/A |
| CONTACT | +60 1422 83001 |
10. Nysakapas
Nysakapas is the brand by Haniza binti Hisham (known as Nysa) who was largely inspired by the culture of the people in Terengganu that lead her to create her company in 2015. To this day, she has been producing modern Batiks created through traditional handmade textile printing that caught the attention of Batik lovers worldwide. The simplicity, uniqueness, and thoughtfully crafted designs are what make this brand easy to love and wear.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | Check their branches here |
| OPERATING HOURS | Daily 10am – 10pm |
| CONTACT | +60 1998 42702 |
11. Better Than Blouses
BetterThanBlouses is a modern Batik brand that strays away from the usual silhouettes – but rather, they focus on statement, chic, and versatile fashion items made for any occasion. They’re popular for their crop tops, matching or complementary terno sets, skirts for every figure, and dresses complete with pockets. Adorning these clothing pieces are fresh, stunning prints in all sorts of colours and patterns.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | Check their branches here |
| OPERATING HOURS | Daily 10am – 10pm |
| CONTACT | +60 16773 4763 |
12. Innai & Co
Innai & Co is a local brand that crafts Batik clothing with feminine and sophisticated looks that are fit for every modern woman. They combine traditional techniques with urban aesthetics and fine barics to create their beautiful collections. Innai & Co delivers curated quality designs that exude elegance and luxury for statement pieces that are effortless and timeless.
For more information and where to shop their products online, click here
| ADDRESS | Plaza Damas, C-0-10, Block C, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Saturday 10am – 7pm |
| CONTACT | +60 1923 00317 |
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