Why Kelantan Batik Suits Hot, Humid Weather

Kota Bharu, the capital of Kelantan on Malaysia's northeast coast, is hot and humid for most of the year, and many of our customers wear batik from morning to night. Why batik stays comfortable in this climate is not just a matter of tradition. It comes down to three things you can explain: the fabric, the way the dye enters the cloth, and the cut of the garment.

Why cotton feels cool

Cotton is a natural fibre that absorbs moisture. When you sweat, some of it is taken up by the cloth and then evaporates from its surface instead of sitting on your skin. The cotton weaves used for batik also let air pass through.

Smooth synthetic fabrics tend to absorb less sweat. It stays on the skin and the cloth clings when damp, which is the sticky feeling most people know at midday.

That is why most everyday batik at D'Rose Batik is cotton: men's shirts in sizes SS to 5XL, cotton kaftans, and 4 metre lengths for tailoring.

Why crepe clings less

Crepe silk has a finely crinkled surface. The texture means the cloth touches the skin at many small points rather than lying flat against it, so it clings less when you sweat. Crepe also falls loosely from the shoulders, leaving a pocket of air between cloth and body.

Satin silk is smooth and feels cool when you first put it on, but it clings more easily once damp. We suggest it for functions in air-conditioned halls rather than for walking in the sun.

What dye penetration has to do with comfort

In batik tulis (hand-drawn with a wax pen called a canting) and batik cap (stamped with a metal block), the pattern is laid down in wax and the cloth is then dyed. The dye soaks into the fibres, which is why the colour shows on both sides. There is no extra layer sitting on the surface.

Some printed fabrics, especially those made with pigment printing, need a binder to hold the colour on the surface of the cloth. Over large printed areas this layer can leave the fabric feeling slightly stiff and less soft. On real batik, coloured and plain areas feel the same, and the cloth breathes evenly across its whole surface.

Why loose cuts help

The baju kurung (a long tunic worn over a skirt), the kaftan and the jubah (a full-length robe) are all cut loose. Air moves between cloth and body with every step, and the fabric does not press against the underarms or back, where most sweat collects.

Men's batik shirts are usually worn untucked, which also helps airflow. If you fall between two sizes, the larger one is usually more comfortable in the heat.

Light or dark colours

Most people's everyday experience is that light-coloured clothes feel less hot in the sun than black or navy. If you will be outdoors a lot, pastels or a white ground are a sensible choice. Indoors, colour makes little difference.

Caring for batik in humid weather

Humid air is hard on cloth that is put away before it is fully dry. A few simple habits:

• Wash separately the first few times. New batik may release some excess dye.
• Use a mild detergent and no bleach. D'Rose sells its own batik wash in two sizes.
• Dry in the shade. Direct sunlight can fade colours faster.
• Make sure it is fully dry before storing. Cloth put away damp in a closed wardrobe is prone to mildew and odour.
• Leave room for air in the wardrobe. Avoid keeping batik in plastic bags for long periods.
• Iron on the reverse at a medium setting for crepe and satin silk.

Feel it for yourself

The best way to judge comfort is to handle the cloth. D'Rose Batik has been at Bazar Buluh Kubu, Kota Bharu, since 2001 and opens Saturday to Thursday, 10:30 am to 6:00 pm. You can also ask about a particular fabric on WhatsApp at +60 12-679 7137. More about the shop is on our about page.