How to Wear a Loincloth
The northeastern region follows a culture of dressing for special occasions similar to the Siamese royal court in the central region, which involves "wearing a loincloth," especially among barons or former governors. It is common to use "squirrel tail cloth" that is locally woven, particularly in the upper Isaan area. Evidence of this can be found in photographs from the reign of King Rama V, documented by Prince Damrong Rajanubhab.
In the lower northeastern region, areas such as Surin and Sisaket provinces used to be centers for weaving “Sampakpoom cloth” (Mudmee cloth woven with elements like the bottom, edge, and foot of the fabric), often influenced by Cambodian styles. These textiles were given to the Siamese court from the Ayutthaya period onward, and adapted for local use. The Mudmee cloth woven in the Phaum style, known as "Holphra cloth," is still used in ceremonies such as weddings and ordinations.
Woven Pattern Technique: Mudmee Weft (Color blocking only for the weft line to create fabric patterns)
Pattern and Line Structure: Hol Phroh Cloth (Khmer Linen) named Mak Jap Lom Pattern, Nine Lanterns (Star and Moon Pattern)
Fiber Materials and Colors: Madmee, red, indigo, green, white
Fabric Sample Owner: Asst. Prof. Dr. Sittichai Samanchart
Type: Mudmee Cloth Pattern 6 Tako (Jong Kraben)
Woven Pattern Technique: Mudmee Weft Line (Tie and block the color only on the weft to create a fabric pattern)
Pattern and Pattern Structure: Khaw Village Cloth, Roi Et Province (or “Lao Linen”)
Fiber Materials and Colors: Mudmee Silk, red, indigo, purple, green, white
Fabric Sample Owner: Dr. Nai Tawan Kamhom
Image of Mudmee Silk, Embroidery, 4 Meters
In the Northeast, aside from the culture of wearing sarongs, which is a customary way of dressing for men, we have also found evidence of the culture of "wearing a thong" in both Hup Taem Isan and Wat Pa Lelai in Maha Sarakham Province, as well as photographs of various city governors in northeastern provinces. This style was influenced by the central court during the reign of King Rama V.
Image of Mudmee Silk Embroidery, 4 Meters
The method of wearing a loincloth (long kraben) is similar to wearing "Roti" (Dhoti) in India, using a piece of cloth about 3-4 yards long. The fabric is wrapped around the waist and secured by tying a knot, with the fabric rolled between the legs and tucked behind the waist.
Left Picture: Traditional dress of Sisaket Province, men and women wear loincloths. Right Picture: Dressing of Phu Thai in Mukdahan Province, men wear loincloths, women wear full sarongs, ceremonial attire.