カレン族 ヴィンテージチュニック

A cotton tunic from the Karen people, an ethnic minority in the mountains of Southeast Asia, dating from around the 1960s–70s.

The Karen are an ethnic minority living along the border between Thailand and Myanmar,

and this garment is still worn today as everyday clothing by married women.

The Karen women are masters of weaving; they still hand-weave the fabrics they need for daily life and the clothes for their families,

and this tunic, too, is hand-woven, dating back to around the 60s.

The material is cotton, and it features a black base woven with the sturdiness of a rug, decorated with red embroidery and Job's tear beads.

I highly recommend taking a look at the close-up photos of the fabric.

Karen attire is clearly distinguished between unmarried and married women;

single women wear white dresses adorned with red or pink fringe and embroidery.

Once they marry, they transition to a two-piece set consisting of a tunic like this one and a skirt.

The white dress symbolizing purity is lovely, but this tunic is truly, truly beautiful.

I came across this garment by chance and learned of its existence for the first time, and I have fallen in love with the culture of this ethnic group and the way these women live.

I have included some photos that show how the garments blend into their lives and the wonderful accessories they wear.

While it is a simple square design with a slit for the head,

it is surprisingly comfortable to wear. It is made of soft, high-quality cotton,

and although the armholes are narrow, there is zero restriction on arm movement or discomfort under the arms.

It is also breathable and cool. It can be worn over an inner layer, such as a fitted turtleneck.

In Karen culture, where women traditionally manage the household and initiate marriage proposals,

this tunic evokes a sense of the dignified strength of the women who head their households.

It is a beautiful piece of minority culture worth preserving, and a rare, collectible item.

*Has been washed once.

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Model height - 167cm woman

Material - cotton

Size - Fits S-M

Measurement on flat (cm)
Length 61
Shoulder width 61
Hem width 55

Condition - No issues