Cambodian traditional dress 🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭🇰🇭 is known for its elegance, intricate designs, and cultural significance. The most iconic traditional outfits are the **Sampot** and **Apsara-inspired attire**, often worn during festivals, weddings, and formal events.### 1. **Sampot (សំពត់)** - The **Sampot** is Cambodia’s national garment, similar to a sarong or wrap skirt, worn by both men and women in different styles. - **Types of Sampot:** - **Sampot Chang Kben (សំពត់ចងក្បិន):** A formal, elegant wrap skirt folded in the front and tucked into a waistband, traditionally worn by women for royal and ceremonial occasions. - **Sampot Phamuong (សំពត់ផាមួង):** A daily wear version made from cotton or silk, often with checkered or striped patterns. - **Sampot Hol (សំពត់ហូល):** A luxurious silk skirt with intricate ikat (tie-dye) patterns, commonly worn at weddings and festivals. ### 2. **Apsara Costume (ខោអាប៉ាសារ៉ា)** - Inspired by the **Apsara dancers** of Angkor Wat, this outfit is a symbol of Khmer classical dance. - Features: - Fitted, embroidered silk top with elaborate gold or silver detailing. - A **sampot** wrapped tightly around the legs for graceful movement. - Ornate jewelry, including headpieces, armlets, and belts. ### 3. **Men’s Traditional Attire** - **Sbai (ស្បៃ)** or **Av Pak (អាវប៉ាក់):** A formal silk shirt worn with a **Sampot Chang Kben** or **Sampot Samloy** (a simpler wrap skirt). - **Krama (ក្រមា):** A checked cotton scarf worn around the neck or head, symbolizing Khmer identity. ### 4. **Modern Adaptations** - Today, Cambodians blend traditional and modern styles, such as silk **Sampot** paired with blouses or tailored suits for formal events. - Designers like **Ramy Bout** and **Eric Raisina** incorporate Khmer textiles into contemporary fashion. ### **Significance** Cambodian traditional dress reflects the country’s **ancient Khmer heritage**, with influences from the Angkor era. The intricate weaving techniques, such as **Hol and Phamuong silk**, are UNESCO-recognized cultural treasures.#####The **Sbai** (also spelled **Sbaai**) is a traditional Cambodian shawl or scarf that is often worn as an elegant accessory with formal attire, particularly the **Sampot** (Cambodian traditional skirt) and **Phamuong** (a type of silk blouse). It is a delicate, long piece of fabric, usually made from fine silk or cotton, and is draped gracefully over one shoulder or around the body.### **Features of the Sbai:**- **Material:** Typically made from high-quality silk, sometimes embroidered with gold or silver threads.- **Design:** Often features intricate patterns, traditional Khmer motifs, or floral designs.- **Length & Draping:** Long and flowing, usually worn over one shoulder or wrapped around the upper body.- **Occasions:** Worn during special events like weddings, religious ceremonies, and traditional festivals.### **How the Sbai is Worn:**1. **Traditional Draping:** The Sbai is draped diagonally across the chest, with one end hanging over the shoulder and the other tucked or left loose.2. **Wedding Attire:** In Khmer weddings, brides often wear a Sbai as part of their **"Apsara-style"** outfit, inspired by classical Cambodian dance costumes.3. **Formal Events:** It adds elegance to the **Sampot Chang Kben** (a wrapped skirt style) for both men and women in ceremonial contexts.### **Cultural Significance:**- The Sbai represents grace and refinement in Cambodian culture.- It is inspired by the attire of **Apsara dancers**, who are celestial nymphs in Khmer mythology.- Often passed down through generations as a family heirloom.
