Traditional khmer clothing typically consists of bright garments. Formal garments often include rich embroidery and/or lace. Traditional, formal clothing is still worn by people in Cambodia for formal gatherings such as weddings, ceremonies, pagoda visits, and parties. Other traditional clothing can still often be found in rural Cambodia.
Sampot Tep Apsara ááááá ááá á˘áááááś
Sampot Tep Apsara is a type of sampot from the Khmer Empire era associated with courtly Apsaras. Its can be seen on the bas-reliefs of Angkor Wat. Typically, the sampot tep apsara is both knotted at the waist and secured with a belt.
Sampot Chong Samloy is a tube garment that wraps around the lower body and goes down to the ankles. Sompot Chong Samloy has been worn in Cambodia since the Funan period (1st - 6th century) but remains popular until today. Learn more about sampot chong samloy on Wikipedia
Sampot Lbaeuk is a long silk-embroidered skirt. Today it is worn in marriage ceremonies. Traditionally it was mostly worn by nobility during the 16th century.
Learn more about aow pak on Wikipedia
Aow Pak is a traditional, embroidered blouse worn by women. It has elaborate embroidered gold-threads and is usually worn with the Sampot Hol. In the 21st century, the Aow Pak has come to be considered the national garment of Cambodia.
Aow Chang Pong is a piece of cloth worn by women during the end of the 13th century. It to covers the breasts leaving only the stomach exposed. It eventually evolved into the aor tronum which is both thicker and covers more skin. The aor tronum was popular among rich young women in the 15th century. Today it is an important costume in Khmer classical dance.
Av Bampong (á˘áśáááááá) is a long sleeve shirt that is typically knee length. Typically, it has a collar and/or narrows at the waist. It has a small hidden cut at the hem allowing the lower part of the shirt to spread out. Av Bampong was famously worn by rich women in the 16th and 17th century.
Aow Dai Puong á˘áśá áá áááá
Av Dai Puong is a traditional blouse from the 16th century with short puffed sleeves. It typically has a row of buttons down the front. Only the richest women of that era could have afforded one. Now it is commonly worn by women at weddings and other formal gatherings.
Aow Phnat Kbach is a formal shirt primarily worn by wealthy young women. It is often adorned with a row of pleats with floral decorations and often paired with a collar and sleeve hems in the same style. The period in which this shirt was invented is not known.
Aow Neang Nov
Aow Neang Nov is a long-sleeved shirt for women.
Aow Bar Bov
Av Bar Bov is an sleeveless coat worn over the Aor Neang Nov and Aor Dai Puong. It has double buttons at the pleat.
Krama is a multi purpose cloth that is shapped like a large scarf and typically has a red checkered color. It is typically worn as a scarf but also commonly worn as a head covering. Some additional uses include: Carrying/collecting small objects, a face covering, a waist covering, a sash, boxing gloves, and even as a baby hammock. Krama was the only colored accessory allowed during the Khmer Rouge's all black pajama outfit enforcement. Learn more about krama on Wikipedia
