BEST PLACES TO BUY LONGYI IN MYANMAR

Longyi is a sheet of cloth widely worn in Burma by both men and women. It is worn around the waist, running to the feet.

Longyi is a sheet of cloth widely worn in Burma by both men and women. It is worn around the waist, running to the feet. However, longyis worn by males are called paso whereas those worn by females are called htamein as the pattern on the fabric is different between two genders.

Men’s pasos are generally striped or checked apart from the plain fabric and can be worn inside out or upside down. On the other hand, women’s htamein is much more sophisticated with a black calico for the waist and they tend to be designed with more colors and floral patterns.

Longyis absolutely suit the tropical climate in Myanmar as they are made from silk which is unique in keeping warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Therefore, longyis have long been in favor since the 19th century.

Thus, we would like to suggest two cities to shop for the right Burmese’s longyi.

In Yangon, give yourself a treat to Bogyoke Aung San Market where you can indulge yourself in a bazaar of stalls and shop selling everything from snacks and tableware to accessories and clothing. Friendly women will size you up for a traditional longyi skirt and blouse, made-to-measure upstairs in minutes.

• Location: Bogyoke Aung San Rd, Yangon, Myanmar

• Pricing: $15 – 30

• Opening hour: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m – 5 p.m

In Mandalay, weaving industry in Amarapura has been popular in the country as well as the people in this town have long considered silk-weaving as the main profession of Amarapura people. Tourists should pay a visit to one of the silk-making workshops, especially the workshop called Thein Nyo Silk, which allows the most access to silk weaving process and offers silk at a reasonable price.

• Location: Oh Taw Qtr, Amarapura, Mandalay, Mandalay, Myanmar

• Pricing: $15 – 100

› Chin State cotton with silk detail - $15.00

› Chin state with needlepoint, cotton - $16.50

› Mandalay cotton with embroidery - $18.00

› Kachin silk cotton blend- $30

• Opening hour: daily, 9 a.m – 9 p.m

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