Burung Merak - Handmade Batik Shirt

Traditional Malaysian batik craftsmanship, reimagined for everyday wear.

Handcrafted in collaboration with skilled batik artisans in Terengganu and tailored in Malaysia, this KAAIN shirt combines traditional batik block printing with a contemporary silhouette.

Each shirt is made in small quantities, with natural variations in colour, texture and pattern that make every piece unique.

Why You'll Love It

• Handmade by skilled Malaysian batik artisans
• Traditional batik block technique
• Contemporary, easy-to-wear design
• Made and tailored in Malaysia
• Crafted in small batches
• Made using carefully selected reclaimed fabrics where available
• Each piece has subtle variations unique to the handmade process

The Batik Craft

The batik block technique is a traditional method of applying wax to fabric using a carved block. The block is pressed onto the fabric to create the desired pattern, with the wax acting as a resist against the dye.

The process can be repeated across the fabric, often with different blocks, colours and layers, before the wax is removed to reveal the finished design.

Batik has a long history across Southeast Asia, while Malaysia developed its own distinctive batik traditions, particularly in Terengganu and Kelantan. These techniques have been passed down through generations of skilled makers.

At KAAIN, we work with local artisans to bring this heritage into contemporary clothing—keeping traditional skills relevant through pieces that can be worn today.

The Burung Merak Motif

This design features the burung merak (peacock), a motif associated with beauty, elegance and prosperity in Malay artistic traditions.

With its elaborate feathers and distinctive form, the peacock has long been used as a decorative motif in Malay and Southeast Asian visual culture. Its graceful appearance can symbolise beauty, dignity and refinement, while its richly patterned tail lends itself naturally to textile and decorative arts.

In this KAAIN piece, the burung merak is reinterpreted through traditional batik block printing, connecting a culturally meaningful motif with a contemporary everyday garment.

Thoughtfully Chosen Materials

Where possible, KAAIN gives existing fabrics a new life.

We source selected cotton and linen fabrics from luxury hotels in Kuala Lumpur, including reclaimed materials that would otherwise have been discarded. These fabrics are carefully prepared and transformed into new batik garments.

The result is a shirt that brings together traditional craft, reclaimed materials and contemporary design.

Because the fabrics and batik are handcrafted, slight differences in colour, texture and pattern are natural and expected. No two pieces are exactly alike.

Product Care

Batik is a handcrafted textile and should be treated with care.

Wash

• Hand wash gently in cold water
• Use a mild detergent
• Wash separately, especially during the first few washes
• Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals
• Do not soak for long periods

Dry

• Do not wring or twist
• Air dry naturally
• Dry in the shade and avoid prolonged direct sunlight
• Do not tumble dry

Iron

• Iron on a low to medium temperature
• Turn the shirt inside out before ironing when possible

Proper care will help preserve the colour, fabric and character of your KAAIN shirt for years to come.

Made Slowly in Malaysia

From batik artisans in Terengganu to tailors in Kuala Lumpur, every KAAIN piece is shaped by skilled hands.

Traditional craft. Reclaimed materials. Contemporary clothing. Made in Malaysia.