Leis are one component of a traditional Hawaiian outifit.
When most people think of Hawaiian outfits, they imagine grass-skirted hula dancers with leis and coconut-shell tops. But this kitschy image isn't the most accurate representation of traditional Hawaiian clothing. The real story is more complex.
Hula Costumes
Both male and female hula dancers wear leis as well as pa'u, or skirts. Pa'u were once made from bark cloth, but today they're made from woven, brightly patterned cloth. Traditionally, hula dancers do not wear clothing above the waist, but most female hula dancers today bow to modern sensibilities and wear loose tops.
Holuku
The holuku is a long and loose Hawaiian dress. Though a part of Hawaiian tradition now, the holoku was first developed by American missionaries making outfits for Hawaiian women. They modeled the garments after their own dresses, but did away with the waistline and raised the yolk to accommodate heavyset Hawaiian women.
Muumuu
The loose-fitting muumuu is one of the best-known and best-recognized Hawaiian outfits, but it was originally only an undergarment, a chemise worn under a holuku. Hawaiian women started wearing the muumuu on its own because it wasn't practical to wear two layers in a tropical environment, and adopted the muumuu as a garment for wearing around the house or at night. (
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