The transformation of Thai jongkraben: A guideline of fabric draping techniques

Abstract

             This paper is part of a study of fabric draping technique as found in different cultures with main focus on the Thai jongkraben. Draping is a technique that humans have always associated with dressing up themselves. From Greek chiton to Indian sari and more, most draping styles would wrap a few pieces of cloth around a person’s body with not much complications. But, around the world, no other draping technique can be as astounding as that of jongkraben, which requires different steps of tying and rolling of fabric that would result in a pair of voluminous pants. It only takes a single piece of fabric, plus a knowledge of how to wear it. And this has been passed down from generations of Thais until now that the knowledge is limited within circles of trditional Thai arts performers and a selected few. Its popularity has diminished in the sea of easy-to-wear western clothes. In hopes of preserving the Thai local wisdom and the aesthetic features of jongkraben, an original set of contemporary fashion has been created, as well as different techniques on how such creations could be further applied in other aspects of designs. Together with the research on the history and techniques used in various country, this paper can serve as one guideline of fabric draping technique. The new fashion collection devises the techniques as found in jongkraben, plus several others as utilised in draped costumes around the world.