Every special place has its own unique attire. Texas has cowboy hats, Portland has hand-knit beanies, and California has board shorts. In Hawaii, we have an attire that’s just as comfortable, colorful, and care-free as the Islands themselves. In fact, it’s so special that it even has its own unofficial month! So, as we wrap up January, let’s all celebrate the Hawaiian Mu’umu’u.
What’s a Mu’umu’u?
A mu’umu’u (pronounced “moo moo”) is a long, loose, flowing women’s garment that’s sort of a mix between a robe and a shirt. Think of the old night shirts you used to wear when you were little. You know, that XXXL t-shirt that covered you and a little bit of the person next to you when you were 10 years old.
In Hawaii, Mu’umu’us are a favorite for both locals and tourists alike. They’re super comfortable and allow plenty of airflow to keep you nice and cool. To make them even better, they’re also considered formal wear in the Islands and often worn to weddings. What could possibly be better than being comfortable and dressed up!?
Typically, Hawaiian residents wear mu’umu’us in more subdued tones, while the visitors like to rock colorful, busy patterns.
A Brief History of the Mu’umu’u
Early in Hawaiian history, clothing was very simple. Men would typically just wear a loincloth called a malo, while women generally wore a piece of bark cloth around their hips called a pāʻū. Of course, that lack of coverage just wouldn’t fly when the Christian missionaries showed up around 1820.
When the missionaries first arrived, they realized their typical attire was a little too warm for the tropical Hawaiian climate. They adapted their long, formal dresses to be a bit more flowy to stay cool. These dresses became known as “Mother Hubbards.”
Hawaiians, taking cues from the missionaries, started to make their own dresses to be more modest as Christianity swept the Islands. They also developed a long-skirted dress they called a Holokū. Over time, Hawaiians cut up their Holokū to be more practical and comfortable, resulting in the mu’umu’u. Mu’umu’u literally translates to “cut off” or “shortened.”
Mu’umu’us quickly became a major piece of Island attire. Residents and visitors alike gravitate toward the traditional Hawaiian dress because of its comfortable and cool fit. In 2015, the month of January was unofficially dubbed “Mu’umu’u month” in Hawaii!
Why You Absolutely Need One
When you visit the Islands, there’s no doubt that you should get a mu’umu’u for yourself. There’s nothing more stylish or comfortable! Just imagine walking down the beach with a big, flowy, loose-fitting dress that doesn’t show off that extra poundage you picked up over the holidays. That’s probably why January became Mu’umu’u month…
Not only are they just about the most comfortable thing you can possibly wear, but mu’umu’us also come in tons of fun colors and patterns, and they’re considered perfectly acceptable attire for anything you want to do! Want to sit in the sun by the ocean? A mu’umu’u will keep you nice and cool. Heading to a fancy dinner at a beachside resort? Your mu’umu’u will fit right in. It counts as formal attire!
Ready to visit the Islands in style? Grab your mu’umu’u and come on over! If you want to make your visit a bit more permanent, there are plenty of properties available on the Big Island. Who wouldn’t want to live in a place where a flowing, oversized dress counts as fancy!? Contact me if you’re ready to start looking for your own personal slice of tropical paradise.
Aloha, and welcome to Hawaii.