The Authentic Hawaiian Muumuu – What Is A Muumuu Dress

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The Authentic Hawaiian Muumuu

The Authentic Hawaiian Muumuu/' mu?mu?/ or mu?umu?u (Hawaiian pronunciation: [' mu?u' mu?u] is a loose dress of Hawaiian origin that hangs from the shoulder. Like the aloha shirt, muumuu dresses are often brilliantly colored with floral patterns of Polynesian motifs. The Mu'umu'u is a must-have dress for any Pacific wahine to have in her wardrobe-- you may see them all in white on a Sunday, or in every riotous color combo under the rainbow on many other occasions.

Authentic Hawaiian Muumuus for local Hawaiian residents are more subdued in tone. Muumuus are no longer as widely worn at work as the aloha shirt, but continue to be the preferred formal dress for festivals and weddings. Because they do not restrict the waist, muumuus are also popular as maternity wear.

Hawaiian Dresses

The muumuu, or more affectionately referred to as the caftan (and also known as a type of sarong) has earned a horrible reputation over the years. The shapeless garment-- which originated in Hawaii and means "cut off" because the dress originally lacked a yoke is often regarded as unflattering and frumpy. You might even think that grandmas, curvier gals, or pregnant women are the only people who wear them. Today we highly beg to differ.

The History of Muumuu Dresses

Muumuu dresses, the loose fitting unbelted dress designed for women of all sizes, originated in Hawaii. Many decades ago, missionaries went to Hawaii and found the women wearing nothing more than a skirt cloth wrapped around the hips and tied on the side. Their breasts were completely bare. The missionaries designed a loose, comfortable garment and taught the women to cover their bodies in the tradition of other lands. This came to be known as the Muumuu and, as it became popular, floral cloth featuring popular Hawaiian designs such as ginger blossoms, hibiscus, orchids, bird of paradise, plumeria, and other brightly colored fabric became the choice for many Muumuus.

Today, the authentic Hawaiian Muumuu dress is loved by many larger sized women because these Hawaiian plus size dresses are comfortable as well as attractive. They are still worn by many women who call Hawaii home, but are also seen around the world, worn by women of all sizes, however,  the most popular market is still in the plus size ladies wear. Some plus size women love to create their own Muumuus using sewing patterns, while others who aren't talented with the sewing machine, purchase ready-made designs.


A large size Hawaiian Muumuu allows the fabric to flow comfortably around a woman's body, while other clothing can be quite restricting, making movement uncomfortable. Many women who love Muumuus have designs in every color and pattern imaginable and wear them almost every day due to the comfort and practicality of the garment.

Muumuu dresses are not just for Hawaiian parties, they're worn for many occassions. The muumuu is well-loved by smaller size ladies as a comfortable garment to wear around the house for lounging. Everyone loves the bright, colorful designs found in muumuu dresses no matter what your size. You definitely want to get one because you'll find it possibly the most comfortable garment for lounging if you have never worn a Muumuu dress. One will not be enough; you'll find yourself wanting several designs and color themes of aloha wear.

Reasons to Wear a Authentic Hawaiian Muumuu dress

Authentic Hawaiian Muumuu dresses are fun... just look at the colorful patterns and swirly fabric cuts. Flowing of a muumuu is like flowing of spring wind.

Muumuu dresses are a good conversational topic, you just can't help staring at them while talking with a person who wears a wonderful muumuu dress. When you see another person who wears a muumuu you almost feel you know her and can carry on refreshing conversation about muumuus, or anything for that matter.

Muumuu dresses are easy to sew and there are sewing patterns available all over the internet. You can even order fabric with the patterns and start working right away. Making your own muumuu's is a great way to express yourself. You can make a muumuu that reflects your true soul. Or for those that are strapped for time or less adventurous you can find a great selection of Authentic Hawaiian Muumuu dresses at KTC Hawaiian.

You can wear muumuu dress almost anywhere. It provides you with shadow from the sun when it gets hot. When it gets cold, it warms you up. They are light weight and ultra comfortable in any climate.

In Defense Of The Muumuu, Making The Argument That They're Far From Frumpy

In a world where bodycon dresses, peek-a-boo frocks and barely-there gowns are flooding the red carpet, it's clear that showing skin is in these days.  However, we think there is something to be said about leaving a little (or a lot) to the imagination. To that end, we 'd like to pay homage to the muumuu.

Now let's be kind and rewind to a time when Muumuu's (caftans) were one of the most glamorous items you could slip on. In the '60s, the loose-fitting creations were thrust into the high-fashion spotlight thanks to designers like Halston, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent sending them down the runway. Hollywood then embraced the look with muumuus showing up on television programs like "Dynasty," movies like "Mahogany" and superstars like Elizabeth Taylor. Trés chic!

We're seriously perplexed as to how the once-celebrated clothing item has been reduced to a swimsuit coverup or even worse, something that's only worn when veg-ing out on the couch. Let's leave that job to the Snuggie, folks.

Take a step back and you will see the muumuu lets us all tap into our inner Diana Ross and enter a room practically floating as our caftan billows behind you. And beyond its ability to make an entrance, how can anyone deny a garment that so forgivingly hides a multitude of sins-- namely, that bacon cheeseburger you had at lunch? We rest our case that Muumuu's are far from frumpy.

Here are some modern variations of the classic authenic Hawaiian muumuu that will hopefully convert naysayers and delight fans.

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