Panung


The panung or pha nung is a lower attire worn by individuals from Siam.

Style

Panung is a traditional garment worn in Thailand. It is a long strip of cloth, described in 1921 by the US vice-consul as "a piece of cotton cloth 3 by 10 feet" is wrapped around the waist, reaching below the knees. The cloth is sometimes passed between the legs and tucked at the back in a fashion known as chong kraben. The garment is normally paired with a sabai or pha hom, a similar cloth used to cover the upper body.

Variations

Panung is a versatile garment that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender. It is available in different qualities, with first quality being Patta. Patta is a durable printed cloth that features bold check patterns or with cross designed patterns. It is possible for this item to have one or more stripes at either end. The second quality is Papoon, characterized by fast coloration and the narrow stripes woven into the cloth. It is also woven with a two-and-two checking pattern. The third quality is known as Palai, which refers to proper sizing of materials and a stiffened structure.
Contemporary Western clothing is moving away from the traditional Panung style of dressing.