Longyi a Myanmar Tradition

Story by Tin Ko Lwin "Adam"

I first became familiar with longyi when I was in school. In Myanmar one of our school rules was to wear the longyi as part of our student uniform. I used to wear it everyday until I passed 10th standard, 11 grade. Before then, my mom would dress me in in longyi for special ceremonies.

Longyi are so useful. After I was take a bath or a swim I use it as personal changing room. And I always bring my longyi for whatever might come up wherever I go travel. It can be used like I said as a personal changing room, to protect from mosquito bites, as a blanket as well, as a pillow or pillowcase. There are too many to list. In Myanmar culture there are two names for longyi. One is pasoe, for men's longyi and htameain for women's' longyi. Everyday, I usually wear shorts and trousers when I go out, but at home I wear longyi to be comfortable.

For pooping longyi is the way to go!
​

A funny story, one day, I was shopping at the thrift market with my friends. We walked through the narrow passages between the stalls to find good stuff. When it was about time to go back home, I wanted to poop so bad. I couldn't stand it. I took heavy breaths to hold my shit until I could get to my home. When I got back to my place, I didn't go straight to the toilet. I changed my longyi first because longyi is just more comfortable when you have to crouch for a bit. For pooping longyi is the way to go!

Nowadays as before longyi can be found everywhere in Myanmar. We have so many kinds and patterns of longyi depending on the regions. My favourite are from Kachin state and Chin State. The ones from Longyi Brothers have nice patterns. They made them to be more modern and their thicker ones are more comfortable for colder places. Some can be flipped inside out so you get a new look. They got thick and light versions. I prefer light longyi to the thick ones because I'm from hot and dry place, the South East Asian country of Myanmar.

Tin Ko Lwin is a knowledigable licenced guide in Myanmar and foodie. He has appeared in Longyi Brothers pictures and video. You can contact him about guide services through his email. You can find him on instagram @AdamTynkey