As of 2022, January has officially been declared Mu'umu'u Month in Hawaii. As you search for ways to commemorate the occasion, it's important to look back at the history and origin of these dresses. The guide below explores how the mu'umu'u came to be and what you can do to help preserve this traditional clothing.

A Brief History of the Mu'umu'u

When the Protestant missionaries arrived in the South Pacific during the 1820s, they were scandalized by the lack of clothing worn by females. If they wore anything, Hawaiian women at the time would dress in pa'us, which looked like hula skirts, and kiheis, a type of shawl.

The missionaries sought to conceal as much skin as possible and introduced a two-piece outfit that covered women from head to toe. This consisted of a full, floor-length gown with a yoke and high neck, known as a holokū, and a loose-fitting undergarment called a mu'umu'u. The ensemble was predictably too hot and stuffy for the climate. Over time, Hawaiian women chose the more comfortable and airy dress for daily use and reserved the elegant holokū for more formal occasions.

The Birth of Mu'umu'u Month

The modern mu'umu'u comes in every color imaginable. Some feature cheery, tropical designs, such as hibiscus, palm fronds, and orchids. They are suitable for women of all body types and sizes. Although no longer a part of daily fashion, mu'umu'us are recognized as an essential piece of Hawaiian culture and history.

For this reason, Governor David Y. Ige proclaimed that January is Mu'umu'u Month. First proposed by Shannon Hiramoto, the designation seeks to preserve the legacy and tradition of the dress. Governor Ige encourages the people of the Aloha State to join the "mu'umu'uvement" and celebrate these iconic garments.

You can join the movement by purchasing and wearing your own mu'umu'us. Wear them on Aloha Fridays, invite your friends to a vintage dress-up brunch, and spread the word by taking photos and posting about the month on social media. There are countless ways the modern woman can enjoy the comfort and versatility of this dress.

You can find beautiful, premium-quality mu'umu'us from Bete Mu'u. Founded in Honolulu in 1959, this locally owned shop specializes in traditional Hawaiian clothing. They offer over 50 styles reflecting the culture and values, tailored to your exact specifications, to clients throughout Hawaii, the U.S. mainland, and Japan. Browse their available styles online, and call (808) 591-9449 to place an order.