Overview
A sabai is a narrow length of cloth wound once around the torso and passed over the left shoulder, leaving the other shoulder bare, its end hanging free down the back. Plain for everyday and richly patterned silk for the court, it covers the breast while showing the line of the body.
How it is worn
It is wrapped across the chest and looped over one shoulder, worn above a wrapped lower garment, and pinned or tucked to stay in place, sometimes doubled for greater modesty and warmth. The fineness of the cloth and the way it was draped signalled the wearer’s grace and rank.
History
The sabai was the standard upper garment of Thai and neighbouring court women through the Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin periods, before fitted blouses came in. It survives as part of formal chut thai national dress and classical dance costume.