the puletasi

The puletasi or pea is a traditional outfit worn by women/girls in Samoa. It's basically a top (can be varying styles and lengths) with a full length lava lava skirt. This outfit is worn on formal or special occassions, ie. church, weddings, funerals, parties etc.

For my puletasi, I used this fabric and a vintage Knitwit pattern to make up my top. The top is a very simple, pull over the head A-line style with bust and body darts to give it shape plus a matching long belt to tie at the waist. The lava lava is made up in a plain black poly cotton with waist darts and ties to ensure that it stays put.