Bakhu Dress

Bakhu Dress — The Traditional Wrap Robe of Bhutia and Tibetan Communities

The Bakhu is the foundational dress of Bhutia, Tibetan, Sherpa, and Tamang communities across Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Kalimpong.

In classical Tibetan dress the same garment is called the Chuba (or Chupa) — the wrap robe Tibetan communities carried with them as they settled across the Eastern Himalayan foothills and became the Bhutia people of Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills. The Bhutia renamed it Kho in their dialect, adapted its cut to mountain life, and made it their own over generations.

At BHUTIB, every Bakhu is sourced from artisan tailors in Kalimpong who know this garment from the inside — many of the workshops we partner with have been making Bakhu for local communities since before our brand existed. You are shopping a living tradition, not a reproduction of one.

Browse the full Tibetan Collection for the broader cultural product ecosystem — prayer flags, Thangka, singing bowls, incense, and more — that often accompanies Bakhu wear during ceremonial and sacred occasions.

How to Choose Your Size

Every Bakhu at BHUTIB is sized by chest measurement, in inches. Most listings offer chest sizes from 34″ to 44″, and the Honju underneath is cut to match.

To measure correctly, use a soft measuring tape. Wrap it around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level and snug but not tight — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath. The number you get is your chest size. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one. The Bakhu is designed to drape comfortably with room for the Honju layer and full arm movement during long ceremonies.

If you are still uncertain, message us on WhatsApp with your measurements and the piece you are considering. Every Bakhu is tailor-made — after you order, BHUTIB contacts you directly to confirm fit and preferences before your garment goes to the workshop.

Choosing the Right Bakhu

The biggest decision most first-time buyers face is whether to buy a one-piece Bakhu or a two-piece set. The difference is practical.

A one-piece Bakhu comes with the Honju (inner blouse) attached to the robe as a single garment. You put it on as one piece — the sleeves and collar of the Honju appear at the edges, but there’s no separate dressing step. This is the easier option for everyday wear, quick dressing before an event, and for buyers who are newer to traditional dress and want a simpler experience.

A two-piece Bakhu comes with the outer Bakhu and the inner Honju as two separate garments. You dress in layers — put on the Honju first, then wrap the Bakhu over it. This takes longer but offers two advantages: you can swap the Honju for different colours to change the look of one Bakhu, and the layered drape reads as more formal and more traditional at ceremonies like weddings or Losar pujas.

The Tego-Bakhu Set is a third option specific to BHUTIB — a two-piece ensemble where the outer layer is a Tego wrap top worn over a Bakhu wrapper skirt, with matching lapels and cuffs. It’s our take on the coordinated two-piece for women who want the traditional silhouette in a more contemporary cut.

If you are unsure, most first-time buyers are happy with a one-piece Bakhu with Attached Wonju. It fits the widest range of occasions with the least complication.