The "Sikap" shirt is part of the clothing worn by the Sultan during the State's official functions, such as the Presentation of Congratulatory Messages Custom, as well as during the Presentation of Stars and Honors by the Sultan during His Highness's Birthday celebration. This "baju" or shirt has been worn as part of the attire of members of Kedah's royal families for the last two centuries. The Late Sultan Abdul Hamid Halim Shah wore this "baju" when attending the coronation of King George V in London in 1910.

This "baju" is said to have originated from either the Javanese or Achinese communities, but it has been modified to suit the taste of the local community. The "baju sikap" can simply be described as a short jacket, split in front and sporting a high collar. A closer look reveals that it is a basic Malay garment, which one could be proud of and whose remarkableness has remained unsurpassed to this day. To wear it as one of the five parts of a suit, along with the headgear, trousers, "sampin", or sarong, sash and keris, would no doubt reveal the remarkable importance and radiance of the wearer himself.

"Sikap" means one's person, and the wearer is considered a ready and a resolute person. It is for this reason that this particular garment was in the old days, considered a part of a full formal dress.