The Barong Tagalog, the national clothing of Filipino men. An elegant and timeless piece of clothing that is worn by most Filipino men during grand events. The fabric is made from abaca, banana, pina or pineapple leaves mixed with silk called jusi. The Barong Tagalog simply means in English as the Baro (the clothing) of the Tagalogs (the people from the region of central Luzon and Manila and surrounding area). This clothing evolved during the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. Once an everyday menswear, the mestizos and the Spaniards living in the Philippines, re-styled the clothing and made it the clothing of the influential Manilenos of the 17th-19th century.
The shirt is sheer, usually white or off-white in color with translucent quality and can be worn with or without a camisa de chino or undershirt. The fabric is designed to adapt to the country's tropical weather. Although at times wearing this shirt can be itchy because of the its natural fibers. Today the modern version of the Barong Tagalog is made of pure cotton, with handpainted designs and the fabric is usually in pastel colors or just plain black. My favorite though is still the classic Barong Tagalog material.
The beauty of the Barong Tagalog can be seen in the intricate embroidery that adorns the shirt. The design patterns of the shirt are done by the following methods: hand embroidery, machine embroidery, computerized embroidery, hand painting, pintucks (alforza), lace-inserts/appliqués and calado. I believe the expensive ones are those whose designs are hand embroidered or hand painted.
The Christian Dior menswear collection presented a jacket inspired from the Barong Tagalog and famous Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino even wore one in an awards event, not to mention foreign dignitaries who at one time or another wore the Barong Tagalog as well.
I am really proud that this piece of menswear is respected in the fashion world and around the world. True Filipino style.
Photo Credit: Classic Barong Tagalog
Photographer: Unknown
Men who wear Barong Tagalog look mightily handsome. One of the many stylish goods that Filipinos are proud of. I had a custom-made Barong Tagalog that I wore in my brother's wedding in 2003. Got lost during my house move in 2005. Paid big $ bucks and now, I can't find it. Dang!!!
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