The evolution of Barong Tagalog

The barong Tagalog is definitely for everyone

Manila Times
13 April 2024

It is a fashionable fact that the barong Tagalog is no longer just the stuff of formal, traditional events but a versatile attire that has evolved through the years. Thanks to Filipino creativity, it has become the outfit of choice for many different people — from office workers to the stylish set, and of course, from president to president, male or female.

The evolution comes as no surprise as the barong's lightweight fabric, sleek shape and comfortable cut make it the perfect go-to for tropical climates like the Philippines. Moreover, the endless possibilities for beautiful embroidery, appliques, and other embellishments highlight its fashion appeal, even for women, who have made it part of their Filipiniana, formal or even everyday wear.

STYLE SHOOTER Fashion model and photography influencer Mikyle Quizon plays it cool in a short-sleeved pink silk polo barong with pintucks.

BOLLYWOOD BABE Indian actor and singer Addy Raj shows the barong’s inclusive appeal wearing this men’s blue silk cocoon Barong with geometric embroidery.

VOLLEY BELLE Volleyball sensation Fifi Sharma shows her stylish side with this women’s mandarin collar barong with classic floral embroidery, which she dresses down with denim.

MULTI MAVEN Restaurateur and content creator Bambi del Rosario Young matches a men's black-and-white embroidered Barong with a black slip dress.

SENATE SENSATION With his work as Senate Chief of Staff and Chairman of disaster relief NGO Panday Bayanihan, Brian Poe Llamanzares represents a new generation of public service in Kultura’s heather black cocoon barong with bold white geometric embroidery.

        

HEARTY HOST TV and event host KC Montero wears a one-of-a-kind men's barong with embroidery inspired by warrior tattoo

   

HOT HITTER Volleyball star Rex Intal relaxes off-court in a short-sleeved pina-silk Barong featuring a “suksok” pattern with denim.

Combining elements from the pre-colonial native Filipinos and traditional Spanish colonial styles, the Barong was named the official national attire in 1975. What is considered the distinctive type of modern barong — with its tapering cut, cuffs, and flared sleeves — was created by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier of Pierre Cardin Manille in the '70s.

Since then, there have been short-sleeved polo barongs, preferred by office workers, made with linen, ramie or cotton, as well as shirt jack barongs popularized by politicians.

Kultura, the purveyor of Filipinana wear for the modern era, notes that the finest barong Tagalog are made from a variety of indigenous sheer fabrics — piña from pineapple fiber, pina seda interweaving pina with silk, and jusi handwoven from abaca fibers. Pinukpok from the Bicol Region is made from loosely woven abaca fibers; jusilyn is mechanically woven from silk, cotton, or polyester; and organza is made from silk or polyester.

As it celebrates and shares with The Manila Times Lifestyle its new campaign titled "Barong is for Everyone," Kultura embraces the attire's ability to unite those from diverse backgrounds with the different ways it can be worn today via this special editorial shoot.

Classic or modern, paired with slacks for formal occasions or jeans for a street-style take, the timeless and versatile barong remains a symbol of cultural pride. Take inspiration from these individuals who have made the barong their own regardless of age, gender identity, nationality, and beyond.