Cover Photo: Miko de los Reyes / Tatler Philippines archives
Photo: Miko de los Reyes / Tatler Philippines archives
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Inherently Filipino, barong tagalog has been the staple formal wear on important occasions like weddings, society balls, feasts, and funerals, to name a few. Here we give you some tips on how to properly wear it:
Although men, and even women, widely use tuxedos and suits in many formal gatherings held in the Philippines, the barong tagalog still remains revered and preferred by many. In the Spanish Colonial Period, barong tagalog was only worn by the mestizos (mixed races, usually of Spanish descent) and principalias (noble class).
The delicateness of having a barong tagalog made of pineapple fibre or jusi (banana silk) is the reason why barong tagalog is not easily acquired by many during that period. Not to mention, the utmost care this attire needs is really special that eventually, it became used exclusively for formal gatherings rather than daily use. Today, there are more variations of barong tagalog that are more affordable, and with materials that are easier to maintain like organza (polyester and silk) and more.
Nevertheless, barong tagalog should be worn and maintained properly. Otherwise, one would not be giving justice to its sophisticated fabric, intricate embroidery, and dignified look and effect to its wearer. Here are some tips that might be helpful to you if you want to pull off wearing barong tagalog on every occasion:
Make sure it fits you right
Above Photo: Miko de los Reyes / Tatler Philippines archives
Photo: Miko de los Reyes / Tatler Philippines archives
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Traditionally, barongs are worn loose and ill-fitting, making the illusion that one has broad shoulders and muscular arms. However as men's fashion evolves through the years, the slim fit has become the new standard. Keep the barong's length to the bottom of your butt, while the sleeves up to the wrists. The seam for the arm sleeve should just reach the top of your shoulder and not beyond. And the collar must have at least one finger space allowance so that the barong is breathable. The fit at the back and chest must be perfectly right, hugging the body correctly but not too tight.
Go for longer undershirt
Above Photo: barongtagalog.us
Photo: barongtagalog.us
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Camisa de Chino is the traditional collarless undershirt for barong tagalog. It is a comfortable, tucked undershirt made of cotton, but there are also shops that have introduced variations made of piña and other fabrics used for barongs and are worn untucked. To make your barong look cleaner and more formal, try wearing custom-tailored long-sleeved camisa de chino, which colour matches that of the barong.
Complete the look
Above Photo: Narra Studio
Photo: Narra Studio
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Remember that it is unheard of to see a barong tagalog worn with denim jeans and rubber shoes. Make sure that you look dapper when wearing it by teaming it with a straight cut or better yet a slim fit pair of black slacks pants, plain black socks, and black leather shoes. You can also try being more stylish by wearing light-toned pants like grey and beige and matching it with brown shoes. For accessories, you can have pearl studs for cufflinks or have black coloured ones, a gold pin for the collar, and a top-of-the-line luxury watch. Be careful in pinning a boutonniere as it might ruin your barong.
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Franz writes about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Art Studies at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright. But above all this, this Aether main spends more time in Teyvat than anywhere else.
