Barong Tagalog

A Barong Tagalog (or simply Barong) is an embroidered formal garment of the Philippines. It is very lightweight and worn untucked, similar to a coat. It is the common wedding and formal attire for Filipino men. The term "Barong Tagalog" literally means "Tagalog dress" (i.e., baro ng Tagalog or dress of the Tagalog) in the Tagalog language.

The barong was popularized as formal wear by Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who wore it to most official and personal affairs, including his inaugeration as president. The barong was officially made the national costume by a decree from President Ferdinand Marcos in 1975.

Barong Tagalog - Origin

This Filipino tradition dates back to the Spanish Colonial era. The most common theory about its origins is that the Spaniards made Filipinos wear barongs untucked to distinguish them from the ruling class. Also, barongs had to be made of thin fabric so that the Spaniards could assure that the wearer was not bearing a weapon under the garment.

However, this theory has been questioned by other scholars and historians. They note the absence of a citation to the specific law where the Spaniards supposedly prohibited the natives from tucking in their shirts. Secondly, they note that natives during the Spanish Era did wear their shirts tucked in at times. A common example cited in support of this argument is Jose Rizal and his contemporaries, who were photographed in Western clothing with their shirts tucked in. Thirdly, the Philippines has a tropical climate and it is common for shirts not to be tucked in because of the heat. Finally, the barong is thought to be an adaptation of a shirt that was worn during the Spanish era throughout the Spanish empire. Scholars who subscribe to the last theory note that the barong bears many similarities to the guayabera, a shirt popular in the Latin American communities.

Barong Tagalog - Type of Cloth used

Most barong are made of pina cloth (from pineapple) or jusi from abaca. Jusi is cheaper and much stronger than the pina one but the pina one is more delicate.

he term "Barong Tagalog" is used almost exclusively to refer to the formal version of the barong; however, less formal variations of this national costume also exist.

• Polo barong refers to a short-sleeved version of the barong, often made with linen, ramie or cotton. This is the least formal version of the barong, often used as office wear (akin to the suit and tie).

• "Gusot-Mayaman" ("gusot" means "wrinkled" and "mayaman" means "wealthy") and Linen barongs are barongs that are not constructed with pina, jusi, or similarly delicate fabrics are generally considered less formal than the barong Tagalog. Both "gusot-mayaman" and linen barongs are used for everyday office wear.

• Shirt-jack barong are cut in shirt-jack style usually in poly-cotton, linen-cotton and gusot-mayaman fabrics. Popularized by politicians and government officials and worn during campaigns or out-in-the-field assignments. This barong style gives the wearer a more casual look yet lends a more dressed-up appearance from the usual street worn casual wear.