KOREA FOUNDATION

At festivals and wedding ceremonies in the Philippines, it’s common to see many men wearing the Barong Tagalog, a traditional Philippine shirt. The Barong Tagalog, referred to more commonly today as a barong, is popular with Filipino men for formal occasions, both in the countryside and in the city. The shirt has a loose fit and is thin, comfortable, and cool, making it perfect for the hot and humid climate of the Philippines.

The barong, with its long sleeves and stiff collar and cuffs, is usually made of various materials such as cotton, linen, banana silk, or fibers from banana or pineapple leaves. The front of the shirt is embroidered and the back and sleeves are decorated with small gems. Decorative motifs vary and can include patterns with plants, swirls, and grids. Other designs are made to suit the wearer; for example, barongs for musicians may feature a motif of musical instruments. During the early 20th century, strong colors considered to be masculine, such as green, brown, and red, were favored. Nowadays, however, most Barong Tagalog are made in a light brown or beige color.

The traditional clothing for Filipina women is called the Baro't Saya and is derived from the words “baro at saya,” meaning “blouse and skirt.”