The Filipino Dress Code

Yves St Laurent once said, "fashion fades, style is eternal." Over the decade, I have seen the Filipino fashion transitioned and influenced by the ever-shifting trends from around the world. But if there’s one thing that sets us apart from the global fashion scene and boasts the identity of Filipinos, it would be our Barong Tagalog. 


It has been present in our culture long before the Spaniards came. This embroidered formal garment speaks a lot about the Filipinos’ craftsmanship as it is delicately made from the finest of fabrics made from pineapple leaf fibers, jusi, or banana silk. Its materials, transparency and embroidery make it stand out from the dress shirt worn by Westerners. The term “barong Tagalog” means the “Tagalog dress.” The Tagalog people already wore a dress that was slightly below waist, colourless and had an opening in the front even before the Spanish arrived in the Philipines. It has become a tradition to wear this garment in formal occasions such as weddings. It gained its national prestige after President Quezon declared the Barong Tagalog as the national costume. Filipinos wear it with pride and dignity, as it is a symbol of our rich heritage.  No wonder it has never faded throughout the centuries. 


As a style enthusiast, you will always find those certain pieces or looks that will define who you are and will set you apart from everyone else, and for me, it’s the Barong Tagalog that defines the true Filipino fashion.