The Barong Tagalog

Centuries of Spanish colonial period refined the distinct artistry of the Barong Tagalog, the Philippine National Costume for men. When the Spanish ruling dictated a demarcation against the lowly Indio, Filipinos were made to wear their shirts not tucked under the waistbands. To add to that, Barongs were fashioned out of sheer fabric and with no pockets, appeasing the Spaniards’ fear that Filipinos are not out to attack them with hidden bolos and other weapons. As a result, the people focused their skills into defining their clothing as a symbol of resistance. Each shirt is handcrafted and embroidered with the distinctive piña cloth (fiber from pineapple leaves) or Jusi fabric made from abaca or banana silk. Despite its seeming flimsiness, the Barong Tagalog stood proudly against a revolutionary canvas of freedom uproars and rebellion.

Casa del Shai offers you the Barong Tagalog in all its glory as it evolved with the modern times. Worn formally in either traditional and mandarin collared styles, the Barong Tagalog’s craftwork is presented in three colours; Antique, Ebony and the more common Ivory. The embroidered shirts come with the Camiso De Chino, a simple long sleeved undershirt similar to the Henley and the ubiquitous black dress pants.

Sharing with you more of our Filipino flavor at the Casa del Shai Deco.