What is Barong Tagalog?
Barong Tagalog (or simply Barong) is an embroidered formal garment of the Philippines. It is properly referred to as the 'Baro ng Tagalog' (dress of the Tagalog). This Filipino tradition dates back to the Spanish Colonial era.
Where did Barong name come from?
“Baro” = Word for ‘dress’, Tagalog dialect
“Baro ng Tagalog” = 'dress of the Tagalog'
“Barong” = literally means 'dress of' - but commonly used to refer to the formal men's wear in the Philippines.
What are the fabrics uses in Barong?
Piña fabric - is hand-loomed from pineapple leaf fibers. And because Piña weaversis the on who form threads, yarns, strands, or strips of some material: to weave a basket; to weave cloth by interlacing. in the Philippines are decreasing, its scarcity makes the delicate Piña cloth expensive and is thus used for very formal events.
Jusi fabric – is soft sheer fabric made from the fibers of pineapple leaves. It is mechanically woven stronger than the Pina Cloth and was made from abaca or banana silk but, since the 1960's, it has been replaced by imported silk organzais a thin, plain weave, sheer fabric traditionally made from silk, the continuous filament of silkworms..
Linen fabric - is a natural fiber that is very strong and comfortable. Linen can be hand washed and/or dry clean only. It irons nicely to a nice crisp fabric. Linen is often used for tablecloths, sheets, and curtains. Linen also has a nice comfortable shape and feel that make it a popular choice for clothing.
Piña-Jusi fabric - is the latest barong fabric that just came out of the market and is gaining much popularity. The sheerness of pineapple fibers and the strength of the jusi fiber, fabric blend offer the market the same formality needed on special occasions.
How to care for your barong?
Washing instructions:
- Prepare a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Dip the barong up and down the solution taking care not to wring or squeeze the barong.
- Use a soft toothbrush to scrub off the stubborn dirt especially on the collar, underneath the cuffs, and arm holes.
- Rinse the barong thoroughly and then roll in a towel. Do not twist your barong.
Ironing instructions:
- After hand-washing the barong, hang it on a plastic hanger (never on a metal one since that might rust and stain the fabric!). Let the excess water drip until the barong is just damp. Alternatively, if the barong is already clean but just needs pressing, simply wet it with water and let it drip.
- Put your iron on a low to medium setting. Jusi and pinya, which are the fabrics that barong is made of, are very delicate.
- Use an ironing board.
- Start with the embroidered areas on the front. For the best effect, invert the barong and iron the embroidery on the back side. Then revert to the right side and iron the sleeves and collar, just as you would any dress shirt. When ironing the front and back, insert the narrow end of the ironing board inside the barong.
- Pass the iron over a damp area of the barong a few times, making sure that the fabric doesn’t get too hot. You’ll see the steam rising from the fabric, and the wrinkles starting to disappear. Repeat as needed.
IMPORTANT: Put a piece of white cloth between the barong and iron.
