A Barong for everyone

April 13, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines —  Kultura celebrates “Barong for Everyone” by highlighting how it has evolved through the years to become the outfit of choice for many Filipinos, from office workers to the stylish set to presidents.
It’s not surprising, as the barong’s lightweight fabric, sleek shape,  and comfortable cut make it perfect for tropical climates like ours. Besides that, embroidery, appliques, and other embellishments highlight its fashion possibilities, even for women, who have made it part of their Filipiniana and formal-wear wardrobes.
Combining elements from both the precolonial native Filipinos and traditional Spanish colonial styles, the barong was named the official national attire in 1975. What is considered the distinctive type of modern barong — with its tapering cut, cuffs, and flared sleeves — was created by fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier of Pierre Cardin Manille in the ’70s.
Since then, we have had short-sleeved polo barongs preferred by office workers made with linen, ramie or cotton, as well as shirt-jack barongs popularized by politicians.
The finest Barong Tagalog are made from a variety of indigenous sheer fabrics: piña from pineapple fiber, piña seda interweaving piña with silk, and jusi handwoven from abaca fibers. Pinukpok from the Bicol Region is made from loosely woven abaca fibers; jusilyn is mechanically woven from silk, cotton or polyester; while organza is made from silk or polyester.
Kultura embraces the barong’s ability to unite those from diverse backgrounds with the different ways it can be worn today. Classic or modern, paired with slacks for formal occasions or jeans for a street-style take, the timeless and versatile barong remains a symbol of cultural pride. Take inspiration from these individuals who’ve made it their own. Regardless of age, gender identity, nationality, and beyond, we believe the barong is for everyone.

Fifi Sharma
Volleyball sensation Fifi Sharma shows her stylish side with this women’s mandarin-collar barong with classic floral embroidery, which she dresses down with denim.

Mikyle Quizon
Fashion model and photography influencer Mikyle Quizon plays it cool in a short-sleeved piña-silk polo barong with pintucks, a versatile option that can be taken from the office to dinner and beyond.

Bambi Del Rosario Young
Restaurateur, content creator,  and dance enthusiast  Bambi Del Rosario Young creatively matches a men’s black-and-white embroidered barong with a black slip dress and layers of pearls.

Addy Raj
Indian actor and singer Addy Raj shows the barong’s inclusive appeal wearing this men’s blue silk-cocoon barong with geometric embroidery.

Kc Montero
With a myriad of styles, designs, and fabrics, the barong is undoubtedly a unique garment. TV and event host KC Montero wears a one-of-a-kind men’s barong with embroidery inspired by warrior tattoos.

Tessie Singson
Fashion guru Tessie Singson, aka Lola Androgynous, highlights her timeless style in Kultura’s embroidered short-sleeve barong worn with a pleated skirt and bright orange sabutan bag for a pop of color.

Rex Intal
Volleyball star Rex Intal relaxes off court in a short-sleeved piña-silk barong featuring a “suksok” pattern with denim.

The barong collection is available in selected Kultura stores from over 45 branches nationwide. Find your nearest store at http://bit.ly/KulturaStores or shop online at www.kulturafilipino.com.
Catch Kultura’s #BarongforEveryone series on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @KulturaFilipino.