The Barong Tagalog

Three US Presidents in Barong Tagalog shirts. The leaders' collared, ivory-hued button-downs are Barong Tagalogs. The top is a traditional Filipino men's shirt fashioned from lightweight natural fibers indigenous to the Philippines, like pineapples or bananas. The Barong's history can be traced back to the 15th century, the early days of the Spanish colonial era. Back then, the Spaniards forced indigenous Filipinos to wear the blousy shirts untucked, so as not to be confused with the ruling class. In the 1950s, former Filipino President Ramón Magsaysay made the shirts fashionable when he wore one to his inauguration and to his subsequent private and public events. These days, Barongs are worn to very special occasions. Photo : The Textile Atlas Barong Tagalog is traditionally made with sheer textiles (nipis) woven from piña or abacá; although in modern times, cheaper materials like silk, ramie, or polyester are also used. “Piña” fiber is extracted from the leaves of a pinea