Finding the perfect Barong Tagalog is not as easy as it sounds, especially since it is usually worn for special events like weddings, graduations, formal events, and national events. Choosing the wrong Barong Tagalog can negatively affect your appearance and show disrespect for the Filipino culture and craftsmanship. Knowing the basics on how to pick the right Barong will help you understand, the appropriate Barong for the event, your body type, and your personal style.
The first thing to keep in mind while choosing a Barong Tagalog is the event. For formal events such as weddings, state functions, and black tie affairs, it is best to wear a traditional and sophisticated Barong. Those are usually made out of more expensive fabrics such as piña or jusi and are often hand embroidered. For semi-formal events like office functions and school ceremonies, it is appropriate to wear a more simple Barong with minimal embroidery or of a blended fabric. More modern or casual events allow for Barongs to be worn that are short-sleeved, lightly embroidered, or are more on the modern side, as long as they look tidy and respectful.
Fabric is where considerations start, and where and how you intend to use this Barong is very important for your ultimate combination of choices. Piña is last of the most traditional, and with the most high-end feel. It's very lightweight and elegant looking in formal settings, but does tend to be more on the delicate side. It's more best for special occasions. For everyday use and ease of care, modern fabrics blends of silk, organza, or polyester may fit the bill. This is best when care may not be high on the list of priorities, for long warm weather events, and where frequent use is to be expected. Light and breathable are best. Alternatives to modern are still durable Jusi, still refined and more affordable.
Fit and size straighforward, like barong itself, should fit comfortably without being too tight or too loose. The shoulders should align properly, the sleeves should reach the wrists, and the length should fall just below the hips. Hip length is particularly to maintain balance while worn untucked, as is traditional. The more modern slim fit barong is cut for more of a tailored, contemporary feel, while classic cuts lean more towards a relaxed and traditional look. best result ensues when trying custom fit barong is the best result.
Another factor of consideration is the design and embroidery. The embroidery, especially in the chest panel or pechera of a Barong Tagalog, is expected to be in accordance with the event's formality level. For weddings and ceremonial events, intricately embroidered floral or geometric patterns are acceptable. For simpler academic or professional occasions, a barong with shooting designs is more appropriate. Although machine embroidery is affordable and more practical, hand embroidery is more unique and of greater value. Vertical patterns in designs can give a taller and slimmer look, so make sure to choose a design that fits the shape of your body.
Now let us talk about the color, which is of utmost importance in a Barong Tagalog. Traditional white, cream, off-white are classical colors that fit nearly any type of event, especially the formal ones. These colors are all about purity and elegance. While modern barongs in subtle colored shades are now dominant like beige, light grey, pale blue, or champagne. These styles are good, but one has to be careful in picking the dominant dark or bolder colors so that it fits the event and its overall formality level.
Details and craftsmanship are also very important in Barongs. Quality barongs, or at least those that are cutting are characteristics of good and clean stitching,, embroidery that has even spaces, and seams that have been finished properly. The mother of pearl buttons which are also a common characteristic of the barong should also be well fastened. It is suggested to triple check the collar and cuffs for comfort, since these are the areas that one adjust, and wear quite a lot.
Think about caring for and maintaining the barong before buying it. If it has delicate fabric, it will need to be hand washed or dry cleaned and it will need to be stored carefully. If you will be using a barong frequently, it may be more appropriate to get one with fabric that is easier to clean. Knowing how to care for your barong is valuable, as it will help maintain its initial look and will increase its longevity.
Ultimately, several factors will have to be considered to get the right barong isa that fits the occasion, the fabric, cut, your choice of design, color, the overall craftsmanship, and lastly, how it will be used. Getting the right one will not only help you maintain style, it will also be a symbol of respect for a growing and cherished part of the Filipino culture and tradition. It will surely be a barong Tagalog to reminisce about.