Barong Dress by Barong World
Barong dress for women, from weddings to fiestas
A barong dress takes the embroidered fabric of the men's barong tagalog and cuts it into a dress. Most of ours sit at the knee and have butterfly sleeves, the raised, stiff sleeves you see on a traditional Filipiniana. It's a lighter, simpler choice than a full gown, so you can wear it to a wedding, a fiesta or a formal dinner and still feel at ease.
Each barong dress here is handmade in the Philippines in organza, jusi or jusilyn, and many are made to order. If you want a longer, more formal look, browse our Filipiniana dresses and gowns. For newer cuts and colours, see modern Filipiniana.
Choose a barong dress by occasion
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Weddings
White and ivory organza look crisp in photos and sit well next to the groom's barong. Look at Maria, Tanya or Corazon.
Dressing the whole party? See the Filipiniana wedding collection and our ninang and mother of the bride dresses.
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Formal evenings
Black organza feels dressed up without being loud. Jenna, Rizalyn and Phie are all black. Lotty flips it, with black embroidery on ivory organza so the pattern stands out.
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Fiestas and cultural days
For Independence Day, a fiesta or a cultural show, colour helps. The two Ella dresses in jusi have painted flowers: Ella in green and yellow and Ella in green.
Going as a group? See our Philippine costumes and group outfits.
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Matching with your partner
A barong dress pairs naturally with a men's barong in the same fabric and colour. Pick yours here and his from our men's barong tagalog, or choose a ready-made couple barong set.
Choosing the fabric
All three fabrics breathe well, which matters at summer weddings and outdoor events. The difference is how the dress holds its shape and how sheer it is.
| Fabric | How it feels | Best for | Styles to see |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organza | Crisp and sheer. It holds the butterfly sleeves up well. | Weddings and formal events | Sophie, Kath, Laine |
| Jusi | Smooth and comfortable, with a softer drape | Fiestas, cultural events and long days | Both Ella dresses |
| Jusilyn | Soft, light and easy to wash | Events where you'll wear it for hours | Nicole, Steph |
Worried organza is too see-through? Wear a slip or camisole under it. You can also choose Laine, which comes with a matching inner dress, or Nicole, which is lined.
Size and fit
Barong fabric doesn't stretch, so fit matters more than with a cotton dress. Our size chart page has the women's Filipiniana and barong dress chart.
- Measure your chest, waist and hips at the fullest point, with the tape snug but not tight.
- Your body measurements should be about 2 inches smaller than the numbers on the chart. That gap is the room the dress needs.
- If you're between sizes, choose the larger one.
Want a closer fit?
When you order, type your chest, waist, hips and height in the box provided, or email them to us after you order. We add the right allowance for you. You can also read about custom fitting and order pickup. Made-to-order pieces take longer, so order early if your event date is fixed.
Complete the look
- Underneath: a nude or matching slip keeps sheer organza looking neat.
- Shoulders: for a church ceremony or a cool evening, add an alampay, the light shawl worn with a Filipiniana. See our alampay collection.
- Finishing touches: simple pearl earrings suit the pearl buttons on many of these dresses. Browse Filipino accessories for more.
- The whole family: dress your daughter in girls' Filipiniana, or see couple and family sets for photos.
Caring for your barong dress
- Hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Don't wring or twist it.
- Hang it to dry in the shade so white and ivory don't yellow.
- Iron on low heat with a thin cloth over the embroidery and any painted areas.
- Store it on a padded hanger in a breathable garment bag, not plastic.
Shipping worldwide
We ship to the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, the Middle East, and across Asia and Europe. Timing depends on where you are and whether the dress is made to order, so check shipping and delivery times before your event, then track your order once it's on its way.
Barong dress FAQ
What is a barong dress?
It's a Filipino dress made from the same sheer, embroidered fabrics as the barong tagalog. Ours are mostly knee-length with butterfly sleeves, which makes them lighter and simpler than a full Filipiniana gown.
Can I wear a barong dress as a wedding guest?
Yes. It's one of the easiest ways to follow a Filipiniana or barong dress code. Check with the couple about colour, since some weddings save white for the bride.
Is the fabric see-through?
Organza is sheer, so most women wear a slip underneath. Laine comes with an inner dress and Nicole is lined, if you'd rather not think about it.
How do I choose my size?
Measure your chest, waist and hips and follow the steps in size and fit. For a closer fit, send us your measurements and height when you order.
How long does delivery take?
It depends on your country and whether the dress is ready to ship or made to order. Our shipping page has current times, and we can suggest faster options if your date is close.
Can I match my partner?
Yes. Choose a barong dress and a men's barong in the same fabric, or pick a ready-made couple set from the links in choose by occasion.
Not sure which dress suits your event? Email mabuhay@barongworld.com or message our team, available 24/7. You can also read what other women say in our Filipiniana reviews.