The barong tagalong is a great article of clothing, though to fully maximize what it can do for you, it helps getting to know a little more about it -and as they say, knowing is half the battle. From wearing the barong to keeping it clean, every barong-wearing man should be aware of the hows and whys of this exquisitely versatile wear.
Dressing for the Occasion
Call it formal wear, or traditional attire, or work clothes, the Barong Tagalong can be a great wardrobe choice for a lot of functions -provided you know what you are working with. Take note of the barong’s color, fabric, and cut to know which one to bring to which event. A short sleeved barong, for example, is better for outdoor activities in the sun. On the other hand, a nighttime gala might be a great time to bring out an all black barong. Always remember to choose the right piece for the right time. If you are having trouble deciding, check out our handy guide for choosing the right barong for the occasion.
Prepare for Questions
For Filipinos, the barong tagalong is a piece of tradition and history. For everyone else, it is an eye-catching look that also begs some curious questions. Depending on the crowd you will be with, it is possible that there are people who might ask about the barong, and it helps to be prepared to answer such inquiries. We will not be going into the history of the barong right here -that in itself is worthy of a whole new discussion. But do try to read up a little beforehand on the history, take note of what fabric your barong is (the translucent nature of a barong incites people to ask what it is made of), and when you’re in doubt, nothing is more gentlemanly than a man who is willing to admit what he does not know.
The Camisa is Important Too
The camisa de chino is the humble undershirt that is used for all barongs. While it is possible to use a regular undershirt, the camisa’s lightweight fabric and cut are the factors that makes it fitting to be worn with barongs. All that said, be sure to bring an extra camisa when you can. When travelling, try to have at least two camisas (of the appropriate color) for each barong you will be using. This is extra important when you’re going to be out in the sun, as the camisa will be absorbing most of the sweat, having a spare ready will help you keep clean and fresh.
Of course, never forget the most important rule of the camisa: it must be fitted. Just as fitted undershirts are a golden rule for suits, even more so for the translucent Barong Tagalog as the undershirt will be quite ‘visible’, so it always has to look and fit perfectly.
Don’t Skimp Out on Fitting
The fit of the barong matter a lot, so it goes without saying that fitting it properly is mandatory. Even when buying a barong off the shelf (which is a great choice when you need to one quickly), consider having some alterations since these do not take a lot of time and makes the barong look even better on you. Naturally, a custom made barong will be a great fit once it is done.
Make a note of when you acquire a barong. Because after a year or so, it is important to make sure that the fit is still good. For guys who are currently taking on a fitness or diet program, consider getting a fitting as you reach your fitness goals (which could mean a significant change in body shape in a matter of weeks of months). Developing muscle areas and trimming down will have a big impact on how the barong fits so when you undertake these life improvements, have the barong evolve along with you.
More Than Just the Barong
Picking out a good pair of pants and shoes to go with a barong is important. For pants, the safest choice is to pick black slacks that fit comfortably. Go for a cut that compliments the shape and length of your legs. As for choosing belts, use ones with buckles that have subtle designs for barongs that have complex embroidery. On the other hand, if your barong of choice has very minimal flair, you can opt for a belt buckle that has a little bit of emphasis.
The color of the shoes should go with the color of the pants. Leather (or pleather) are reasonable options, though suede and other materials will work just as well. As for the style, it really depends on the occasion. If the event is informal enough, you may want to consider black topsiders or loafers for a more relaxed look. In most cases, avoid using sports shoes (rubber shoes, running shoes, etc) because they will almost always clash with a barong.
Lastly, yes, you can wear cufflinks on a barong. However, before you decide on what pair to wear, take a moment to check the fabric of your barong. If it uses pina silk (or pina seda), just know that your barong has a very delicate fabric. The chances of cufflinks doing damage is minimal, but you may want to choose lightweight links in order to minimize stressing the fabric.
Going On the Road
There will be plenty of events that will require some travelling, and sometimes, these events will last for several days (such as conventions and conferences). For occasions such as these, packing a few extra items will certainly help. Clothes hangers and plastic suit covers are good to have for both the trip and for storing the barong at your lodging. If you really need to have them packed in your travel bags, and there are plenty of times when one has to, just make sure to fold them neatly. It will have some fold lines and a few creases, but those can be remedied. Some hotels (especially business hotels) will have an iron that you can use, so look up our guide on maintaining your barong for instructions on how to smoothen out any wrinkles that it may have gotten during the trip.
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