Philippines Traditional Dress Explained: From Past to Present
Filipiniana fashion is not just an ordinary form of apparel, it is history, pride, and identity. It may have changed throughout the years, but Filipiniana fashion has always been culturally-rooted. In the olden days, the Filipinos wore traditional clothes which included elements from indigenous customs and trade.
Filipiniana fashion Over the Decades
Over the years, there have been a lot of developments that have taken place with regards to the style of clothing worn by Filipinos. The Filipinos’ clothes were influenced by foreigners who came into contact with the natives for many decades. Indigenous Filipinos wore colorful woven textiles, later in Spanish colonial period blouses and skirts were introduced. Americans influenced fashion with more structured butterfly sleeves. Later these following piece of style became the tradition:
- Barong Tagalog: It has been a very significant part of the Filipinos’ cultural heritage since it represented equality between social classes. The barong Tagalog was made using light materials and was embroidered. Its design usually appeared to be semi-transparent when worn by people.
- Terno: For women, which exemplifies elegance with its trademark butterfly sleeves and elegant cut. The terno has come to be recognized as a symbol of the elegance and grace of the Filipino woman. Modern versions of the terno have emerged in an attempt to adapt the traditional dress into more practical uses.
Transformation into the Modern Days
What is even more interesting about these traditional items is their transformation into the present day. Fashion designers have started incorporating newer styles and materials into the dresses so as to make them more adaptable to modern times. For example, one would now find the barong made with modern pants or a terno designed for informal occasions.
One reason why Filipiniana dress survives until today is that Filipiniana means something for its people. It means something far more than being dressed fashionably; it is a way of preserving their culture and conveying their heritage through this piece of clothing. These dresses represent elegance, strength, and pride. But as fashion continues to progress, it opens up new horizons for appreciation of this culture.
The Bottom Line
At Barongs R Us, we understand the importance of carrying forward this tradition into our present lives. Our garments are a testament to our commitment to our past heritage while being practical at the same time. From a classic barong to modern Filipiniana pieces, we provide a wide variety of garments. So, dress like a Filipino with Barongs R Us.
