Philippine traditional clothing is
integral to the country's rich culture and heritage. The evolution of
conventional Philippine clothing is an interesting story of how various
cultures, traditions, and influences from different parts of the world have
merged to create unique and distinct clothing styles. This article will
explore the rich history and evolution of Philippine traditional clothing.
Pre-Colonial Clothing
Before the arrival of the Spanish
colonizers in the Philippines in the 16th century, the indigenous peoples of
the archipelago had their own distinct clothing styles. The Tagalogs, for
example, wore a "barong tagalog," a loose-fitting
shirt made of silk or cotton, while the Visayans wore a similar garment called
the "baro." The T'boli tribe in Mindanao wore woven skirts called
"t'nalak," while the Ifugao people wore "bahag," a
loincloth made of bark cloth.
Spanish Influence
The arrival of the Spanish
colonizers in the Philippines in the 16th century significantly impacted Philippine traditional clothing. The colonizers introduced the use of cotton,
silk, other fabrics, and loom. They also introduced the "camisa," a blouse worn under the barong tagalog or
baro, and the "saya," a skirt worn by women.
During the Spanish colonial period, wealthy Filipinos adopted the European fashion of wearing high-waisted
dresses and suits made of expensive fabrics. However, the traditional clothing
styles of the indigenous peoples continued to thrive among the common folk.
American Influence
The arrival of Americans in the
Philippines in the early 20th century brought about another wave of change in
traditional Philippine clothing. The Americans introduced denim,
khaki, and other durable fabrics, eventually becoming popular among the
working class. The "amerikana," a jacket similar to the American
"blazer," became a popular item of clothing for men.
Japanese Influence
During World War II, the Japanese
occupied the Philippines, and their influence on Philippine traditional
clothing was felt. The Japanese introduced the use of the "kimono"
and other Japanese-inspired clothing styles adapted by the
Filipinos. The "baro't saya," a traditional Filipino dress, was
modified to resemble the Japanese kimono, with a loose-fitting blouse and a
long skirt.
Modern Filipino Clothing
Today, Philippine traditional
clothing continues to evolve and adapt to changing times. The barong tagalog,
once worn only on special occasions, has become a popular item of clothing for
men, worn not only during formal events but also in everyday life. The
"terno," a dress with butterfly sleeves, has become an iconic
Philippine fashion item worn by women during formal events.
Filipino fashion designers have also
gained international recognition for innovative designs incorporating traditional Philippine textiles and techniques. Designers such as Inno Sotto,
Rajo Laurel, and Francis Libiran have showcased their collections in fashion
shows in New York, Paris, and other fashion capitals worldwide.
Conclusion
Philippine traditional clothing reflects the country's rich culture and heritage. It has evolved and
adapted, influenced by different cultures and traditions. From the
pre-colonial era to modern times, Philippine traditional clothing has remained
an integral part of Filipino identity and a source of national pride.