Junior Rasmussen
The Filipino wedding dress is called the Terno, which is renowned for its distinct butterfly sleeves and intricate embroidery. The dress is usually made from fine fabrics such as piña (pineapple fibre), jusi (silk), and other indigenous materials. The Terno is a symbol of elegance and national pride, weaving together the history, identity, and craftsmanship of Filipino culture. Another traditional Filipino wedding dress is the Barong Tagalog, which is typically worn by men but is also gaining popularity among women. The Barong Tagalog is a lightweight, embroidered shirt, considered the national dress of the Philippines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Barong Tagalog, Maria Clara, Terno, Filipiniana, Baro't Saya |
| Description | A long skirt with a high waist and a cropped box top with puffy long sleeves |
| Fabric | Piña (pineapple fibre), jusi (silk), silk organza, cotton, abaca, and other indigenous materials |
| Colour | White, cream, and other neutral shades |
| Details | Butterfly sleeves, intricate embroidery, beading, and other accessories |
| Gender | Typically worn by women, but Barong Tagalog is also worn by men |
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What You'll Learn
The 'Barong Tagalog'
The Barong Tagalog is a traditional Filipino garment worn by men at formal events like weddings and baptisms. However, this is quickly changing, with more women also beginning to wear the Barong Tagalog. The Barong originated in the Philippines' pre-Hispanic period when chiefs and warriors wore collarless jackets of fine linen. It evolved further, taking inspiration from Spanish dress shirts, which were then worn by everyone from farm workers to intellectuals.
The Barong Tagalog is typically made from fine, sheer material like nipis and is worn largely by the upper classes or for festive occasions; while barongs made of cheaper opaque materials like cotton or sinamay are used by lower classes or for daily wear. The finest barongs are made of pineapple fibre (piña) in neutral shades like white or cream. A popular and affordable alternative is jusi, a textile blend of silk, cotton, and abaca. The quality of the material and the intricacy of the embroidery are often signs of the status and wealth of the wearer. The embroidery of the Barong Tagalog is commonly placed on a rectangular section on the front of the chest (known as pechera, "shirt front", from Spanish pecho, "chest"), and/or over the entire shirt (sabog, from Tagalog for "scattered"). They feature various embroidery techniques, including calado and doble calado ("pierced" and "double-pierced", types of openwork drawn thread embroidery), encajes de bolilio (Venetian lace), and sombrado (shadow embroidery). They can also have other kinds of ornamentation, like alforza (pleats), suksuk (weft floats), and even hand-painted designs.
When using sheer fabrics, the Barong Tagalog is worn over an undershirt known as the camisón or camiseta, which can have short or long sleeves. The term camisa de chino is also used for collar-less and cuff-less shirts, named after their resemblance to shirts worn by Chinese labourers. It is worn with belted trousers and dress shoes. Headgear, when worn, is either a salakot or a buntal hat (and historically also top hats or bowler hats). The Barong Tagalog can vary considerably in terms of design and material used, but they share common characteristics of having long sleeves, embroidery, being buttoned (halfway or straight down the chest), and the absence of pockets. They are also worn loosely and have slits on both sides.
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'Maria Clara' gown
The Maria Clara gown is a traditional Filipino wedding dress. It takes its name from María Clara, the protagonist of the novel Noli Me Tángere, written in 1887 by Filipino nationalist José Rizal. The gown is typically made from piña (pineapple fibre), the same material used for the Barong Tagalog, a lightweight embroidered shirt that is the national dress of the Philippines. The finest Barong Tagalogs are made from piña in neutral shades like white or cream.
Maria Clara gowns are elegant and conservative, often adorned with intricate designs. They are made from piña or jusi fabric (a textile blend of silk, cotton, and abaca). Modern renditions can be paired with other Filipino accessories as an homage to Filipino history and heritage.
The Maria Clara gown traditionally consists of four parts: a blouse (baro or camisa), a long skirt (saya), a kerchief worn over the shoulders (pañuelo, fichu, or alampay), and a short rectangular cloth worn over the skirt (the tapis or patadyo). A unified gown version of the dress with butterfly sleeves was popularised in the first half of the 20th century by the Philippine National Artist Ramon Valera. This version is known as the terno, which is also a symbol of elegance and national pride.
The terno is renowned for its distinct butterfly sleeves, seamlessly integrating Filipino craftsmanship with timeless fashion. It is a cultural emblem that connects the wearer to the rich history and artistic heritage of the Philippines. Modern interpretations of the terno have made their way into contemporary Filipino weddings, blending traditional elements with modern styles.
Filipino weddings are a vibrant fusion of traditional customs and modern influences, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. Nowadays, there is a spectrum of styles one can expect at Filipino weddings, from billowing white dresses to regal ternos.
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'Terno' wedding dress
Filipino weddings are a vibrant blend of traditional customs and modern influences, reflecting the country's rich history and cultural diversity. The Terno wedding dress is a symbol of elegance and national pride, seamlessly integrating Filipino craftsmanship with timeless fashion. It is a powerful statement of identity and heritage, honouring the wearer's roots and making a unique fashion statement on their special day.
The Terno is renowned for its distinct butterfly sleeves, representing the grace and strength of Filipinos. The dress is usually made from fine fabrics such as piña (pineapple fibre), jusi (silk), and other indigenous materials, emphasising sustainability and support for local weavers. Modern interpretations of the Terno have made their way into contemporary Filipino weddings, blending traditional elements with modern styles. Designers have reimagined the Terno to suit today's fashion sensibilities, incorporating various fabrics, patterns, and cuts while preserving the signature sleeves.
The Terno's design is not only about aesthetic appeal but also cultural significance. The intricate embroidery showcases the meticulous artistry that has been passed down through generations. The dress is often customised with unique embroidery designs, beading, and other accessories, making it a cherished part of Filipino culture.
The Terno wedding dress is a timeless reminder of the Philippines' rich cultural landscape and the enduring spirit of its people. It exemplifies the beauty of Filipino culture, weaving together the threads of history, identity, and craftsmanship. As Filipino weddings continue to evolve, the Terno remains a beloved choice for brides who wish to celebrate their heritage and make a stylish statement on their special day.
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'Baro't Saya'
The Baro't Saya is a traditional and iconic formal wear for women in the Philippines, representing the country's rich cultural heritage and colonial history. The name translates to "shirt and skirt" in English, and the outfit is composed of these two basic pieces of clothing. The Baro't Saya evolved from pre-colonial clothing worn by both men and women, which included a collarless shirt or jacket with close-fitting long sleeves, and a short cloth wrapped around the waist or chest, secured with belts or knotted over one shoulder.
During the Spanish colonial period, the Spanish clergy introduced a long skirt, known as the "saya" or "falda", to be worn under the shorter cloth, deeming the pre-colonial mode of dress as immodest for women. By the late 18th century, the traditional everyday wear of women in the Philippines consisted of a collarless "baro" or "camisa" (plain or striped shirt) and a "saya" (usually checkered), which reached up to the ankles. The skirt was secured at the waist by strings and had wide, flat pleats along the waistline held together by pins. The outfit was usually complemented by a "tapis" (worn as an overskirt) and a kerchief around the shoulders, known as a "pañuelo", "fichu", or "alampay".
The fabrics used for early sayas were usually native textiles, particularly those made by highlander Visayans in Panay. In the 19th century, imported textiles were used, such as the cambaya from India. The upper classes, or "principalia", typically wore ankle-length skirts, while those of the lower classes wore skirts that reached the mid-calf to allow for freer movement while working. Knee-length skirts were permitted for young girls.
Today, the Filipiniana dress, which originates from the Baro't Saya, is often worn by brides. It typically consists of a matching skirt and blouse with butterfly sleeves and intricate embroidered details, all woven in pineapple fabric. Modern brides incorporate trends from local runways and red carpets, blending traditional elements with modern styles.
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Modern vs. traditional
Filipino wedding attire has traditionally included the "Barong Tagalog" and the "Maria Clara" gown. The Barong Tagalog is a lightweight, embroidered shirt, representing the national dress of the Philippines. It is typically preferred by men, but this is quickly changing, with more women wearing the Barong Tagalog. The finest Barong Tagalogs are made of pineapple fibre (piña) in neutral shades like white or cream. Maria Clara gowns are elegant and conservative, often adorned with intricate designs and made from piña or jusi fabric.
The Terno wedding dress is another traditional option, symbolising elegance and national pride. The Terno is renowned for its distinct butterfly sleeves, integrating Filipino craftsmanship with timeless fashion. The dress is usually made from fine fabrics such as piña (pineapple fibre), jusi (silk), and other indigenous materials.
In modern times, Filipino weddings showcase a blend of traditional customs and contemporary influences, reflecting the country's diverse culture and history. There is no single pattern for a Filipino wedding, as the country consists of thousands of islands with distinct peoples and customs. As such, wedding attire varies, with some couples opting for traditional Filipiniana, and others choosing modern formalwear.
The definition of Filipiniana is quite broad, referring to anything predominantly and uniquely Filipino. In a fashion context, traditional Filipiniana often consists of a matching skirt and blouse with butterfly sleeves and intricate embroidery, all woven in pineapple fabric. Modern brides may choose more adventurous styles, blending traditional elements with trends from local runways and red carpets.
Similarly, the Barong Tagalog has evolved to include various fabrics, colours, and styles. While it traditionally consisted of a collarless jacket made of fine linen, it now comes in several types of fabrics and colours, with white being the most popular.
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Frequently asked questions
The Filipino wedding dress for women is called the "Terno", which is renowned for its distinct butterfly sleeves. It is also sometimes known as the "Maria Clara" gown.
The Filipino wedding dress for men is called the "Barong Tagalog", which is a lightweight embroidered shirt and the national dress of the Philippines.
The modern Filipino wedding dress for women is called the "Filipiniana". It often refers to a matching skirt and blouse with butterfly sleeves and a neckline contouring the bosom, all woven in pineapple fabric.
The Terno's iconic butterfly sleeves represent the grace and strength of Filipino/a people, while the intricate embroidery showcases the meticulous artistry passed down through generations.
