Filipino Costume
Celebrate Philippine heritage with the elegant Barong Tagalog or Filipiniana dress.
Traditional Filipino attire is deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural history, blending indigenous designs with Spanish colonial influences. The most iconic national garments are the Barong Tagalog for men and the Filipiniana dress (such as the Maria Clara or Balintawak) for women, famous for their distinct fabrics and structured silhouettes. People wear these outfits to cultural festivals, heritage events, and formal celebrations to honor Filipino identity.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $40–150
Try it on
See yourself as Filipino
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What you need for a Filipino costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Filipino costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Barong Tagalog (Men's Option)
A lightweight, embroidered formal long-sleeve shirt made of organza, piña, or jusi fabric with a mandarin collar.
DIY: Use a white or cream long-sleeve button-down shirt and draw intricate filigree embroidery patterns around the front placket using fine-tip fabric markers.
Camisa de Chino (Men's Option)
A collarless, long-sleeved white cotton undershirt worn directly beneath the translucent Barong.
DIY: A plain, thin white crewneck long-sleeve t-shirt works perfectly.
Black Dress Pants (Men's Option)
Classic, tailored black trousers to complete the formal look.
Filipiniana Dress or Balintawak (Women's Option)
A dress or blouse featuring the iconic stiffened, arched butterfly sleeves, often made of textured or embroidered fabric.
DIY: Construct butterfly sleeves by cutting stiff buckram or heavy interfacing into arched semicircles, covering them with matching fabric, and sewing them onto a scoop-neck blouse.
Saya (Women's Option)
A long, flowing skirt, traditionally in a plaid, striped, or richly colored floral pattern.
DIY: Wrap a long piece of colorful plaid or floral fabric around your waist, securing it with a sash.
Alampay or Pañuelo (Women's Option)
A matching stiffened triangular shawl worn over the shoulders.
DIY: Fold a square piece of lace or embroidered cream fabric diagonally and drape it over your shoulders.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Filipino costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
For the masculine look: Put on the white Camisa de Chino undershirt first.
- 2
Button the translucent Barong Tagalog over the undershirt, leaving the top collar button open or fastened depending on formal preference.
- 3
Pair the Barong with pressed black dress pants and polished black leather dress shoes.
- 4
For the feminine look: Put on the Filipiniana blouse featuring the structured butterfly sleeves.
- 5
Secure the long Saya skirt at the waist, ensuring it drapes elegantly to the floor.
- 6
Drape the triangular Alampay shawl over your shoulders, pinning it neatly at the center of the chest with a gold brooch.
- 7
Complete the look with simple leather flats, low heels, or traditional bakya (wooden clogs).
Makeup & hair
For the feminine look, style hair into a neat, low bun or a classic updo to showcase the high butterfly sleeves and neckline. Keep makeup clean and natural with warm, glowing tones and a soft lip color.
Filipino for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One partner wears a classic cream Barong Tagalog with black trousers, while the other wears a coordinating Filipiniana dress with matching embroidery.
- group
- A cultural showcase group wearing various regional Filipino attire, including the colorful Mindanao-inspired malong wraps and Cordillera woven garments.
- kids
- Miniature versions of the Barong Tagalog or a simple Balintawak dress with elasticized butterfly sleeves for comfort.
- Plus size
- A wrap-around Saya skirt offers an adjustable fit, while a custom-tailored organza Barong provides a comfortable, breathable drape.
Tips
- Because authentic piña (pineapple fiber) and jusi fabrics are delicate, hand-wash or dry-clean your garments to prevent damage.
- Always wear a plain white undershirt under a Barong; colored shirts or shirts with graphic prints will show through the sheer fabric.
- If the butterfly sleeves on your Filipiniana flatten during travel, gently stuff them with tissue paper or use a handheld steamer to restore their arched shape.
Filipino costume FAQ
- What is the national costume of the Philippines?
- The national costume for men is the Barong Tagalog (an embroidered, sheer long-sleeved shirt), and for women, it is the Baro't Saya or the Filipiniana dress (characterized by its distinctive butterfly sleeves).
- What do you wear under a Barong Tagalog?
- You should wear a Camisa de Chino, which is a collarless, long-sleeved white cotton shirt, to keep the sheer outer Barong comfortable and looking sharp.
- How do you keep Filipiniana butterfly sleeves standing up?
- Traditional butterfly sleeves are lined with stiff materials like buckram, heavy interfacing, or netting to maintain their signature upright, arched shape.
Did you know? The iconic butterfly sleeves of the Filipiniana dress were popularized in the early 20th century, evolving from the softer, wider sleeves of the Spanish colonial-era Maria Clara gown.