I barely recall where I first stumble upon this “idea” but for sure, I have seen several pictures of this modern innovation of our National Costume - the Barong.

I call it a Barong Suit. 

First, let me define what I mean when I say Suit and when I say Coat.

A SUIT, is basically a coat and a pair of dresspants (or in our local language, we call it slacks, formal pants, or simply, pants) in the same material and color.
A COAT on the other hand is simply, the top garment. It’s the formal jacket we wear, usually in the office or during a formal event. Coats can vary in design.

A BARONG SUIT is a BARONG COAT and a pair of dresspants. But in this case, this innovated coat and pants don’t necessarily have to have the same material. I just like to call it a shorter term for the whole set.

This innovation has been around for who knows how long. But somehow, I think that the PALMOS brothers has something to do with this idea, coz most of the designs of Barong Suits I’ve seen in the past was credited to their names, but then again, I’m not so sure.

The first time I saw this innovation, I thought this was very very nice coz it combined the Filipino concept of the Barong and the sleekness of the suit. The Barong Suit, I believe, basically possessed the good quality of the Barong and the Suit.

The Pros & Cons of Barong

Pros:

  1. Comfy and breathable, perfect for our weather
  2. Uniquely Filipino
  3. A fine Filipino Craft and tradition

Cons:

  1. Somewhat baggy, visually unflattering
  2. It cannot hide your flaws
  3. Material is fragile at times
  4. Limited designs in terms of cuts (designs that actually flatter ordinary people)

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The Pros & Cons of the Suit

Pros:

  1. Sleek and structured
  2. can cover up flaws (particularly large tummies)
  3. Very intelligent look (I’ve always believed that the suit can make a guy extra handsome!)
  4. Comes in a wide array of designs

Cons:

  1. Very hot when worn especially if it has more layers
  2. Uncomfortable to some because it’s semi-fit most of the times
  3. A little more expensive because it’s more complicated to make

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Now the Barong Suit, takes the Filipino and the western concept and fuses into one. It’s Barong in the Suit structure. It uses the fine embroidered Pina material with an underlay of the suit material. If you have a great body, it follows your form, if not, it gives you an entirely new and better one. In terms of design, there are a lot of options really. Since the Pina material is already supported with the suit material, it’s no longer as fragile. Depending on the design you chose, the Barong Suit won’t be as hot as the layered suit.

Since I liked this idea, I’ve decided to adapt the concept and give it a try. I know guys are easy to please, but the deciding factor often times depend on the comfort of the garment. So far, I’ve made 3 Barong Suits for 3 grooms and they are very very happy with it! You can see some pictures in our Barong Suit Gallery.

But for now, we only have a few designs to offer, but the good thing is, we are not stopping here. We are in the process of further innovating this already wonderful innovation.