Two barongs may look the same, but they may also differ in many ways. If you understand the essence of refined clothing, you know by heart that wearing the right one that resonates with you creates an aura of confidence that positively affects you and the people around you. It makes you feel good and proud. And when you feel good and proud and have nothing to worry about how you carry yourself, you give your full attention to the people around you, and you go all in whatever you do.

Please make no mistake about it. Find out below if the barong you’re buying is the best for you:

Fabric

The fibers and the weave heavily influence the fabric’s aesthetic character. That’s why the luxurious piña with distinct fibers and weave has become the fabric of choice among the Philippines’ elites. The premium piña-silk is the second most coveted fabric. Abaca-cotton is another premium option with thicker fibers. Note that these fabrics have a yellowish tinge or light champagne-gold color. If you want a lighter off-white or white smoke shade, then cocoon and jusi are the options. If you’re after the visual aspects of piña fabric but not willing to spend much money, then cocoon-piña and jusi-piña are the options. Barongs made from materials such as jusilyn and organza are the cheapest pieces you can find. All the fabric options are sheer; that’s why a tailor-made undershirt called Camisa de Chino designed to be worn untucked is recommended for a classic barong to achieve a more refined look. An off-the-rack undershirt creates visible gaps when worn underneath the sheer classic barong, making the barong look inexpensive. For a coat barong made with thick interlining materials, an off-the-rack cotton undershirt is recommended for better comfort.

Embroidery

This is another feature that differentiates one barong from another. The type of yarn that varies in thickness, luster, and color, the fabric fiber characteristics and the embroidery method must be considered to create an impeccable piece. Hand embroidery often uses a thicker yarn with a classic vibe. Whereas machine embroidery often uses thin and lustrous yarn with a modern vibe. A hand-embroidered barong that displays intricate workmanship is more expensive than a machine-embroidered barong. However, not all hand-embroidered barongs are impressive because the embroiderers have varying skills. Computerized machine embroidery is another commonly used method in budget barong embellishments.

Cut, Construction, and Finishing Details

Sometimes you’ll wonder why a piece costs a certain amount, and another piece with a similar material and construction style from a different supplier costs much higher or lower. Is the more expensive barong that much better? Well, it may be, but it may not be. While the price difference can be attributed to the workmanship or the presence or lack of fine details, it can also be attributed to the difference in the overall cost structures of different suppliers. We’ve seen and inspected a lot of barongs from other suppliers, and we can tell you that the cut, construction styles, and finishing details vary widely. Therefore, exercising due diligence in finding the right supplier is essential.