Indigenous Filipino Clothing: T'boli, Ifugao, Kalinga, Maranao and Yakan

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Indigenous Filipino clothing is some of the most beautiful and meaningful dress in the world. Here's an introduction to five traditions.

T'boli (South Cotabato)

Known for t'nalak, abaca cloth tie-dyed before weaving, plus brass belts, beadwork and bright embroidered blouses.

Men wear the bahag and women the tapis, woven in reds, blacks and whites with patterns tied to status and ritual.

Known for bold red, black and yellow woven textiles and for batok, traditional tattooing.

The malong, especially the royal langkit-banded malong, along with okir designs and the sarimanok motif.

Intricate, colorful geometric weaving, and fitted woven trousers for both men and women.

These are living traditions. Buy from the communities, learn the names, and avoid wearing sacred or ceremonial pieces as costumes.

Learn more through our blog and designs. Shop UGAT. UGAT means roots. Know yours.