The Culture Behind Filipino Clothes: The Weavers Who Keep It Alive

Behind Filipino clothing culture are the weavers, many of them women, who have kept these traditions alive for generations.

T'boli dreamweavers

In South Cotabato, T'boli weavers make t'nalak from abaca. Many say the designs come to them in dreams, which is why they're called dreamweavers.

Ilocano inabel weavers

In the Ilocos region, weavers produce inabel, a sturdy cotton cloth used for blankets, clothing and home goods.

Yakan weavers

The Yakan of Basilan are known for intricate, colorful geometric weaving, some of the most complex in the country.

Cordillera weavers

Ifugao, Kalinga and Bontoc weavers create textiles whose patterns carry meaning tied to community, rank and ritual.

The challenge

Many young people move to cities for work, and handweaving pays little for the time it takes. Fair prices and real demand help keep these skills alive.

How to help

Buy directly from weavers, pay fair prices and share their work.

Wear the story

Our mission is to spark interest in this history. Shop UGAT. UGAT means roots. Know yours.

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Shop the Ugat Jersey Collection

Wear the history. Our mesh jerseys put Filipino heroes and Baybayin front and center, $72 each.

Kalayaan Jersey — Maroon mesh with a hand-drawn U honoring the heroes of Philippine independence. KALAYAAN 98 on the back. Shop now →

Pilipinas Jersey — Navy mesh with Lapu-Lapu and the warriors of Mactan, Baybayin across the shoulders and PILIPINAS 63 on the back. Shop now →

Delano Manong Jersey — Brown mesh honoring the Filipino farmworkers who started the 1965 Delano Grape Strike. Shop now →

See all jerseys in the Ugat shop.