Traditional Filipino Wear, Modernized: How Designers Are Reinventing It
Updated: 3 days ago
Traditional Filipino wear is having a moment. Designers in the Philippines and the diaspora are finding new ways to bring it into everyday life.
The barong reimagined
Cropped barongs, barong jackets, barong-print mesh tees and jerseys bring the embroidery and sheer look into streetwear.
Terno sleeves everywhere
Butterfly sleeves now appear on blazers, cocktail dresses and casual tops.
Woven textiles in new forms
Inabel, t'nalak and other handwoven cloths are being used in bags, jackets and home goods, ideally through partnerships with weaving communities.
Baybayin as design
Baybayin script has become a signature element on hoodies, tees and accessories.
Why now?
A new generation wants to wear their culture in daily life, not only at weddings and cultural nights. Social media helps designers reach the diaspora directly.
Wear the story
This is the space UGAT has worked in for years. Shop the 2026 Collection. UGAT means roots. Know yours.
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.
Comments