WOMEN - Modern Filipiniana Tops and Barong Tagalog

Here are barong tagalog for women, Filipiniana tops (blouses, kimonas, barongs), shawls (alampays or pañuelos), or boleros (crop jackets with butterfly sleeves) that can be worn over any outfit for an instant Filipiniana look. In this collection, you will see women's tops you can mix and match with dresses, pants, or skirts you already have in your closet.

Please note: Our Filipiniana are authentically made in the Philippines and Filipino sizes are usually one size smaller than most Western sizes. Please order one size up than your usual western size.

What are Barong Tagalog for Women?

In the Tagalog language, "Baro" means "shirt" and "ng" means of. Barongs are more known to be worn by men, but they are made for women too. The difference is that barong tagalog for women have darts and are tailored more for a women's shape versus the loose cut of the typical barong tagalog. They also sometimes have larger or more ornate buttons and other details, depending on the design of that particular barong. 

What does Filipiniana mean? 

“Filipiniana” is an umbrella term for any piece of clothing or combination of clothing worn traditionally by Filipino women or Filipinas, and is considered to be Philippines' traditional dress. Alampay, Baro't Saya, Butterfly Sleeves, Tapis, Terno, and Traje de Mestiza are common terms of Filipiniana clothing.

An “Alampay” is also known as the "pañuelo", this is a triangle-shaped shawl that has embroidered, lace-like, beaded, sequined, and/or cutworked details depending on the design. It is worn over the shoulder, usually over a kimona or other form-fitting garment. This often makes any outfit look like "Maria Clara". Maria Clara was the female protagonist of Jose Rizal's Noli Me Tángere. She embodies the classical virtuous  personality of Filipinas.

“Butterfly sleeves” are the distinct flared and standing sleeves of Filipiniana tops, boleros, sets, or gowns. They are perfectly rounded with stiff lining and an ornate shell often decorated with embroidery, beading, sequins, cutwork, lace, or other designs. The sleeve height is usually 3” or longer. They are very difficult to sew and are different from any other types of sleeves in the world. The mestiza boleros with the butterfly sleeves can be easily worn over any outfit to give an instant Filipiniana look.

"Kimona" is the Filipiniana top that usually has bell sleeves. The modern silhouette is more tapered compared to its more billowy traditional counterpart. It is often embroidered, painted, and/or beaded. Its cut can be loose or tailored, and it can come with butterfly sleeves (see above) or bell sleeves (as pictured). Some modern kimonas made out of Organza come with an undershirt (as pictured), while others have a Polyester lining.