3 Traditional Filipino Costumes you can DIY in 3 Easy Steps

Need a quick costume for a school event? If budget and time is a problem, no need to look further. You may already have what you need in your closet — a little bit of DIY magic can do the trick!

Igorot Costume

You will need:

How to do it:
1. Lay the button-down polo flat on a surface. Make curved pencil outlines to mark the area where you want to cut: along the collar, sleeves, and around ¾ length of the shirt.

2. Carefully cut the polo using the outline as guide. You should now have a vest and lots of remaining fabric to make the bahag.

3. Make use of the sleeves to make the bahag and the remaining fabric can be used as the waistband for this costume. Stitch it together with needle and thread.

TIP: Glue feathers on another strip of fabric to make an instant headdress!

Muslim Princess Costume (with existing red kimono)

You will need:

How to do it:
1. Embellish your table runner with ribbons and rick-rack. Secure it in place with hot glue.

2. Stitch the embellished table runner diagonally on the blouse to complete your quick sarong!

3. Use a printed fabric as a wrap-around skirt.

Kimona Dress

You will need:

How to do it:
1. Prepare around 30in x 40in fabric in half. Fold it in half.

2. Draw a U-shape on the folded fabric to make it look like a Kimona.

3. Cut the canvas fabric using the outline as your guide. Embellish it with lace and ribbon.

Accessories

Embellished Salakot

You will need:

How to do it:
1. Cut around 5-7 pieces of leaves from felt cloth.

2. Attach the leaves unto the ribbon with hot glue.

3. Position the dried leaves and flowers on the salakot. When you’re happy with the arrangement, use hot glue to stick it in place.

 

Muslim Princess Crown

You will need:

How to do it:
1. Arrange the necklaces around the cap and fix it in place with hot glue.

2. Make accents at the center of the crown by adding statement brooches or loose earrings in the middle.

 

Embellished Umbrella

You will need:

How to do it:
1. Decorate the outline of the umbrella with lace and use hot glue to attach it securely.

2. Next, hot glue a doily on the center of the umbrella. You may need to make a hole in the middle of the doily to place it neatly on the umbrella.

 

Embellished Abaniko

You will need:

How to do it:
1. Outline the abanikowith lace and stick it in place with hot glue.

2. Make a ribbon with fabric scrap or lace and attach it near the handle of the abaniko.