When it comes to “what to wear” I am sort of in the middle of a metamorphosis. Up until a few months ago, I wore shorts almost everywhere I went (not to formal occasions, of course!). I am beginning to change on that, though. Let’s have a look at my thinking on this subject before and now.
For most of the years that I lived here, I wore shorts, as I said. I tried to have decent looking shorts, not cut offs and such that were basically rags. A decent pair of shorts and a nice shirt were pretty standard clothing for me. If you saw me at the mall, grocery store, coffee shop or wherever, you would almost always see me wearing shorts. I still wear shorts if I am making a quick trip to the convenience store, or for wearing around the house. But, if I am going out, I usually wear long pants. Nothing fancy, just a decent pair of jeans, and a nice shirt.
Of course, when I used to wear shorts, that meant I’d wear sandals. Now, I find myself wearing usually a nice pair of tennis shoes, or even a more dressy shoe. My new look is a little more formal, and probably a little more accepted in Philippine society, I’d say. That said, I will also say that Philippine society is getting less formal when it comes to clothing, though. It used to be that wearing shorts out in public was a big “no-no,” but now it is pretty acceptable. Back in 1990 when I first came here to visit, you simply did not wear shorts out in public! These days, I would say that 25% of the people that I see at the mall are wearing shorts – Filipino or Foreigner.
If you are going to a formal event, or even a semi-formal event, I have relented, and I strongly suggest that you wear a Barong. I prefer a Polo Barong – short sleeves, because while it shows respect for Filipino custom, it is also more comfortable for me, and fits my style. I find it a perfect trade off between style and function. If you’ve been reading this blog, you know that I only bought my first Barong recently for a wedding. I liked it so much, and found it so comfortable that I’ve worn it to several meetings and such since then.
Now, you may be asking yourself – “if Bob says that it is becoming acceptable to wear shorts and dress casually, why is he moving in the other direction and ditching his shorts for most occasions?” Tune in tomorrow morning! My post tomorrow morning will answer that question.
I typically have always worn shorts when I visited. However, my retired Navy friend that lives in Angeles City year round wears long pants more often than shorts so I have packed a pair of slacks and jeans in addition to my shorts. As you have pointed out in other posts, there are places where long pants are required plus there are some nice restaurants where I think slacks would be far more appropriate.
Hi Gary – Yeah, I think it is indeed a good idea to have a pair of slacks on your trip. Maybe a pair of blue jeans too, for day trips to the mall or whatever. Shorts are OK for most things. Check back tomorrow, and then you'll understand why I rarely wear shorts in public anymore.
Dont forget the mosquito repellant with the shorts.
Hi Bobby – That's a good tip for some. Personally, I've never had a problem with mosquitos here. I always had a problem with bites in the States, but not here.
Well, I should probably wait to see what you say tomorrow, but this is an issue i feel pretty strongly about. Yesterday, coming on the plane from Manila, there was a foreign man dressed in a faded red tank (singlet) shirt, black shorts, a yellow fanny pack, black socks and blue rubber sandals. He was in his late 50's, had long scraggly, unkemp hair and needed a shave. He was a fish out of water, and I felt a little sorry for him, but I also felt embarrassed. Very few Filipino men over the age of 30 will wear shorts in public unless they are going to the tennis court. As with the way people address one another, there is also a dress code of sorts thatrequires people to dress a certain way if they want to be respected and taken seriously. 'Dressing up' is also a way we foreigners show our respect for people and events, as well as the culture. I think it is important for us to look around and see what the locals are wearing and follow suit! 🙂
Hi AmericanLola – You are right, although I do believe that the "dress code" in Philippine society is changing. I know that it is much different now than it was 20 years ago. I suspect that you already have an idea of what I am going to be saying tomorrow, but we'll see! 😉
Hi American Lola,
I agree with you 100%! When in the Philippines, my husband and I tend to dress up more conservatively. Of course his main complaint is it's too hot to be wearing slacks. Well, we had to compromise. If we're going to the mall, he wears shorts. But if we're going out to dinner or get invited out to someone's home, slacks is the rule – no jeans! The other thing I do is ask my brothers if it's okay for my husband to wear shorts and a tank top. They're usually more forgiving to foreigners, they usually say it's okay. Personally, I think although they don't say it, Filipinos would appreciate it if they see a foreigner dressed up as well as they. It sort of shows mutual respect. There is an unwritten dress code in the Philippines and it depends on the social circle that you're in. If you want to be accepted, dress the part. Just an honest suggestion. 😉
Good Day All:
I'm gonna end up being a fish out of water. I hate long pants. I live in northern NH a cooler climate and I am usually the first person to wear shorts in the spring and the last one to take them off in the fall. Because I am a business man I keep my appearance clean and neat. {My wife would not let me live any other way.} I work outside all year and just detest the pull of long pants as I climb a mountain or when have clients in my boat. Being well past 40 I succumb to the philosophy that life begins at 40. I am comfortable with who and what I am do not care what other people think. A trait that I might add that drives my wife absolutely nuts. Formal affairs are another matter entirely. Oh well I guess I'll just be a social out cast in a second country also.
Hi Tina – Yeah, I agree with what you are saying.
Hi Wayne – I am like you, I don’t care what other people think. But, for me, I got to the point where I thought it wasn’t right, and I do care what I think, after all! 🙂 So, I have made some changes in my wardrobe, and you’ll understand more after my post this morning, in just a few minutes.
One thing to remember is there is differt kinds of shorts… short shorts regular length shorts and cargo shorts. Im my experience cargo shorts or ones that fall below the knee are accepted in public. Regular shorts are ok or ones that fall to the knee but my be frowed upon. Short shorts or ones that go above the knee are definately laughed at except as housewear.
Hi Louis – True enough. I think that longer shorts are "more" accepted, but long pants are still the most widely accepted. Now, those short shorts, I kind of like them – depending on who's wearing them, though! 😉
Shorts and sandals everyday. switch to jeans and shoes when dressing up. that's it!
Hi Macky – Yeah, but you are a man of your own. The Macky I know doesn't easily fit into a mold, or follow what is "supposed" to be. Am I right on that?
ok Bob, when I say short shorts I'm referring to some gentlemen I have seen in the mall wearing them with a tank top… ugh it's the mall not the beach. Now I tell youas far as footwear goes 90% of the time I am in Islander Chinellas. Must be the most comfortable flip-flops I ever owned and they are made in Cebu so you're supporting Philippine business by buying them.
Lets see now. "Knee length shorts" are not shorts at all,,,, they are "longs" made popular by Michael Jordan. (I'm a Larry Bird shorts kind of guy). "Cargo shorts" are not shorts they are "really longs". The only thing that is a short is a mid thigh length short and if other people laugh that is their problem and not mine. My wife says I have sexy legs anyway. I'm in business and have a uniform that I designed which includes my shorts, and I just do not care if some one does not like it. 😛
Hi Louis – Going around in shorts and tsinellas is common for Filipinos for wearing around the house, in the neighborhood (or should I say barangay), etc. But, when going out to the mall, out for coffee, to eat, etc., it would not be the norm, though. Speaking of Islander tsinellas, what size shoe do you wear? Did you have a hard time finding Islanders in your size? I can never seem to find them in my size!
Hi Wayne – You have shorts and the types of shorts down to a science, my man! I often tease my kids if they are wearing cargo type shorts – I'll ask them if they are wearing "long shorts, or short longs." They never quite understand what I am asking! Ha ha..
Hi Bob,
haha. I'd like to think so. I do have friends who just wear shorts a lot. but I may be an extreme case too. maybe my not having to clock in to a 9-5 job may be a reason for my casual attire. But long pants in the heat are torture to me now.
Hi Macky – A few years ago, I also considered long pants torturously hot. I've become accustomed to the warm weather, though, and while I still find shorts more comfortable in the heat, the long pants don't bother me nearly as much as before.
My wife says I can wear what I like in the Philippines as long as I wear designer shoes with it …..her shoe collection would embarass Emelda Marcos lol.
Hi Another Bob – Well…. not sure if your comment was serious or meant as a joke. Depends on where you are going, but in a lot of places you need to dress up a bit.
hi phil here i got a Barong as soon as i got in cagayan de oro i was told i need to dress proper when we go to visit some of the relitives ..i like to wear blue jeans , flip flops and t shirts … hee hee but i did wear a pair of lounge pants i had brought to wear around the houes we went too the market in gingoog city market they were blue with yellow 1/4 moons on them ,,now that was a sight..and everybody complemented my wife that i look so hansome .. 😀 I think they were being polite to me …?
Hi Phil – Wow, those sound like nice pants! 😆 I don't think they were just being nice, you just fit in with the local style, and they like that!
I have 4 types of attire, Around the house and to the market/mall I
wear cargo shorts and a T shirt. For visits to the bank, Dr etc its
long pants and a T shirt. For visits to govt offices, upscale eateries, etc is slacks and a shirt with a collar. At the beach house I wear old hospital
operating room scrubs, they are loose fitting and light weight so they are comfortable yet protect me from the sun.
Rick
Hi Rick Austin – Sounds like you are all set for any activity that may arise!
Coming from someone who lives in the frozen north, I take a two pronged approach. If you live in the city you would probably have to dress more conservatively. However if you live in a rural area or on the beach, I don't see it as a necessity (unless you are going to the bank, dr.,etc.). Granted it's unlikely I'll ever have the opportunity to live in the Philippines (my wife does not do well in hot and humid weather), but if I did (most likely in a rural area or on the beach-my primary choice) here would be my attire: gym shorts and tank top (or no shirt at all if too hot for one) . As for footwear, flip flops, or more preferably, no footwear at all (i.e. go barefoot). Especially in the rainy season and the roads (if unpaved) are all muddy. After all, you live in the tropics, take advantage of it.
Since I last posted this 8 1/2 years ago, my wife lost her battle with cancer 4 1/2 years ago. I can now say with great certainty I will be retiring to the PH in 15 years (when I turn 67 and can collect full social security benefits-providing it’s still there), when I can finally leave the frozen north. However I’m still sticking with my original wardrobe of shorts, tank tops (or no shirt at all if too hot) and flip flops (or totally barefoot in the rainy season).