The barong Tagalog, also known simply as barong, is a simple long-sleeve formal shirt for males that originated in rural areas in the Philippines. Barong Tagalog blends elements from both the classical indigenous Filipino and pre-colonial European clothing styles. It has become a staple of Filipino life and most Filipinos today own at least one piece of barong Tagalog in their wardrobe. Barong Tagalog can be traced back to the early nineteenth century when the then Foreign Legionaries of Spain brought with them their version of barong.