Only jusi and piña fabric are acceptable for formal barongs. Silk organza, rather than abaca or banana fiber, is the chosen material for Jusi. Jusi, which is woven mechanically, is more robust and long-lasting. For ultra-formal barongs, Pina is the only name you need to know. Pina fabric which is made from pineapple leaves, is lighter, softer and more shiny than jusi. The piña barong's embroidery is more stunning to look at than the rest of the garment.
Always opt for a custom-fitted barong. A ready-to-wear (RTW) version is the final option of the desperate. Men's bodies are eclectic bunch, and it would be an exceedingly long shot for you to think that you may a acquire a barong tagalog that fits perfectly properly. Always check at the fit at the shoulders and the cuffs; they should be exactly tight. Any change, however little, will be evident and unsightly.
When selecting on the kind of material, have the male (never mind the godfathers, at their age, they're free to wear what they want)wear jusi, and leave the piña version for the groom. This not only saves money, but makes distinction for the groom. Since it's his day, it's only appropriate - he deserves a space above the others. (After that, he'll have to learn to defer to the wife the remainder of his married life.)
When picking the sort of needlework for your barong, try to restrict yourself from selecting extremely complicated designs. Apart from the customary notion that everything in excess is harmful, the fragile piña barong might be shredded prior to the wedding owing to the undulations of the worried wearer. Too much embroidery might speed up half-life of this fragile apparel.
Put on the barong just at the final minute, before getting married. Seatbelts, automated doors, and beverages may inevitably transform the delicate barong to a mess, so wrapping it and setting it on a hanger in the vehicle on the way to the church makes sense