SALE: Hablon from Iloilo—hand-woven colorful textile

Hand-woven textiles have increased significantly in the past few years. In this case, Miag-ao, Iloilo, where hablon originated from in the 18th century, has become the spotlight in the international fashion arena.

Indigenous fabrics, such as the hablon, is currently gaining popularity in the fashion industry because of the high demand for hand-woven fabrics. Famed designers in the Philippines, including Rajo Laurel, are now regular customers of this colorful, hand-woven textile.

Traditionally, hablon is made of locally-made fibers such as piña, abaca, and cotton. But eventually, polyester and other fibers were added to strengthen the fabric and for cost-cutting.

“Hablon” originated from the word habol, which means “hand-weaving” in Hilgaynon, Ilonggo. The municipalities of Miagao and Oton in the province of Iloilo still remain to be the largest hablon/weaving communities that manufacture and sell export-quality products made from this colorful hand-woven textile.

For a while, hablon-making had died. But presently, this centuries-old industry was revived in Iloilo with the support of the local government as well as private companies.

Hablon is typically used to make traditional patadyong skirts, Barong Tagalog, saya, and bandana. This famous textile is also normally used to make bags, slippers, table runners, picture frames, and plenty of other household and novelty items.