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Woven with Purpose

Authentic heritage textiles. Designed by Alona, handwoven by the indigenous communities of Apayao & Ilocos.

Your purchase directly supports artisan wages and the Bukas Palad NGO.

The Story

Designed by Alona, Woven by Community

Welcome to Apayao Threads — where heritage meets modern fashion. Founded by Peter and designed by Alona, our brand is rooted in a shared mission: Peter's Flemish upbringing instilled a lifelong passion for textile craftsmanship, combined with deep respect for the extraordinary weaving traditions of Northern Luzon and the Cordilleras. Apayao Threads was created to bring these traditions to the world. We partner directly with Isneg and Tingguian master weavers, offering fair-trade rates well above standard markets — ensuring every piece you wear supports the artisans who made it and helps preserve centuries of indigenous craft.

Peter Designing

Witness the weaving process

The Apayao Difference

Apayao’s weaving culture is a hidden gem – rare, raw, and deeply cultural. Unlike more commercialized regions, Apayao offers textiles woven using traditional backstrap techniques, featuring distinct geometric patterns and natural dyes.

Detailed Apayao Weaving

Curated Collection

Handcrafted items available for international shipping.

Bestseller Binakul Dress

Binakul Pattern Dress

Elegant dress featuring the optical 'Binakul' pattern used for spiritual protection. High-grade cotton.

₱ 7,500
Family Bundle

Family Heritage Bundle

Includes 1 Men's Shirt, 1 Dress, and 1 Child's garment. Perfect for family photos.

Measurement Guide

Ensure the perfect fit. Measure directly on your body.

Chest Measurement Guide

Chest

Measure horizontally around the fullest part of your chest, keeping tape comfortably loose.

Waist Measurement Guide

Waist

Measure around your natural waistline, typically the narrowest point above your hips.

Hips Measurement Guide

Hips

Stand with feet together and measure around the fullest circumference of your hips.

Inseam Measurement Guide

Inseam

Measure from the top interior of your thigh down along the inner leg to the ankle bone.

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Connect Deeper

Explore the stories behind the weaves.

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Unlock the weaver's story and pattern meaning. Coming soon to all shipped items.

Oral History

Watch: The Art of Inabel

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International Shipping

We ship worldwide! Allow 7-21 business days. Costs calculated at checkout.

Returns

Accepted for defects within 7 days. Custom orders final.

The Legacy of Inabel

Inabel, meaning "woven" in Ilocano, represents a rich weaving tradition from Northern Luzon, Philippines. Crafted on traditional wooden looms, this handwoven textile carries techniques passed down through generations. The patterns themselves are narratives, reflecting the history and beliefs of the Ilocano and Apayao people.

The process is intricate, starting with preparing cotton—picking, cleaning, pounding, twisting into yarn, and winding onto skeiners. After brushing for durability, the yarn is spooled and warped onto the loom. Heddling follows, where each thread is carefully passed through the heddles and reed before the weaving ('agabel') can begin.

Common patterns like 'binakul', a dizzying design, are believed to protect the wearer by warding off evil spirits. Others include 'pinilian' (brocade) and 'suk-suk'. While Ilocos weaving is more known, Apayao offers a uniquely raw and less commercialized expression of this art, featuring distinct backstrap methods and symbolic tribal motifs using natural dyes. Our collection primarily highlights these rare Apayao textiles, alongside select Ilocos pieces.

By choosing Apayao Threads, you embrace exceptional quality, unique designs found nowhere else, and support the artisans keeping this vital heritage alive.

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