July 28, 2011

History of the Guayabera

The guayabera shirt is a happy odd mix of pockets, buttons, tucks and embroidery, yet its look is perennially hip. And its origin is a mystery! Guayaberas have a long history in the Caribbean and South America. So one story goes, the novel design was custom-made for a wealthy Cuban rancher in the 1700s and imported from Spain. Others claim the Philippines or Mexico was its birthplace, and because all three countries have Spanish influence, Spain is likely the guayabera's grandfather. The exotic-sounding name may have come from the Yayabo River nearby that fabled rancher, though it's commonly accepted that "guaya" comes from "guayaba" or "guava", the name of a tart indigenous fruit.



Guayaberas are unbeatable when it comes to comfort in summer, usually in all-cotton or blends that remain light and cool in humid weather. The originals were long-sleeved. Short sleeves are classic nowadays, with a usual design having buttons at each of a four-pocket front and an uncommonly detailed amount of drawn work or embroidery. The special detailing makes these shirts particularly popular for ceremony; guayaberas are also known as Mexican wedding shirts.

Regardless of its true origin, the guayabera's unique style has remained a favorite. Fidel Castro has appeared in guayaberas (instead of his usual military costume) at events to appear as one with the common man. Today government officials of both Cuba and Miami sport guayaberas as part of their tropic uniforms. And popular culture has been inspired by the guayabera as Urban Outfitters and Perry Ellis recently have marketed the Latino design to another generation of comfort-loving, fashion-conscious admirers.


Bibliography:

http://www.worldly.com/about.html

http://lanic.utexas.edu/la/cb/cuba/castro/1994/19940619

http://havanajournal.com/culture_comments/P405_0_3_0/

7 comments:

  1. I am very happy to be here because this is a very good site that provides lots of information about the topics covered in depth. Im glad to see that people are actually writing about this issue in such a smart way, showing us all different sides to it. Please keep it up. I cant wait to read whats next.
    best office furniture for sale in west palm beach

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really very impressive post. Thanks for sharing. I simply couldn't leave your site just my reading this blog. I am really impressed with the content and way of writing. Keep sharing more.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Amazing, Your blogs are really good and informative. I got a lots of useful information in your blogs. It is very great and useful to all. Hadir dalam prosesi pelantikan yang digelar di Simpang Lima Semarang itu adalah Partai pengusung dan pendukung pemenangan pasangan calon terpilih pada Pilkada serentak tersebut. Tidak terkecuali dari Kabupaten Blora sex crime lawyer. Keeps sharing more useful blogs,,..

    ReplyDelete
  4. bankruptcy lawyers near my location
    The article explores the history and cultural significance of the Guayabera, tracing its origins back to Cuba. It highlights the garment's versatility, its cultural influences, and its enduring appeal across different regions. The article also provides insights into the craftsmanship and production techniques involved in making Guayaberas. It conveys the pride and cultural pride associated with wearing the garment, and highlights its global impact and popularity as a timeless fashion statement.

    ReplyDelete