"Mexican Wedding Shirt"
"Shirt-jac"
"Bush Jacket"
"Camisa de Yucatan"
"Smoking Shirt"
The gentlemanly Guyabera goes by so many names, because it is so popular in so many countries in the Americas. It truly is one of the only shirts that we men in the Western Hemisphere can call our own. It is a staple of mens' fashion from Florida down to the tip of South America...and even as far away as the Philippines.
No one is sure how the Guyabera came to be, but the general consensus is that it was developed in Mexico during the 19th Century and passed over to the water to Cuba, Puerto Rico and the other Spanish colonies with the 19th century sea trade. Each island and subsequent Latino country it traveled to put its own spin on the shirt, adding or detracting from it based on the local fashion senses of the day.
What is for sure? The Guyabera is one rad, elegant piece of men's' clothing. Every fashionably conscious man should have at least one hanging in his closet. (I have three :))
Despite subtle regional differences, the Guayabera usually follows the same pattern. It is almost always made from a lightweight cotton or hemp linen, pleated on the front and back with two bands of parallel banding, embroidery or pleating. It can come with two to four pockets... or no pockets at all.
Guayaberas are exceptionally versatile. They are worn as both dress shirts for weddings and funerals, yet are just as welcome at the office on Fridays or at your neighbor's lawn party. They are never, ever tucked in!... and look best when paired with a nice pair of light colored chinos, khakis or faded levis. The lightweight linen construction makes them a go-to garment for summer, but Guyaberas are also available in heavier weaves and long sleeves for fall wear.
There is no excuse for any conscientious male with a pulse not to have one of these in his wardrobe.
"Shirt-jac"
"Bush Jacket"
"Camisa de Yucatan"
"Smoking Shirt"
The gentlemanly Guyabera goes by so many names, because it is so popular in so many countries in the Americas. It truly is one of the only shirts that we men in the Western Hemisphere can call our own. It is a staple of mens' fashion from Florida down to the tip of South America...and even as far away as the Philippines.
No one is sure how the Guyabera came to be, but the general consensus is that it was developed in Mexico during the 19th Century and passed over to the water to Cuba, Puerto Rico and the other Spanish colonies with the 19th century sea trade. Each island and subsequent Latino country it traveled to put its own spin on the shirt, adding or detracting from it based on the local fashion senses of the day.
What is for sure? The Guyabera is one rad, elegant piece of men's' clothing. Every fashionably conscious man should have at least one hanging in his closet. (I have three :))
Despite subtle regional differences, the Guayabera usually follows the same pattern. It is almost always made from a lightweight cotton or hemp linen, pleated on the front and back with two bands of parallel banding, embroidery or pleating. It can come with two to four pockets... or no pockets at all.
Guayaberas are exceptionally versatile. They are worn as both dress shirts for weddings and funerals, yet are just as welcome at the office on Fridays or at your neighbor's lawn party. They are never, ever tucked in!... and look best when paired with a nice pair of light colored chinos, khakis or faded levis. The lightweight linen construction makes them a go-to garment for summer, but Guyaberas are also available in heavier weaves and long sleeves for fall wear.
There is no excuse for any conscientious male with a pulse not to have one of these in his wardrobe.
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