Traditional Mexican Clothes and Costumes

Recently, I visited Mexico, a beautiful country which has a number of popular tourist destinations. It is the 11th largest economy in the world, in terms of population. But, the thing I found most fascinating about Mexico, is its culture, which is a fusion of its pre-Hispanic past and the Spanish colonial period. The country is known for its cultural ethnicity, sumptuous cuisine and unique traditional clothing. Mexican garments can be separated into three major categories: traditional costumes, modern clothes, and celebration dresses. Nowadays though, most Mexicans influenced by modern North American culture prefer contemporary clothing; but have maintained the use of traditional Mexican clothes and costumes on occasion.

Traditional Mexican Costumes

A wonderful blend of Native American and European styles, traditional Mexican clothes and costumes are distinct and attractive. There is also evidence of a strong influence of Mayan and Spanish culture in them. Traditional Mexican clothing is available in many attractive varieties. Major items of traditional Mexican clothes and costumes are quechquémitl, huipiles, puebla dress, rebozo, sombrero and folklore dresses.

These costumes are made from a variety of fibers, including cotton, agave, wool, silk and bark. Cotton, agave and bark were specifically used by the pre-Hispanic civilizations. Later on, the Spanish introduced silk and wool. Native Mexicans usually prefer earth colors such as dark red or brown. However, they also like vivid green or bright yellow in their clothes. In the past, Mexicans dyed clothes with natural components present in local plants. With the discovery of aniline dyes in Europe, the Mexicans adopted their dyeing technique.

Traditional Mexican Clothes for Women

Mexican clothes are known for their use of bright colors and intricate craftsmanship. Traditional women's clothing include huipile, rebozo, skirt and quechquémitl. Let's take a look at the clothes and costumes that you'll find on a Mexican woman.

Huipile is the most common form of women's traditional attire. It can be described as a sleeveless tunic, made from cotton or wool. Huipile is made in distinctive designs, which convey the wearer's marital status, the personal beliefs, or the community she belongs to. This garment has a religious significance as well.

Quechquémitl is another traditional clothing item in Mexico. It looks like a stylish poncho and is worn for parties or special occasions. It is made from hand-woven cloth and is beautifully embroidered with graphic designs and floral prints.

Rebozo is a type of shawl or scarf, typically made from wool, cotton or silk. It is a popular item of women's attire used in indigenous and non-indigenous communities. It is a multi-functional garment, also used to carry market goods, fruits and even babies. Different colors of stripes are woven into the Robozo to represent the different communities in Mexico.

Skirts in Mexico are identified by different names like chincuete, enredo, posahuanco, enagua and refajo, depending on the area of origin. Some women prefer to wear ankle-length skirts, while others favor knee-length ones. The skirts are generally made from wool and cotton. Nowadays, silk and lace are also used to make skirts.

A Blouse is an integral part of the wardrobe of a Mexican woman. Some Mexican women prefer to wear a blouse rather than a huipile. Blouses are heavily embroidered using beautiful lace, beads, and colorful patterns. They are available in a wide variety, in terms of length, width and elaboration.

Traditional Mexican Clothes for Men

Mexican men's traditional clothing reflects the influence of European culture. Most Mexican men prefer to dress in shirts and trousers. Sarape is the only native addition to the men's wardrobe. It is a vibrantly colored garment with a fringe. It represents a combination of Mayan culture and the Mexican poncho. It is typically made in the Mexican state of Coahuila.

In tropical regions of Mexico, many men prefer a light, comfortable button-up shirt called Guayabera. It is the perfect attire for casual or formal occasions. These shirts are available in a variety of colors and styles and are decorated with beautiful embroidery.

Accessories for Traditional Mexican Costumes

Most Mexicans like to use elaborate accessories with garments. The choice of accessories is distinct to every region. Women like to wear ribbons like a necklace around the neck, bracelets, and beaded rings. Other Mexicans like to use unusual material like fish-bones or seashells in their accessories. These kinds of ornaments are believed to act as amulets or medallions to ward off evil.

Men in the northern states of Mexico, like Chihuahua, use cowboy hats and boots. Most Mexicans use straw and palm hats to cope with the extreme heat. Sombreros are popular Mexican round hats, made from straw, felt or other material.

Traditional Mexican clothes and costumes are really very attractive and appealing. Mexicans consider them the mirror of their culture, social status and ethnic group. When I was in Mexico, I couldn't stop myself from purchasing a magnificent rebozo and intriguingly crafted skirts. Now, I feel my wardrobe is 'complete'. You go ahead and complete your wardrobe too!