Traditional Mexican Clothes and Costumes

Recently, I visited Mexico, a beautiful country having a number of popular tourist destinations. The country is the 11th largest economy in the world, in terms of population. But, the most fascinating thing I found about Mexico, is its culture. Mexican culture is a fusion of its pre-Hispanic past and the Spanish colonial period. The country is known for its cultural ethnicity, sumptuous cuisines and unique traditional clothing.

When talking about Mexican clothes and costumes, Mexican garments can be separated in three major categories: traditional Mexican costumes, modern clothes, and celebration dresses and costumes. Nowadays, though most Mexicans influenced by modern North American culture prefer contemporary clothing; they have maintained the use of traditional Mexican clothes and costumes.

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 culture and the Spanish colonizers. Traditional Mexican clothing are available in many attractive varieties. Major types of traditional Mexican clothes and costumes are quechquémitl, huipiles, puebla dress, rebozo, sombrero and folklore dress.

Traditional Mexican costumes are manufactured 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-like colors such as dark red or brown. However, they also like vivid green or bright yellow colors. In the past, Mexicans used to dye the 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

Mexcian 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 of Mexican women.

Huipile is the most common form of women's traditional attire. It can be described as a sleeveless tunic. It is 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.

Quechquémitl is a traditional clothing gear in Mexico. It looks like a stylish poncho and is used for decorative purpose at parties or special occasions. It is made from a hand-woven cloth and 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 women's attire used in indigenous and non-indigenous communities. It is a multifunctional garment, also used to carry market goods, fruits and even babies. Certain colors of stripes and wool shades 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 skirts to ankle length, while others favor a knee length. The skirts are made from wool and cotton. Nowadays, silk and lace are also used.

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 Mexican poncho. It is typically manufactured in the Mexican state of Coahuila.

In tropical regions of Mexico, many men prefer the light, comfortable button-up shirt called Guayabera. It is a perfect attire for casual or formal occasions. These shirts are available in a variety of colors and styles and 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 wear unusual materials like fish-bones or seashells. These kinds of ornaments are believed to be act as amulets or medallions to ward off the evil eye.

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

Traditional Mexican clothes and costumes are really very attractive and appealing. Mexicans consider them to be 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'.