| Viva La Guayabera! |
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| By Stephanie Nolasco |
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The sun is steaming, concrete streets are sizzling and fire pumps on every block are bursting with ice cold water--summer has officially made its grand entrance. With rising temperatures comes the need to show off a brand new wardrobe that will keep you looking and feeling cool. The first must have? The traditional guayabera, a lightweight woven shirt that has two delicate rows of fine pleats or alforzas along with wide pockets that come in rows of either two or four. Some may refer to it as your typical "Mexican wedding shirt," but the guayabera's true identity is shrouded in mystery. Guayaberas: A Shirt of Many Myths  One may say that the guayabera first came into fashion over 200 years ago in Cuba, while other historical texts claim its original birthplace is the Philippines. Some even believe that the guayabera was first used by farmers in Cuba who had them tailored to hold numerous items including ripe guavas or guayabas that they would pick and feast upon. According to Cuban legend the shirt was named after these farmers who would grow the fruit, pick them and place them in their pockets for an afternoon snack. The guayabera's true origins may never be known, but it will always be in demand as most Latin American countries sport a version of the button-down shirt. The Guayabera Revolution While the guayabera is often associated with abuelos smoking cigars and playing dominos,  the beloved garment has been popularized over the years by men looking for a crisp, tailored look. Literary giant Ernest Hemingway, Cuban rapper Pitbull and even several U.S. presidents have all been photographed wearing their take on this Latin classic. Irela Bagué, a contributor to the Florida-based lifestyle guide GablesHomepage.com, notes in her blog that guayaberas are the perfect heat-proof shirt for any event. "The garment was first made for farmers and workers who needed comfortable and cool work shirts," she wrote. "Fast forward to 2011 and you can find all types and designs of guayaberas for just about any occasion from casual to formal." Rocking the Guayabera Every Latino owns at least one guayabera--and if you don't what are you waiting for? But how does one wear this shirt today without looking like you just raided your father's closet? The key is fusing it with your own personal style. "A guayabera shirt can easily be paired with matching linen pants, lightweight khakis or jeans," says New York City-based celebrity stylist Colin T. McDonald who has worked for Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren and the Obama White House. "Throw on some sandals and a fedora. You'll then be ready for that special summer occasion." Whether you're opting for a suave retro theme or a casual look the guayabera should always keep you feeling refreshed. Beating the Heat The guayabera is perfect for the sizzling months, but there are other ways you can embrace this Latin style and kick humidity to the curb. For starters, avoid overheating by choosing light, earthy tones over darker colors, which absorb heat. More importantly, always check what materials your guayabera is made of. "Make sure that it's from natural fibers, not polyester," advises Wilson Davalos, Editor-in-Chief at Enterase.com, a men's online shopping website. "They are meant to cool you off in the sweltering Caribbean heat." While silk can feel soft to the touch, it doesn't always breathe well. A pure linen shirt is always the most fashionable choice, but budget conscious shoppers may be turned off by dry cleaning, a requirement for maintaining this particular fabric. Consider choosing a cotton blend, which is less expensive and requires minimal ironing. Quick Facts: * July 1st is recognized as "Dia De La Guayabera" in Cuba. Where to Shop www.GuayaberaShirt.com www.Kohls.com www.Macys.com www.OldNavy.com |
