Mexican Clothing 101

I am dedicating this entry to something I should have done at the inception of Local Threads: I am going to describe traditional Mexican clothing.

Traditional Mexican clothing incorporated indigenous elements with European influences. Materials like cotton, wool, agave, and bark were typically used to make garments, and later the Spaniards introduced the natives to silk.

Mexicans originally used color from natural elements to dye fabrics until the Europeans introduced them to their dying techniques, which utilized aniline dyes.


Below are some of the traditional Mexican garments worn:

Quechquemitl: This garment is reminiscent of our modern-day poncho. It is produced using two pieces of rectangular handwoven cloth, which is sewn together on each side. A hole is made at the top of the two attached pieces of fabric so it can be slipped over the head.


Huipil (Wee-peel): This might be considered similar to our modern-day "muu muu". It is a long, woven sack-like tunic. This garment is made using strips of fabric (length and width vary) that are then stitched together on the sides and often adorned with decorative embroidery.


Rebozo: This is a rectangular piece of fabric worn as a scarf or shawl. Sometimes it was used to carry goods to and from the market. Today the rebozo is still worn, and can often be seen on new mothers as an alternative way to carry their babies.


Puebla Dress: This is a short-sleeved, loose-fitting dress that is garlanded with intricate embellishments and embroidering. It later took on the name "boho dress" and is still seen today in designer collections that channel 70s chic with a Spanish flair (see left from Joie collection).



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Arte Huaxyacac is a company in Oaxaca, Mexico that still sells traditional garments as well as contemporary ones. Here is a quick film showcasing some of its handcrafted designs.