The Filipina and the guayabera are normally confused with each other, since their similarities are several, however, they have 3 essential characteristics that stand out, making each of the garments have a unique personality. Meet them.

Pockets: This is the main difference between both shirts, because the pockets play an important role in each of them.

• Guayabera: Historically it has 4 front pockets, since at first they were used to store guavas by peasants who worked the fields. Over time, this detail was not modified and became a characteristic of the shirt.

• Filipina: This shirt is usually simpler in terms of accessories, compared to the guayabera, which is why it only has a small pocket on the front, where the wearer usually keeps pens or small handkerchiefs .

Neck: It is the second important difference between both garments, however, it goes unnoticed, although it is not difficult to recognize them.

• Guayabera: It is a type of Italian collar with reinforced fabric to maintain its firmness, since it is not worn with a tie, but rather it shines on its own.

• Filipina: As for the Filipina's collar, it should be a Mao style, which is a more casual shape than the Italian style. The Mao collar belongs to the oriental culture and was used in the military uniforms of China.

Alforzado: Finally, the guayabera and the Filipina are distinguished by the front decorations that accompany each garment.

• Guayabera: For the guayabera it is important to have pleats that have 12 vertical folds, both on the right and left sides of the front, as it is the classic decoration that distinguishes this shirt.
  
  

• Filipina: Although nowadays pleats are also attached to the front, the reality is that the Filipina is simpler and usually has a completely plain design, only adorned by the small pocket that characterizes it. Another embellishment option for this garment is to omit the vertical pleats and instead open tiny holes in the same position, however, they are not part of the classic style of this shirt either.

This way you can differentiate a guayabera from a Filipino one. Both tend to share characteristics such as the type of fabric, the typical colors or the comfort and freshness they provide, however, the decision of which one will look better on you is yours.

Check out all our models in our Guayaberas section.