The guayabera is an iconic garment in Yucatan and countries near the Caribbean, as it is used by both farm workers and high-ranking government officials; even a former Mexican president dared to use it as official clothing in public events. How does this amazing evolution happen? Learn here the history of the original guayabera.

It all begins in the year 1709 when José “Joselillo” Pérez and his wife Encarnación Núñez, who was a seamstress, arrive in a small village in Cuba called Sacti Spíritus, and end up settling near the Yayabe River, in said community.

In those days, Doña Encarnación receives a shipment of Spanish linen, so Joselillo asks her to make a fresh garment with which she can withstand the high temperatures. And it is in this way that Mrs. Encarnación Núñez made for the first time a shirt with front pockets where personal items could be stored, in addition to having the freedom to wear it outside the pants; This creation was originally called "Yayabera", because of the place where it was sewn.

As time passed, this garment became popular among the peasants of the region, who began to use it for harvesting guavas, because having four front pockets made work easier. In this way, the "Yayabera" changed its name to what we know today as "Guayabera".

The Yucatecan guayabera

Yucatan has maintained an exceptional relationship with the island of Cuba for a long time, which is why at the end of the 19th century, upper-class Yucatecans used to travel to that country to buy guayaberas and wear them at events of lineage. Realizing that the demand for guayaberas was too much in Yucatan, a group of local businessmen decided to make this garment within the state, according to data from Sefotur. And this is how this unique shirt migrates to the southeastern territory of Mexico.

It is necessary to tell you that little by little, the guayabera became very popular, not only in Yucatan, but also in Veracruz, and in both entities this garment is considered traditional.

National fame of the guayabera

In Mexico it was customary to see high-ranking politicians wearing suits, shirts and ties, however, by 1970 former President Luis Echeverría Álvarez broke schemes and protocols by being the first president of the nation to wear guayaberas in their different public events. It was an unusual event but one that further positioned the popularity of this garment among Mexican society; and thus, from being the favorite shirt of Cuban peasants, it became an informal but elegant uniform for businessmen and politicians.

Currently, the guayabera continues to revolutionize the textile industry in Yucatan and in the world, as it shows a versatility of use that few garments achieve. Wearing one of these garments is without a doubt dressing with elegance, comfort and tradition at the same time.