Though the climate in Cuba is semi-tropical, the people have always dressed in Western style.
The lightweight and breathability of natural fibers like cotton and linen make them a desirable fabric choice. Cuban fashion has its roots in well-known Latin American styles like tiered ruffled skirts, exaggerated sleeves, and brightly colored, embroidered shirts and blouses. However, as the country fought for independence from the United States, Afro-Cuban influences like the African head wrap, or bandana, emerged, giving the country its own distinctive style.
In this article, we will be discussing Cuban traditional clothes and their fashion according to their functions.
History Of Cuban Traditional Dress
This island in the Caribbean is influenced by several cultures. The first inhabitants were the South American Tano and Ciboney peoples. In 1482, Christopher Columbus “discovered” Cuba, which led to Spanish colonialism in the 16th century. Indigenous populations worldwide quickly vanished. Slave laborers from Africa were imported by the Spanish to work in the fields (mainly sugar, coffee, and tobacco).
Cultures from the United States and the Soviet Union impacted Cuba after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Because of these factors, the Cuban people were able to build a multiethnic culture. The majority of today’s population is mulatto (a mixture of African and European descent), followed by white (37%), black (11%), and Asian (1%).
The many different cultures that have left their mark on Cuba are reflected in the country’s traditional clothing, which is heavily influenced by Afro-Spanish fashion. Most people wear Western clothes on a daily basis now, although others still dress traditionally during dances like salsa and rumba. The original Havana cigar is popular among both sexes, even when they’re not wearing clothes.
Traditional Dresses Of Cuba
Female Traditional Garb In Cuba
Men in Cuba traditionally wear their guayaberas as shirts, and this piece of laid-back, traditional apparel is known as the guayabera. However, when women wear them, these garments transform into guayabera dresses. These dresses include pockets, and a button-up front, are composed of light cotton or linen and can be beautifully embroidered.
They are available in a wide variety of styles and can have very simple or highly complex decorations, depending on your preference. The majority of Cubans still dress in this manner today.
For Ceremonies
Spanish dresses are another type of traditional clothes for ladies. These dresses typically have a lot of ruffles all the way down the skirt and around the cuffs of the sleeves.
Both young women celebrating their quinceanera and bridesmaids at traditional Cuban weddings often choose to wear dresses in this style. A quinceanera is a customary celebration that takes place when a girl turns 15 and is considered to have transitioned into young womanhood by society.
These dresses can be highly elaborate, and their price can be comparable to that of a bridal gown. Even though they typically wear sophisticated outfits these days, the girls still wear the traditional garb of a beautiful ball gown, which is frequently accompanied by lace gloves and a parasol.
A tiara, which represents her victory over infancy and passage to adulthood, and a wand, which represents her increasing duty and authority, are both particular symbols that the queen wears.
Festive Dress
A Bata Cubana also called a rumba dress, is a traditional piece of apparel for ladies that is worn during fiestas and other forms of celebrations. African, Spanish, and French styles have been incorporated into the design in various ways, including the colors, the ruffles, and the material. In modern-day Cuba, this attire style is commonly seen as being worn as part of a performance costume or as a costume for salsa or rumba dance.
Even though slavery was abolished in 1865, many Cubans still wear headdresses inspired by African culture with their bata Cubanas. This trend continued even after Cubans gained their independence from the United States. While Cuban males often wear white shirts, Cuban women frequently wear shirts in a variety of colors.
Male Traditional Garb In Cuba
For men in Cuba, the standard uniform consists of a guayabera shirt, pants (of any style), a neckerchief, a straw hat, and shoes. The clothes have a minimal, trendy aesthetic.
Guayabera
The guayabera shirt, also recognized as a “Havana shirt,” “Mexican wedding shirt,” or “cigar shirt,” is the most defining feature of this ensemble. Cubans insist that this garment was designed and made in Cuba, although many other South American and even some Asian countries dispute this.
Nobody knows for certain who or where the guayabera shirt was first created. In any case, it’s endearing and cozy, so even males find it appealing.
Style-wise, a guayabera shirt can be described as both sophisticated and endearing. It has the same proportions as a dress shirt and consists of a button-down shirt with two sets of closely spaced vertical pleats on the front and back and two or four pockets on the chest.
The guayabera shirt is characterized by its loose fit and short side slits. For males to feel comfortable in the humid Cuban climate, clothing is often constructed from white or light cotton or linen.
Guarachera
Another type of traditional Cuban shirt, known as a “guarachera shirt,” is reserved for folk dances. Why? Because it’s a really flashy, yet ultimately useless, design. This top is characterized by its voluminous, billowing sleeves in a rainbow of colors. To that end, a guarachera blouse is typically reserved for the stage by folk dancers.
Hats
To shield their heads from the sun’s scorching rays, Cuban men commonly don straw hats in the style of the classic cowboy hat. This item of clothing is popular among both street people and folk dancers.
Final Words
Cuban people love to wear shirts and smoke cigars. They are unique in their way of clothing. in this article, we gave you names and information that can help you be ready for your Cuban friend’s wedding. Whatever you wear always pick the right hat for you when attending any function or visiting Cuba just to look more like them.
Read More Articles:
