Mexican traditional costume 'Huipil'

▶ Mexican traditional costume 'Huipil' 

The traditional costume of Mexico, ‘Huipil', was influenced by the ancient Mexican civilization, so the color was brown or dark red. Behind the occupation of Spain, costumes made by silk were developed by the impact of the European. People were a hat, named Sombrero to prevent the sun and when it is rainy or cold, they wear 'Pancho'. I think pattern of 'Huipil' is gorgeous and beautiful.

  Huipil is the most common traditional garment worn by indigenous women from central Mexico. It is a loose-fitting tunic, generally made from two or three rectangular pieces of fabric which are then joined together with stitching, ribbons or fabric strips, which an opening for the head and if the sides are sewn, opening for the arms. Traditional huipils, especially ceremonial ones, are usually made with fabric woven on a backstrap loom and are heavily decorated with designs woven into the fabric, embroidery, ribbons, lace and more. However, some huipils are also made from commercial fabric. Lengths of the huipil can vary from a short blouse-like garment or long enough to reach the floor. The style of traditional huipils generally indicates the ethnicity and community of the wearer as each have their own methods of creating the fabric and decorations. Ceremonial huipils are the most elaborate and are reserved for weddings, burials, women of high rank and even to dress the statues of saints.

 Variations 

  Traditional huipils generally identify the indigenous group and the community of the wearer as each has their own designs for both weaving and embroidering.

  Except for very long huipils, they are generally worn with other items of clothing such as a skirt or slip. Most huipils hang loose but some can be tied at the waist or can be tucked into a skirt like a blouse.

Mexican Embroidered huipil blouse

  Women commonly have an everyday huipil and those worn only on special occasions such as weddings.   Decorative elements are often arranged in horizontal bands but those with vertical orientation are found as well. In a number of indigenous communities, extravagant huipils made for a woman’s wedding is then carefully put away and stored to be used later for her funeral. In others, a special huipil is begun when a woman reaches a certain age for this purpose. Ceremonial huipils are also made to dress images of saints. During festivals, these saints can be dressed in many layers of huipils, giving them a fattened appearance.

－source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huipil