The heat of summer, as the whole country is already experiencing, puts elegance in a bind, especially for the masculine style that, for the moment, does not allow chiffon dresses or sandals. Thus, the smartest thing to do is look for basic wardrobe pieces that are an ally against the heat and that serve both to go to the office and to go out on a Saturday night. The guayabera shirt, of Cuban origin and with design references such as the Dominican Hipólito Ramón Peña Rodriguez, has all these characteristics. Ricardo Fraguas, general manager of Mirto, reveals to Status all the keys to this historic garment.
When did Mirto start making these types of shirts?
Mirto has been making guayaberas since the 1970s. Due to our large presence in Latin American countries, where these shirts are very popular. More recently, in the last decade we updated them, when we saw that the demand was rejuvenated and expanded. Then the guayamisa also emerged, our fusion of shirt and guayabera.
Are they mainly sold in the summer? Why is this garment very comfortable for this time of year?
Yes, mainly in summer due to the straighter cut that allows the garment to be loose, due to the lightness of its fabrics, mainly linen or cotton voile, due to the usefulness of its pockets.
Where are you from?
The story tells that it originated in Cuba in the 18th century, where the climate is hot and hence the need for a fresh and loose garment. The pockets were created to carry the guava fruit (hence its name), tobacco or different objects. Naturally becoming the representative garment of Caribbean clothing. His fame is such that today in different countries the day of the guayabera is celebrated.
In Spain could it be used in gala events?
In Spain, due to our traditions and etiquette codes, the guayabera is not used in gala events, as is done in Latin American countries, where it is used for social events. Although since everything is changing, on elegant nights in Spain, you can already see well-dressed people in guayaberas. Do not forget that the guayabera is an evolution of the jacket towards the shirt, with more pockets. The idea is that it will be used as a super light jacket, hence the fact that it is also considered a garment that covers that dress code.
What was the star era of the guayabera? Currently, would you say that it is back in fashion?
In the 80s and 90s, although in the last ten years we have seen a boom in its informal use or in summer looks.
How is the man who today buys a guayabera?
The guayabera is a garment for all ages. Today there are many trend seekers who dare to wear them, and also, many young people and adults who in this globalized world travel to different destinations and events where they can wear guayaberas. The key is the style, more than the garment itself: how it is combined with other garments, the mixture, the incorporation of new colors beyond white, different versions with long or short sleeves… Even women are taking over that style , applied to versions of shirt dresses with a guayabera base.
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