History of Clothing in Guatemala

In R. Turner Wilcox’s “Folk and Festival Costume of the World” he provided the following information about the clothing in Guatemala: 

” Practically every piece of cloth worn even today by men, women and children, is hand-woven on home looms of simple sticks. The resulting fabric is therefore of a narrow width permitting no cutting, thus prohibiting change of style in dress. Patterns are worked out in conventional designs and coloring which are very gay. Both color and design are unique to the native towns, to change would be violating good taste. The ancient arts of weaving and dyeing survive even in remote village.”

In Robert Harrold and Phyllida Legg’s “Folk Costumes of the World” they provide the additional information:

” Living in the highlands and many villages around Lake Atitlan, the Indians wear their costumes as part of everyday life and not just for fiestas or special ocasions. They have a love of colour and pattern and each village has its own specially woven design…” The article goes on to say that cotton and wool are the fabrics most often used. One of the most popular dyes is red and blues, purples, pinks, green and orange are also found in the cloth. “The women’s costume are based on long, ankle-length skirts which are woven or embroidered in stripes and various patterns. Green and purple wool is used in embroidery and the designs show stylised birds, people, stripes or rhythmic geometrical designs which come from ancient Mayan culture. The skirt are narrow and sometimes have gathered sections.

A type of loose blouse called huipil, which has various styles, colours and patterns, is worn. Sashes with woven designs are tied round the waist and a long scarf,  or rebozo, is draped over one shoulder, Turbans are worn with most costumes and these range from a simple band to very elaborate styles…

The men’s costumes are equally colorful, the trousers are usually calf-length, loose fitting and made in a variety of colors ranging from plain white to striped patterns in red, pinks, blues, black and white. Multi-colored, long-sleeves, striped shirts are tucked into the trousers and a sash is worn. In some villages the men wear jackets embroidered in bright colored wools. Sashes and trousers are embroidered or woven with animals or quetzal bird designs, or in pink or stripes…”