What is Romance? It’s defined as the “feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.” A hand-held walk in a park or beach is one of the first things that comes to mind, right? What is more timeless than the outdoors? Celebrating your life-love in the most mysterious and exciting places, at the beach or under the stars, to marry in nature’s majesty is to embrace the timeless. And, what is the perfect attire for a beach wedding? A linen Guayabera, of course.
Mexican Wedding Shirt photo. (courtesy of mycubanstore.com)
Also known in Mexico as the “Wedding Shirt” this shirt is a classic, worldwide embodiment of class, comfort and style. Long sleeve or short sleeve, this traditional shirt is appropriate in a vast multitude of settings. It perfectly balances the need for formality and comfort, and people have more fun when they are both comfortable and looking-good.
Guayaberas are the Epitome of Love.
The tale of the Guayabera goes something like this:
A man worked the fields of Cuba, in the hot tropical heat. He was always drenched in sweat in the hot sun. His wife decided to make him a shirt to help him stay cool, protect him from the sun and to help him free his hands. So she created a four-pocket shirt, to carry his Guayabas (Guavas) and Cigars. It was made of linen and had reinforced hemming to strengthen the pockets and strips of thinner fabric for added breeze. The sides had button slits that could open for added mobility (and after a belly full). When other people saw his shirt, they fell in love and wanted one too.
That is how what is now known as the official garment of Cuba, was born.
Internationally Recognized for Weddings
This shirt is now the quintessential outdoor or indoor wedding shirt, internationally recognized. With a vast array of notable features, there is a Guayabera for any occasion. From the classic traditional styles to the simpler modern styles, these shirts are unique. Not only in traditional appearance, they are available in vast styles that vary in details: the number and thickness of vertical hem pleats, inner lined cuffs, pocket numbers, sleeve lengths, button accents and side-slit adjustment. With a jacket or without, it is the only formal (and casual) shirt that is recognized as “the wedding shirt”.
The Fabric
Linen is considered one of the world’s most expensive fabrics due to the fact it comes from the flax plant, needing nurturing, complex spinning and only available through Mediterranean import. Now, available in a multitude of thicknesses, and price points, it is still one of the oldest textiles in the world. Linen is also one of the most durable fabrics. It breathes and has the very rare quality of being stronger when it’s wet. It will keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when you are cold, making it one of the most desirable fabrics to touch the skin. Unlike any other fabric, if taken care of it will remain like new for a lifetime, a sturdy, practical luxury.
So when you decide to say. “I do”, consider tying that knot in a timeless fabric. One that known for its strength and ensure that moment will last right down to the fibers of your clothes, in the world’s only “wedding shirt”, the Guayabera. Accentuate and thread that feeling of excitement and mystery into your special day. Whether you are planning on one Guayabera, matching groomsmen attire or the entire guest list in certain colors and styles, you’ll be in loving threads.
—Liane Ojito is a blogger and guayabera-shirt expert at mycubanstore.com, a Miami company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of “wedding shirts” and linen outfits.
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