Just like Hawaiian aloha shirts and Okinawan kariyushi shirts, the “Cuban shirt” is considered formal wear in Cuba and Mexico. Characterized by a unique look that combines a tropical, refreshing vibe with a neat and polished appearance, it is gaining attention as a popular choice for summer shirts.In this article, we’ll focus on the Cuban shirt, covering everything from its features to our recommended styles.
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A shirt born as workwear in the Caribbean and now worn as formal wear”
The Cuban shirt, also known as the “Guayabera,” originated in the 18th to 19th centuries as workwear for farmers in the Caribbean. Today, it is worn in business and formal settings throughout the Caribbean, led by Cuba.It was also introduced to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico by people who migrated from Cuba, and is now widely popular not only in the Caribbean but also throughout Central and South America, particularly in Mexico.
Photo: AP/Afro Carlos Masa wears a guayabera shirt as he plays his trumpet for tips from pedestrians in Havana, Cuba, Sunday, May 26, 2024. The guayabera was created in the 18th century for farm workers and over time has become formal wear and a symbol of Cuba. (AP Photo/Ariel Ley)
Once considered formal wear, the Cuban shirt is now being released as a fashion item by many brands.With its slightly boxy silhouette, it looks sharp even without tucking in the hem, making it a perfect match for casual outfits paired with wide-leg pants or shorts. Conversely, when paired with smart slacks and leather sandals, it instantly transforms into a sophisticated resort look.
Characteristics of the Cuban ShirtThree Key Features: Workwear-Inspired Details, Ornamentation, and Fabric Selection!
The Cuban shirt is characterized by workwear-inspired details, ornamentation, and fabric selection. Let’s delve deeper into these features.
Feature 1 of the Cuban Shirt: “Workwear-inspired details”Originating from Mexican guava farmers!? The four front pockets
The most distinctive feature of the Cuban shirt is its four pockets, which exude a workwear vibe.While there are various theories about their origin and the exact details remain unclear, it is said that when the shirt first emerged in the Caribbean, the standard design featured two chest pockets. However, when it spread to Mexico, guava farmers modified the design to four pockets to carry more guavas, and this style became established.
Feature 2 of the Cuban Shirt: “Decorations”Decorative elements such as unique pleat designs, embroidery, and buttons on each authentic piece
Decorative elements such as vertical pleats, embroidery, and buttons scattered throughout are also representative features of the Cuban shirt.In authentic Cuban shirts, these pleats and embroidery vary from piece to piece.
Use of materials like linen and cotton, which offer excellent breathability and quick-drying properties”” subtitle”Feature 3 of the Cuban Shirt: “Materials””
Originally created as workwear, the Cuban shirt now also serves as “formal wear for beating the heat.”That is why natural fibers like linen and cotton, which offer excellent breathability and quick-drying properties, are frequently used in authentic designs. Recently, with fashion-forward wear in mind, wrinkle-resistant linen-polyester blends and styles with a strong resort vibe that highlight the sheen of rayon blends have also emerged.This has expanded the range of options available to suit different occasions and personal preferences.
8 Recommended Cuban Shirts
Cuban shirts possess the functional beauty derived from workwear, yet they also offer the clean, polished look required for formal wear, striking a perfect balance between formal and casual.Here, we’ll introduce everything from pieces that strongly inherit the traditional Cuban shirt design to modern styles reimagined to blend seamlessly into urban life.
”Recommended Cuban Shirt #1”
Selected from CUBAVERA, a classic Cuban shirt brand, this piece is an authentic garment packed with classic Cuban shirt design elements. The fabric is a cotton-polyester poplin blend (35% cotton, 65% polyester).The comfort of cotton combined with the lightness of polyester makes this shirt perfect for summer casual wear.
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”Recommended Cuban Shirt #2”Drake's ‘Khaki Cotton-Linen Crepe Cuban Shirt’”
Drake’s presents a Cuban shirt reinterpreted with a British sensibility.While featuring traditional elements such as an open collar, four pockets, and vertical pleats, the overall mood is refined. Made from Japanese cotton-linen crepe fabric, the material composition is 90% cotton and 10% linen. The lightweight, textured finish adds depth to the khaki hue.Also worth noting is the use of mother-of-pearl buttons, which add a touch of dressiness to this workwear-inspired shirt.
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Top 3 Cuban ShirtsATTACHMENT “Cotton/Tencel Jacquard Long-Sleeve Cuban Shirt S/S””
This piece from ATTACHMENT features an original dobby weave pattern using cotton for the warp and Tencel for the weft.The pre-washed finish gives it a natural look, allowing you to effortlessly create a polished, effortless vibe.
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4 Recommended Cuba ShirtsHOUSTON “CUBA SHIRT”
This piece, selected from HOUSTON, strikes a perfect balance between the practicality typical of a military brand and the decorative flair of a Cuba shirt.Tucks are placed at the center of the front and back panels, preserving a classic vibe. The fabric is a 80% polyester, 20% cotton TC poplin. While lightweight, it’s durable, making it easy to wear casually throughout the summer.
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”5 Recommended Cuban Shirts”
MOJITO’s “MARY’S SHIRTS 2.0” features a unique asymmetrical design with fine embroidery arranged in vertical lines across the front panel, and pockets positioned diagonally on the left chest and right hem.The model name is derived from Mary Welsh Hemingway, the fourth wife of author Ernest Hemingway. The fabric is a blend of 70% polyester and 30% wool, giving it a moderate amount of body.
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”6 Recommended Cuban Shirts”
This piece from BURLAP OUTFITTER is based on the traditional Cuban shirt design, featuring four front pockets and back tucks, but is crafted from 100% nylon. Another key feature is that the collar is designed just like a standard shirt.In addition to the pink version featured in this article, it is also available in off-white and black, so be sure to check those out as well.
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”7 Recommended Cuban Shirts”
This mesh Cuban shirt, a special order by BEAMS for UNIVERSAL OVERALL, features seersucker fabric with mesh panels. It replaces the decorative elements typically found on Cuban shirts—which are usually embroidered—with sheer details.A “U” embroidery is placed on the right back hem, and the brand logo is kept in the same color as the body, creating a minimalist finish. It’s also interesting how you can control the overall impression by choosing the color of your inner layer.
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