- Native, traditional Mexican clothing uses fibers from cotton, bark and agave. Europeans introduced wool and silk, which also became common materials. The bright colors were made with natural components from native plants until the Europeans introduced aniline dyes.
- Aztec and Mayan men wore "tilma," a type of cloak, "maxtlatl," a breech cloth worn under the tilma, and sandals. After the Europeans arrived, traditional Mexican apparel for men included trousers and shirts, as well as a native "sarape," or blanket-cape, and Mexican boots.
- Aztec and Mayan women wore an ankle skirt and "huipil," a sleeveless tunic with woven designs indicating a woman's village and marital status. After European influence arrived, women's clothing remained essentially the same. Traditional dress also includes "quechquemitl" (a closed shoulder cape), "rebozo" (a shawl) and sandals.
- Men and women both wear sombreros.sombrero image by apeschi from Fotolia.com
The sombrero dates back to the 15th century. Styles vary by region but usually include a pointed top and large rim to provide shade.
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