The Guayabera: A Stylish Summer Shirt for Men

by Joseph Jenovese on June 03, 2023

The guayabera, also known as the Cuban shirt, is a summer shirt that has gained popularity across various regions around the world. Our Y.A.Bera collection exceeds the "summer stereotypes", but that's for another day to explain. With its unique design and comfortable fabric options, the guayabera has become a go-to choice for those seeking style and comfort in hot and humid weather.

The distinguishing feature of the guayabera is the two vertical rows of closely sewn pleats running down the front and back of the shirt. These pleats, known as "alforzas", give the guayabera its distinctive look. We believe the true claim to authentic and luxury guayaberas lies with the pleats. The shirt typically also has either two or four pockets, detailed with aligned "alforzas" and sometimes embroidery. "The Presidencial," a Yucatán variation of the guayabera, is crafted without pockets, lending it an elegant and versatile appearance. They can be found with both long and short sleeves, although the short-sleeved version is more common.


One of the key aspects of the guayabera's design is its versatility. Some shirts feature slits on the sides with buttons, allowing for easy adjustments and added style. The straight hem at the bottom is meant to be worn untucked, giving it a relaxed and casual feel. The shirt is often made of linen, silk, or cotton, which are breathable fabrics suitable for warm climates. Most of our collection is made in an exclusive blend fabric called "Lux Linen" made of 50% Linen and 50% Cotton.

While the traditional colors of guayaberas are white and pastels, today they are available in a wide range of solid colors and fabrics. We started our collection with deep merlots, rich navy blues, and bright turquoises. Today we offer Gingham fabrics in stunning colors, color combinations you can customize, and vibrant colors you won't find anywhere else. In Mexico, the shirt is often intricately embroidered, adding a touch of elegance to its design. Our embroidered designs is curated artwork from talented artist from around the world. Our designs have deep meaning and stories of love, pride, and passion. The embroidery complements the "alforzas" and can be seen on the front of the shirt.

The guayabera has a rich history with different regions claiming its origin. Some sources attribute its design to the Philippines, where a similar shirt called the barong Tagalog is worn. Others argue (including us) that it originated in Cuba, with stories of a countryside seamstress adding large patch pockets to her husband's shirts to carry guavas. Regardless of its origin, the guayabera has become a beloved garment in many countries, including the United States, Mexico, Spain, Canada, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico.