{Disclosure: I received the shirts as described below in order to review them. I did not otherwise receive any compensation for writing this post.}
A "guayabera," for the uninformed, is a beautiful linen shirt with two stripes of tiny pin-tucks and four large pockets. It has decorative buttons and a straight bottom as it was designed to be worn untucked. It is the iconic dress item for men in many Latin American countries. I've heard it called a "Mexican wedding shirt," however, historical evidence suggests that the guayabera shirt originated in 18th century Cuba.
HistoryMiami has a wonderful history of the guayabera that you may enjoy.
Men in Guayaberas
All my life, for as far back as I can remember, (and that's a really long time, people!) all the Cuban men I have ever known have worn guayaberas.
It is the iconically beautiful Cuban shirt worn by iconically handsome Cuban men. It is as God intended.
My Cuban Store graciously provided these gorgeous guayaberas for me to review. (Well, technically, for my guys to wear and review, but that's not important right now.)
Although the original guayaberas are white or light, today you can find them in a wonderful plethora of colors and styles. Coincidentally, the men in my family come in a plethora, too.
Brace yourself for the awesome…
My handsome men in their new guayaberas from My Cuban Store. You're speechless right now, aren't you?
*puts on her best Runway Announcer Voice*
My husband, Eric on the left is wearing a gorgeous black linen Men's Long- Sleeved Guayabera. He has already worn this to the office and gotten many compliments. Someone actually said, "Pretty fly for a white guy." (I know. 1998 called. They want the use of the word, "fly" back.)
Adam is looking handsome in the beautifully detailed Deluxe French Cuff Fitted Lavender Guayabera. The soft lavender color brings out his striking blue eyes. The guayabera style brings out his Cubanity. (<–is that a word?)
There's something magical about the guayabera. It looks fabulous on multiple body types. And it evokes an air of mystery and Caribbean charm. The guys carry themselves differently when they're wearing them. It is as if the beauty and mystique of the tropics becomes a part of them the moment they put the shirts on.
Jonathan, on the right, is rocking the Short Sleeved Navy Guayabera. He's wearing it all the time now. Seriously. All. The. Time. And he's speaking with a slight Cuban accent when he wears it. And he's started calling me "Mami."
Oh, guayabera, you've cast quite a spell around here.
Jon: (in a Cuban accent) "Papi, look at me in all my Cubanity." (<–it should be a real word.)
Eric: (to himself) "Did my son just call me Papi??"
Thank you, My Cuban Store, for your contribution to my family's Cubanity. (<–it should totally be a word.) My guys love their shirts and they look beautiful in them.
As God intended.
Haa!! Love this article..It just kept me laughing..And by the way, your men DO look handsome in their guayaberas as all men should, Mami..
Where is the guayabera give away? I have four men in my family that would love to own one (another)! BTW, I presented Cuba at my son’s international fair in school. The origins of the Guayabera in Cuba, which the website failed to specify, is that the pockets on the shirt were made to store guayabas when the farmers were picking them on the field. That’s where the name Guayabera comes from. My boys used to wear them when they were little. Now, it’s a little more difficult being teenagers. I wish they would become popular among teens. I love guayaberas! Makes men look so distinguished!