Mexican Fashion

A long time ago, I had the opportunity to travel abroad. It was a marvelous experience in which I had the chance to get to know people from various cultures and had many great experiences. I had friends from all over the world and had so much fun.

When thinking about what to pack for the trip, I wondered what would be comfortable since I would be very active and what would fit the weather. I have many different fashion items in my closet, but my favorite ones are my usual traditional Mexican clothes. So why not take them.

During the trip, I was asked by a fellow Mexican friend, why I was wearing clothes like a “Mexican”. I was dumbfounded by this question because I perceived my traditional shirts as only shirts that are pretty.

Since I am used to it, why not? It has been a part of me for a long time now.

The usual is to know them by that (my friend’s description) since you can go to a tourist spot in Mexico and buy them, but really, you can purchase them anywhere. I have so many so that is why I just got used to them as my casual wardrobe. In total honesty, I forgot that perception.

I then thought about the question of my friend. That day I was wearing a “Mexican” shirt and it was kind of funny that he, instead of all the foreigners present, would ask me that. Maybe it seemed weird to him?

I have noticed that in Mexico, this type of clothing is more common on vacations or in Independence. But why? They are sooo cute! They are handmade, local and you can support your own fellow Mexicans. I can’t figure out why more people don’t use them.

I guess it has something to do with the sensationalization of the “gringo” and the European. We don’t know how to value our own stuff. I could go longer with more examples but this would do, for now, right?

Even the fashion giants consider this “Mexican style” very beautiful and use the patterns in their designs. I have many times entered a big fast fashion shop and came up with a so-called Mexican pattern at an expensive price.

And the marketers know that if you have two similar designs, but one is cheaper, some may go to the latter. In my opinion, instead of buying those Mexican patterns in giant franchises, why not go to your local artisan market or center; I bet you can find some cool stuff.

So for me, my clothing is just normal, day-to-day stuff. But for others, it’s considered “Mexican”. I would like to think that others would view them like me, but yes; because of the influence of other countries and even capitalism, things have changed. It’s the normal way of internalization.

I know that foreigners love our stuff, but why not ourselves. We have so much to offer in our country and for the rest of the world. I love to see foreigners wearing “Mexican Style” clothing.

We can be a little like them, appreciate our own “style” and of others. But I have to admit that it did feel kind of weird to be asked: Why are you dressed like a Mexican? Doesn’t everything I wear is considered Mexican since I am a Mexican? I’m exaggerating a little bit but I wanted to share my perspective.

Now we have only talked about traditional or similar shirts, but for others, the Mexican style could be of a Chola.

So what about you? What do you consider to be Mexican Fashion?