Cuba makes guayabera shirt its official garment

[Judi Lynn]

Cuba makes guayabera shirt its official garment
By WILL WEISSERT
The Associated Press
Wednesday, October 6, 2010; 4:00 PM

HAVANA -- When Fidel Castro suddenly decided to shed his trademark olive green military fatigues and don street clothes in public for the first time in 35 years, a white guayabera shirt over blue slacks is what he put on.

A resolution from the Foreign Relations Ministry published into law Wednesday makes the guayabera Cuba's official formal dress garment and mandates that government officials wear them at state functions. That's welcome news in a country known for its steamy summer weather.

The law confirms the decades-old reputation of the cool, roomy cotton or linen shirts - with four large pockets and pleats down the front, traditionally worn untucked - as the island's most quintessential fashion choice.

"The guayabera has been a part of the history of our country for a long time and constitutes one of the most authentic and legitimate expressions of Cubanism," the resolution said.

According to the law, male officials are to wear white, long-sleeved guayaberas at state events; women can vary color and style.

Nearly all Cuban officials already shun suits and sport jackets in the tropical heat, so the law isn't likely to change much.

More:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/06/AR2010100604733.html

That's a relief!

http://i.ytimg.com.nyud.net:8090/vi/OukLUt1c_ls/0.jpg

Desi Arnaz, babalu.

[bherrera]

1. They should sign with Hermegildo

Or some famous designer, this way all of us can forget that stupid suit and tie. It's so old.