The Guayabera Shirt has been worn by Latin Americans for the last two hundred years.  For years In Miami, it has been a popular item among the older Cuban Anerican generation. Recently however, the Guayabera has reached an unprecidented popularity. It is no longer just being worn by the elderly businessman.  Men of all ages and denominations have discovered its attractiveness.  What is so attractive about this shirt, you may ask?  In simple terms, men see the Guayabera as a power garment.

Politicians and celebrities have been wearing them for years.  Besides fidel and Raul Castro other Latin American power brokers wear them consistently.  American politicians have worn them as well.  Ronald Reagan wore one when he visited Ferdinand Marcos in the Phillipines.  Jimmy Carter wore his when he visited Cuba.  And Mitt Romney wore one during his presidential campaign.   When actor Andy Garcia opened his bar in Key Biscayne it was by invitation only.  Most of the male guests, you guessed it, wore Guayabera shirts.

Now these Guayaberas weren’t the run of the mill cotton poly blends.  These shirts resembled the original shirt mentioned in the opening pages of this site.  They were custom made long sleeved shirts made from Irish linen or Eygtioan cotton with embroidered initials ranging in price at about $300.

Ramon Puig, Miami’s most famous custom Guayabera maker, says that he “can barely keep up” with the demand for his custom shirts.  His business has more than doubled in the past few years, selling more than 80 shirts a day.  René La Villa’s business, Guayaberas Etc., has also increased with the addition of two more stores.  

Men today have found the ideal power garment in the Guayabera.  Not only does it exude a sense of power in the wearer, but with its classey looks and comfort fit it can be worn for any occasion.  It can be worn in place of a business suit or with jeans.  And men will pay any price to own one.