Travis Gumbs: I am a huge fan of clothing that play a big role within different cultures. About a year ago I saw Gabe Garcia of The Brooklyn Circus wearing a really nice vintage guayabera. Not long after, I walked into Prohibit and saw that they had their own guayaberas for sale. A summer later and the guayabera is one of my favorites for staying stylish in this NY heat.
The guayabera holds quite an interesting background. Though its exact origin has not been factually pinpointed, it is understood to have derived from either Cuba or Mexico. The name has been said to originate in Cuba from the wife of a countryman who created a lightweight linen version of the shirt so that her husband can use the large pockets to comfortably carry guava from the fields.
Growing up, I frequently saw guayaberas during the summer, they were worn by older men of a Hispanic or Caribbean background. Until now, I never paid much attention to how detailed and convenient this shirt is. Having those two bottom pockets is really helpful. I stuff just about everything in them: keys, change, phone, you name it. Also, when the pockets are slightly protruding, it compliments the fit and shape of the shirt.
Prohibit NYC is a real cool Mens store located in the Lower East side. They do some impressive pieces, all crafted in Japan. They actually have a nice blue, sea island cotton guayabera that I plan on picking up in the very near future. Check them out HERE
Location: This post was shot at Habana Outpost in Brooklyn. Many of you brooklynites may know the spot well. It is an eatery that serves traditional Mexican and Cuban cuisines; very befitting for the subject at hand.







posted on August 6 , 2011 :
i’ve not heard of them, i haven’t come across this style over here but anything with 4 pockets is a winner
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
Love the post!
Great to see a hispanic heritage in the mix you guys are culture icons!
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
Great Post. Those shoes are sick. SE is really one of my biggest style influences [and I’m a heterosexual woman]. AHA [ So, no, i don’t just come here to look at how hot you guys are/ scroll through your pics/ look at your interesting hairstyles LOL] But in all seriousness, You and Josh are really an inspiration to anyone seeking to break the mold/ any lover of art/ every person of color. Thank- you. And keep propelling… never get complacent.
PS always a good read. Oh yeah, I love how you guys do 2 post a month [or so] really leaves me hanging on the edge of my seat. But thanks for giving me my weekly fix with your Tumblr. LOL
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
Elderly Hispanic men wear these all the time in Texas.
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
The Opening Ceremony shoes that Travis is wearing in these are so ridiculously fresh. http://bit.ly/q6hGv2 (via @StreetEtiquette)
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
My Spanish teacher in HS (he who possessed no Latin ancestry, whatsoever) made sure he sported a guayabera 8 days week.
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
Fascinating, never heard of these shirts before so it’s an eye-opener for me. And they do indeed seem very practical! And Trav those shoes are amazing, never seen a material quite like that before!
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
like blue shoes. cool summer style!! Summer Etiquette: The Guayabera http://t.co/Tu47i6r
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
i LOVE guayaberas on men….there is a teeny tiny store on fordham ave in the bronx that sells awesome ones.
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
Interesting, I have never even heard of that type of shirt let alone noticed shirts like it. Great outfits from both of you.
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
@pemora, I have to check this out..
posted on August 6 , 2011 :
@B.Town, I’ll be doing the same since I’m in the area any word on the official addy – just curious as to where the store is?
JK
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
@Kb – this is true! lol
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
Dang do you guys look good.
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
Sick fit Trav. And I didn’t know anything about this type of shirt before. Thanks for keeping me updated. lol
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
Great post, I love how diverse you go, culturally in these posts..
Http://thelivestyle.com
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
Really love the colorful photos! That’s a bit of a different touch for you guys, I like it. And of course the fits are on point as well! Great job.
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
This is why I love men’s fashion. RT @StreetEtiquette The Guayabera – featuring Gabe of the @thebkcircus – http://t.co/jyUCrBI
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
Nostalgia: Grew up seeing these but never worn quite so stylishly RT @StreetEtiquette Summer Etiquette : The Guayabera- http://bit.ly/p1N4YX
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
I wish I could enroll in a men’s fashion course w/the guys @StreetEtiquette. This latest post: http://t.co/fWchvbL #magnificent
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
Great post. I remember guayaberas being in vogue about ten years ago. Truly classic and functional menswear.
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
I love learning about the historical origins of the clothing you wear. Your attention to detail on your outfits is impeccable!
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
Wicked fit Trav
posted on August 7 , 2011 :
goood stuff Trav…You just reminded me that I have Dior one I scooped up at the beginning of the summer that I need to pull out!
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
Diggin it. minus the embroidery (it’s not bad) just not my style.
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
@Lew, awww such touching words. It makes me happy that you are able to take away interest and influence even-though you are female. That is what it is all about!
and dont worry we will be sure to forever push forward
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
The Guayabera, is definately next on my list of must haves. So casual yet so smart!
http://popewearsprada.blogspot.com/
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
Love the details!
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
IMPELABLE En el verano, Pecuecos: La Guayabera http://awe.sm/5QcBT
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
Summer Etiquette: The Guayabera http://zite.to/opV0dT
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
Gear to beat the heat…courtesy of Street Etiquette Summer Etiquette: The Guayabera http://t.co/v2UCmHv
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
Yes, these shirts are simple but very stylish. My dad owns far too many but he always looks fly.
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
I love them! They have a great cut and shape to them. Very fashion forward! You guys look fly.
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
The guayabera actuallywas a product of the Galleon Trade interaction with the Philippines. It vaguely resembles our barong, made with pineapple leaf fiber.
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
GABE the GREAT repping his Cuban/Mexican roots with Travis on @StreetEtiquette latest post>> http://t.co/2tZWUPR
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
Got hep to these shirts bout 10-15 yrs ago, while looking through a Source Magazine and it had some photos of some OLD latin cats rockin ‘em. I own three of em, white, blue and cream. alwasy wondered what the history really was of the shirts. Can you also elaborate on the Buttons on the bottom sides?
posted on August 8 , 2011 :
I have had Guayaberas off and on and they are really quite comfortable! I got my first one from Haband.com several year ago. Extremely light and very comfortable in warm weather. a great style and great shirt!
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
[...] -It’s tough to differentiate yourself in the sweltering city heat. Meet the lightweight and versatile guayabera. [Street Etiquette] [...]
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
[...] -It’s tough to differentiate yourself in the sweltering city heat. Meet the lightweight and versatile guayabera. [Street Etiquette] [...]
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
The denim is amazing!
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
The guayabera actually was a arte fact of the Galleon Trade alternation with the Philippines. It vaguely resembles our barong, fabricated with pineapple blade fiber.
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
Sorry, but I don’t see the appeal. Those looks just seem sloppy. The distressed look has to go.
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
my boy Gabe from @TheBKcircusSF lookin fly. http://t.co/oDhcqD7
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
Love your site – such great inspiration! I actually went to a wedding in Puerto Rico a few summers back and the groomsmen were all wearing the guayabera shirts. That was my first encounter with them and they’ve always caught my eye since. You just know the guys that wear them know what’s good.
http://smartaesthetic.blogspot.com/
posted on August 9 , 2011 :
awesome post fellas!
posted on August 11 , 2011 :
Guayaberas stylized… Fellas take notice. http://fb.me/FpylA6jb
posted on August 11 , 2011 :
something about a dude in a freshly pressed guayabera (cc: @katiajim @StephRoque @paolallaneza) #dalepapi http://t.co/cerjn9h
posted on August 12 , 2011 :
Wow what a great post with the Guayabera.
It really takes me back when I was living in Panama and the Guayabera just to be my uncle’s uniform of choice.
Normally in the Panamanians workforce, Guayabera’s are the dress code for many years now, especially in the government entity.
posted on August 12 , 2011 :
Love a man in a guayabera, and Travis, you are absolutely gorgeous. Nice swag fellas.
posted on August 13 , 2011 :
Absolutely love your blog, I have been following for a while and each post is breath taking. This is completely off subject but I’m literally sitting here going through my new Ebony Mag I just got in the mail, the September 2011 edition. Congrats guys, I must say I noticed the wonderful wardrobe before your faces and when I did it was like the icing on the cake. Keep up the great work, as black men you are truly inspiring.
posted on August 15 , 2011 :
Welcome to Havana >> http://t.co/2tZWUPR
posted on August 16 , 2011 :
Leave it to @StreetEtiquette to make my girl’s grandfather suddenly fashionable #schwaza: http://t.co/w2rbzSU
posted on August 17 , 2011 :
Did you know the “saharian” shirt. My father used to wear it in the hot summer of suthern Spain and northen spanish cities in Africa. It´s similar to the guayabera, I think the main diferences are the fabric and the color. It can also has a belt of the same fabric incorporated.
Here you have an example:
http://lafillevintageshop.com/es/158-sahariana-lee.html
posted on August 18 , 2011 :
@ProhibitNYC Guayabera Shirt, Picked up on Street Etiquette http://t.co/fbLIuFa
posted on August 18 , 2011 :
NO! Just…. no…
You might think these boys look nice, but this is not the proper way to rep the guayavera. This is the fashion equivalent of eating tostones with ketchup. It’s wrong and tacky.
posted on August 18 , 2011 :
@Fluxxxu8 RT @SHIN_NISHIGAKI: @ProhibitNYC Guayabera Shirt, Picked up on Street Etiquette http://t.co/1S0eHMW
posted on August 19 , 2011 :
Great photos! Do they make these shirts for women?
posted on August 21 , 2011 :
The shirt is nice but those OC shoes… wow. I bought the M9 from Opening Ceremony for a friend’s wedding and they are nice as well but not nearly as eye-catching as those you’re wearing.
posted on August 22 , 2011 :
Praise God for giving the world artists of color!
Honestly I am still waiting for The Sartorialist to post an image in their “Vintage” series where
the subject isn’t white.
posted on August 23 , 2011 :
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your magnificent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!
posted on August 24 , 2011 :
Check these guayabera shirts: http://www.mycubanstore.com/men/men-guayaberas
posted on August 25 , 2011 :
…floral prints, I love post and the jeans.. but the floral prints did it for me.
posted on September 9 , 2011 :
Love the Opening Ceremony shoes! Being that I wear a 5 in boys, I don’t think I will ever be able to find a decent loafer, buck, etc. in my size
posted on October 24 , 2011 :
WOW.
i am utterly speechless..i recently read about the blog in Elle South Africa, and i am blown away.
as a South African woman, i am so disheartened by men in Supras and Nike. it is gorgeous to see black men, dressing like MEN.
*hats off*
posted on September 5 , 2012 :
Travis, are those Save Khaki chinos taken in?
Just because I bought a pair only moments ago, and should be expecting them in a few days, and was wondering how they go for size.