Cultural influences in children's clothing (mexican culture)

When it comes to children's clothing, culture plays a big role in shaping styles and choices. In Mexico, this influence is colorful and rich with history. From traditional garments to modern twists, Mexican culture shines through in kids' fashion. Let's explore how it impacts children's clothing, bringing history, tradition, and fun into every outfit.

Overview of global cultural influences

Around the world, children's clothing is often a reflection of cultural heritage, societal values, and regional traditions. In many cultures, children’s attire is designed to impart a sense of identity and community. 

In Japan, children wear kimonos during special occasions like Shichi-Go-San. This event, whose name translates to “seven, five, three”, is a day of prayer for the healthy growth of children, during which they visit a Shinto shrine with their parents to show appreciation for their steady growth. While most girls wear kimonos for their Shichi-go-san visit, boys typically dress in haori jackets and hakama pants. However, in recent years, more children have started wearing Western-style dresses and suits for the occasion. 

In Africa, traditional clothing for children varies widely across regions but often includes colorful fabrics and distinctive patterns. In West Africa, children (and adults) might wear garments made from Kente cloth, a fabric known for its colorful and geometric designs. Each pattern and color in Kente cloth hides specific meanings, stories, and symbols. For example, the zig-zag pattern represents the idea that life is not a smooth journey and may have many obstacles. The color yellow is associated with royalty, wealth, and beauty, while blue symbolizes peace, harmony, and love. 

In Latin America, indigenous influences are prominent in children’s clothing. In Guatemala, for example, traditional clothing varies significantly across regions and holds deep cultural significance. Originally shaped by Spanish colonial policies for identification, the traje típico has evolved into a symbol of Indigenous pride. Despite historical challenges, including the Guatemalan Civil War, (1960-1996), where the traje was used to target Indigenous communities, today, Indigenous Maya proudly wear their traje. They pass down weaving techniques and cultural traditions to younger generations, ensuring their heritage remains alive and celebrated. 

Importance of culture in children fashion

Culture is important in children's fashion because it helps kids feel connected to their roots. Traditional clothes are not just beautiful—they tell stories! They teach kids about where they come from, their ancestors, and their traditions, which ultimately makes them feel proud of who they are. 

The impact of Mexican culture on children's clothing

Mexican culture has a profound influence on children’s clothing, characterized by a blend of historical significance, traditional fabrics, and designs that reflect the country’s rich artistic heritage. 

Historical roots of Mexican fashion

The roots of Mexican fashion are deeply embedded in the traditions of indigenous cultures such as the Aztecs and Mayans. These civilizations had distinct clothing styles that varied by region and reflected their rich cultural identities. Traditional garments like the huipil have endured through centuries and remain popular today. 

With the Spanish colonization in the 16th century came new fabrics, techniques, and designs, which merged with indigenous styles. This blending of influences created the diverse tapestry of Mexican fashion we see today. 

Traditional fabrics and designs

If there’s one thing recognizable about Mexican fashion, it’s definitely its fabrics and colorful designs. Cotton and wool are commonly used, often dyed in bright, natural colors that symbolize elements of Mexican life and culture. Intricate embroidery is a hallmark of Mexican textiles, with patterns ranging from floral motifs to geometric shapes, each carrying symbolic meaning tied to the region or community where it originated. 

Oaxaca, for instance, stands out for its textiles crafted by the Zapotec and Mixtec indigenous communities. These include woolen rugs, colorful garments, and intricate tapestries dyed with natural elements like lime and insects. 

In Michoacán and the State of Mexico, the Mazahua communities are celebrated for their finely crafted textiles, characterized by complex geometric designs woven on backstrap looms.

In Chiapas, Tzotzil and Tzeltal communities are known for their creations of skirts, rebozos and huipiles, rectangular blouses adorned with designs that carry cultural and symbolic meaning, traditionally worn by indigenous women across Mexico.

Key elements of Mexican children's clothing

Colors and patterns

The colors and patterns in Mexican clothing are an expression of cultural pride and tradition, passed down through generations until they find their place in children’s wardrobes! Rooted in the symbolism of Aztec and Mayan civilizations, these colors reflect the natural beauty of Mexico’s landscapes and hide deep meanings, which vary within tribes.

In Aztec culture, colors were primarily assigned to the cardinal directions: red usually symbolized the East and the rising sun, while blue represented the South and the sun god, Huitzilopochtli. Green signified the West and themes of fertility and the afterlife, and black denoted the North and the night. 

Meanwhile, among the Maya, red embodied concepts of life and the sun, green was for eternity and fertility, blue was linked to sacrifice, and black to war. 

Iconic Mexican garments for children

Several iconic garments define Mexican children’s fashion and are integral to cultural celebrations and everyday wear. 

The charro suit is a traditional outfit typically worn by boys and men for special occasions such as fiestas and weddings. Originating from the Tehuantepec region of Oaxaca, the traje de Tehuana is a traditional dress worn by girls and women. 

On the Día de la Virgen de Guadalupe, boys dress as Juan Diego and girls as the virgen morena or indigenous people. Boys wear cotton clothes with a red sash, sometimes embroidered, along with a simple hat, small bag, bandana, and occasionally a tilma (cloak). Girls wear starry mantles and pink dresses or opt for traditional Mexican indigenous costumes with long braids and rebozos. 

During the Día de los Muertos festivities, children often wear traditional attire that honors the celebration’s significance. Boys might dress as calavera (skeleton) figures with colorful shirts, vests, and pants adorned with skeleton motifs. They also wear sombreros and face paint resembling skulls. Girls typically wear colorful dresses with floral patterns, often paired with rebozos and flowers in their hair. 

Modern interpretations and trends

Today, Mexican children’s fashion blends traditional elements with contemporary trends, creating a fusion that appeals to both cultural enthusiasts and fashion-forward families. 

Designers are reinterpreting traditional fabrics and motifs in modern silhouettes. For example, the designer Carmen Rion integrated rebozo designs into her Spring & Summer 2014 collection, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. 

More recently, Dior paid tribute to Frida Kahlo with its Cruise 2024 Collection presented in Mexico. The collection challenged gender boundaries, featuring Tehuana-inspired silhouettes with full skirts and traditional huipil tunics.

Celebrating Mexican culture through fashion

Celebrating Mexican culture through children's fashion is a great way to keep traditions alive! 

Festivals, holidays, and family gatherings provide opportunities to showcase these beautiful pieces, reinforcing a sense of community and continuity across generations. This helps ensure that Mexican culture continues to thrive and inspire future generations. 

From traditional garments to contemporary interpretations, Mexican kids' fashion is a beautiful blend of the past and present. 

Through Coco Au Lait, we have created a brand that not only provides style and comfort for children but also serves as a bridge between Mexican culture and the world. 

"Mexico is always in each of our collections", confirms our founder, Erica Elías. "Together, we share a common goal: to celebrate the richness of Mexican culture through distinctive, high-quality styles. Our brand is a unique fusion of Mexican hearts and European minds."

This dedication to preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern design elements is what sets Coco Au Lait apart and ensures its continued success on the global stage.