In October 2022, during a trip to Madrid, we visited Burgos, the blouse of the King of Spain. On this occasion, we ordered a Teba - find our article here - and a Guayabera. With the weather and the heat approaching, it was time to show you the final result.

Burgos, a Madrid institution

"This is the model of Guayabera that Hemingway wore, he loved this shirt" says Carmen, the niece of the owner of Burgos. This particular shirt takes its name from the four pockets: two on the chest and two on the waist.

Worn especially in Latin America and seen as an anti-colonial symbol par excellence, it was created by the quenettier farmers - guaya in Spanish - who had sewn several pockets on their shirts in order to maximize the harvest and be able to carry more fruit.

ERNEST HEMINGWAY WEARING HIS GUAYABERA from burgos IN 1957
(COLORIZED PHOTO, TAKEN BY THE great PHOTOGRAPHER YOUSUF KARSH, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED)

Guayaberas aficionados are countless, from Fidel Castro to Roger Moore or even Prince Harry, this shirt breathes Summer and carefree. It is mostly cut in a white linen/cotton blend and can be either long or short sleeved.

Recently, the king on vacation wore a Guayabera shirt from the house. "He is our ambassador, in a way, of the exceptional Spanish know-how," says Carmen.

King Felipe wearing his guayabera from burgos on vacation

Ordering a Guayabera from Burgos Madrid

It is possible to buy a Guayabera in ready-to-wear on the website as it is possible to make one to your measurements.

While visiting the charming store, it was a good idea to have my measurements taken by the tailor in person.

Not all the photos of the measuring process are shown here. The measurements were taken by the tailor and include: neck, chest, waist, back, total length of the shirt, shoulders and sleeve length (Note: you can also order your Guayabera by filling in your measurements directly on the brand's website).

Once the measurements are recorded - by hand! - the order is validated. 1 month later - delays may vary - I received my Guayabera.

I chose a classic white cotton/linen fabric with long sleeves. It is an eminently summery shirt and is worn as such.

I'm wearing it here with green linen pants and white Sebago leather docksides. The Guayabera is a perfect shirt for the city or the beach, but also for a wedding! It's not uncommon in Latin America for guests to wear one, so why not do the same elsewhere? If the weather permits, go for it.