Question:  I would like to get huipil or outfit that fits my daughter (or me), how do I figure sizes?

Answer for Huipile: 

 What I have found works best is to take some measurements across the shoulder and then try to fit an huipil or outfit from there.  There is so much variability in US sizes that I hesitate to try to guess based on a stated US sizes.  I will occasionally mention in a write-up for a huipil if it fits me (I am usually a 14, but wear 12 to 2x depending on the style and maker).

Huipils are traditionally made on a back-strap loom. Thus they are made of rectangular pieces and are not intended to be a fitted garment (this makes it easier to find one that fits you or your child).  Think about room to grow too! Mayan women often put tucks or darts in a huipil's shoulder then remove them as a child grows.

Most huipils are made of a single panel, two panels or three panels.  In a few villages such as Solola the woven panels are made into a more fitting "blouse" form with sleeves (probably derived from early European influence.  In some other villages the woven  Huipil tradition has transformed into a blouse of commercially produced cloth with embroidery and other finishing that represents the village's tradition or a generic Mayan "huipil" that may be found in many transitional areas.

      Single Panel                     Two Panel                          Three Panel                             "Blouse form"

Key measurements for choosing a Huipil  to wear are shoulder width and length from shoulder to waist.  You can get the measurements directly from you or your child (probably best)  or measure across a "T" shirt with sleeves (not dropped shoulders) that is a good fit (if its hard to get someone to measure you or your child to sit still). 

1.        Width - Maximum width of  your child’s or your shoulder:   

The huipil should go beyond the width the shoulder and hang down the arms usually somewhere between a couple inches below the shoulder and the elbows, forming the appearance of a sleeve.  There is some variability based both on village, age, personal preference…, but I usually recommend  at least 25%  larger than the maximum of the shoulder to 50% larger.  With a child I might suggest more because they grow fast!

Another way to think about it – is to figure how far down the arms you would like the huipil to cover – then hold your arms out wide and have a friend help you measure the width.

2.  Length -  Length from your child’s or your shoulder (or little bone in back of neck) to waist

Choosing the right length is a bit of personal preference.  Think about whether you want to wear out or tuck in.  If you are buying for a child think about growth.  A woman’s figure is not generally straight, so consider a few more inches in either length and/or width of the huipil to accommodate a fuller form.

3.  Neck Opening  -   Neck and head hole openings on traditional Huipils tend to run small. The main problem usually is getting the head hole of the huipil to fit over your head.  Note that we can not guarantee that the neck size of a Huipil fits you or your child.  If you want to wear some huipils you may have to open the neck opening and lightly stitch it.    Please check your neck and head measurements carefully! 

I will be trying to come up with additional guidance on the neck opening, but here are some of the common neck openings you will see in Huipils.  Neck openings that are an open slit or already have a slit in them tend to be easier to modify.  A oval or circular neck that has very fine embroidery tightly around the neck opening it can be more difficult to modify size (although it is possible) .  

If you have suggestions for helping me improve this guidance - Does it help?  Is it confusing?  Did it work for your?  I really would appreciate your ideas and comments.  Thanks!  lynn@terraexperience.com