The guayabera is the quintessential male shirt in the hot countries of Latin America. Those who want to buy a guayabera in Panama can visit the Panabrisa and Guayabera Alberto Pons store.
History of the Guayabera Alberto Pons
The main store for guayabera in Panama has Cuban origin. Cubans say that guayaberas originated in their country. Historical evidence documents the use of the dress in the 1880s. Cuban legend tells the story of a poor seamstress who attached large patch pockets to her husband’s shirt so she could carry guavas from her farm. Another legend tells the story of Jose who asked his wife Encarnacion to make him a long-sleeved shirt with four large pockets to store her cigarettes and belongings while she worked.
It is not actually known where the guayabera originated, it may even have been from the Philippines. What is certain is that the guayabera in Panama is related to the story of a man named Alberto Pons Jacobo who left Cuba as a tourist in 1953. Keep in mind that this was the year the Cuban revolution began, but things weren’t too bad when he left so he was able to sell what he had and start in a new country at the age of 21. Panama was the place where Alberto Pons found love and created his own family. In addition to opening a store that sells guayabera in Panama.
It was in this country that he revolutionized the Latin American men’s wardrobe by creating a new piece, with the highlights of the sophisticated Cuban guayabera and the fresh Panamanian shirt, which is still made by hand in the haute couture workshop founded by Don Alberto more than 50 years. The brand name “Panabrisa” is a play on words since the shirt is light as a breeze and is made in Panama.
Guayabera in Panama and in the World
Some 120 people work in the Confecciones Comodoro factory that produces some 500 guayaberas a day. This guayabera factory began as a factory where Corona brand shirts were made. Alberto Pons associated with Rogelio Rodriguez Suarez to create this fusion between both countries. This hybrid garment was cooler and looser than a traditional guayabera.
The quality of a fine guayabera allows it to replace a jacket and tie, giving elegance to a man in a tropical climate. However, the guayabera became the uniform of public officials and bodyguards during the military dictatorship of Panama. Alberto became a close friend of General Omar Torrijos and was one of the founders of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD). Another revolutionary who used the guayaberas would be President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela who bought them in red.
In 2003, the Miss Universe pageant was held in Panama City. Panabrisa took advantage of the opportunity with the help of the Tourism Authority to dress the contestants.
The guayabera in Panama went international when the brand launched its new line of women’s guayaberas.
Today, the brand sells its guayaberas to different countries including Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Curaçao, Aruba and the United States, among other markets. Panabrisa also participates in the best clothing exhibitions such as the Collective Show in New York and the Westcoast Exclusive in Las Vegas. The guayabera in Panama has evolved with guayabera details, in endless colors and refined fabrics ranging from Italian cottons, Irish threads, silks and even “strong devil” (denim). Models are offered for men, women and children.
If you want to buy a guayabera in Panama you can visit the Casco Viejo branch called No Me Olvides on Avenida A and Calle 4. The store opens daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Soon, Panabrisa will be opening its second branch in the Plaza Bolivar diagonal to the Palacio Bolivar. Its other branches are in Albrook Mall, Multiplaza Mall, Atrio Mall and Sheraton Grand Panama. They also offer Panamanian souvenirs of the Nativo Panama brand.
