U know when you know. It can be challenging when you have friends and family recommend a product or an item and you're just not sure. It could be the price or just the quality or the item. Guayaberas are traditional shirts for men of the Yucatán and can vary in styles, material, quality, and of course prices. In downtown Merida, there are at least 100 stores that sell Guayaberas and I was tempted to just got one downtown. My niece who is from the area took me to Abito. I don't remember which location but the they are in my opinion the best quality guayaberas that one can buy. Yes, they can be expensive. Some come with a price tag of about $45 to $60 dollars but you're getting top of line linen fabric which is ideal in hot and humid climates like Merida and the Yucatán. The argument errr discussion I had with my niece was why do you want to buy from Abito and not from one of the hundreds of stores in and around downtown. The answer is simple. When you wear an Abito Guayabera, everyone knows it and when you wear a cheap imitation Guayabera everyone knows it as well. So why mess around? When in Rome be a a Roman. I purchased my first Abito Guayabera on Tuesday and came back to order two more at the store located in the Galleria Merida. The location in Galleria Merida is located on the first floor in a small space. My wardrobe specialist was super friendly and kind given my broken Spanish. Here's what I was looking for. I already had a Guayabera for a Wedding and it was stunning. What I needed was two Guayaberas that matched in style for myself and my brother for a wedding in November. I'm between a size M and size L. Here's a PRO TIP. Don't assume you know your size. Each country has their own sizing chart. Just try one on. You'll thank me later. My brother is a 2XL because he's tall and muscular. There's no way that a linen shirt in XL is going to fit him. His budging muscles would shred the sleeves like Lou Ferrigno aka the original Incredible Hulk. The wardrobe specialist worked her magic and brought two different sizes of different patterns. I instantly fell in love with the two that I purchased. Each shirt cost about $68 a piece but they are one of a kind and stunning shirts. These shirts need to be washed on delicate or by hand and then hand wrung before drying on an hanger. PRO TIP. Don't use a dryer or any type of setting to dry three Guayaberas as you will destroy them. Attached are some pics. The bottom line is this. Don't be a cheap tourist it's simply not worth it. Get the better quality shirt that's going to be a one of kind stunner for years to come. Could you save $40 bucks by getting a cheaper version sure but I'll regret it sooner than later and who wants that. Keep it simple, budget appropriately and go to Abito and get a quality Guayabera. read more

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