Mexican clothes vary by region and climate. In large cities, Mexicans generally wear the same style of clothing you'll find worn in the United States. If you travel to the smaller towns and communities throughout the country, you'll get a feel for more traditional Mexican clothes. In Mexico, exposure to the sun tends to influence the clothing options. You'll find most men wearing traditional Mexican sombreros. These wide-brimmed hats are made of felt or straw, and they help to protect people during the sun's peak hours. In farming communities where people tend to spend a great deal of time outdoors every day, sombreros are essential. During the summer months, women often go barefoot or wear plastic sandals. The men wear leather sandals called huaraches. During the cold and rainy months, people wear ponchos and serapes. In case you're wondering, a poncho is a blanket with a slit in the center for the head, and a serape is simply a blanket carried over one shoulder. One of the hallmarks of Mexican clothing is woven fabrics. Woven clothing is worn by many people in Mexico, and signature brightly colored woven fabrics are exported from Mexico for the world to enjoy. Mexicans celebrate holidays by dressing up in traditional national costumes. The men wear dark blue charro suits, which are made of velvet and feature a short jacket and tight riding pants. The most widely recognized women's costume is the China poblano, which consists of a long red and green skirt with beaded accents, an embroidered blouse, and a brightly colored sash. | 
