The traditional garments of the Sierras have lost their use today. But even in some festivals in the region it is possible to see them.
If there is one thing that stands out about the traditional costumes, it is that you can notice the proximity of the Park to the Castilian-La Mancha community, since the clothing is more austere and less tight than in the rest of Andalusia. The Muslim influence is noticeable in the use of bright colors, especially in the embroidery that adorns the refajos.
The women’s costume is constituted, among other elements, by the refajo that was gathered in a gabardine or vichi waistband. Another piece of the women’s serrano costume was the bodice, considered as an undergarment, which was adjusted to the bust over the shirt. Puchos were another garment that were used with panties and always white. The petticoats were placed under the refajo and over the puchos. Stockings and garters complete the underwear. The mantilla, rectangular in shape, covered the head and the shawl, square and fringed, was folded in a peak and crossed over the chest. The tembleque is a headdress that women used to make with the feathers of chickens for weddings and events. To finish, the handkerchief was used to place on the waist or to gather the braid and as footwear the espadrilles.
Men’s clothing was made up of several elements, among which we highlight: The breeches or pants, made of black cloth and that can be short and tight to the knee or long. The man’s shirt is called a nightgown. It is made of cotton with drawstrings on the chest and turn-down collar or homemade canvas with lace and very low-cut. The vest is placed over the shirt and under the jacket. The girdle was also used as a belt, both to protect oneself from the cold and to store personal belongings. Another very important element was the cape, which was very flying and long to the ankles, it was mandatory to use in ceremonies and official acts. It was also the gift of the parents to the son who was going to marry. The hat or headdress varied depending on whether the acts were everyday or extraordinary. It was made of plush, low, with a conical crown and semi-stiff brim, in the Castilian style and black in color. The footwear was a low shoe fastened with laces. Also using boots for work in the field. The espadrilles were worn in summer and were made of canvas with hemp soles. Likewise, leggings were a kind of stocking that were placed from the knee to the instep and were made of leather or cloth with decoration in the ankle area.
