Spain – Communication through Clothing by Brandon Maine

Clothing has two specific roles in cultures and society:

1. To protect us from the elements and

2. To outwardly represent one’s culture (Beebe, 2010)

Clothing and artifacts (jewelry, cologne/perfume, hats, tattoos, etc.) are the primary outward identifiers of individualism and culture. Learning about patterns of clothing in a culture can provide insight into the important values being communicated externally.

Currently, clothing in Spain is similar to the clothes worn by Americans. This similarity exists as a result of globalization of popular clothing stores.

However, the history of Spain contains a broad range of traditional clothing.

Clothing in Communication

Women: Women have many different pieces of traditional clothing

Mantilla: The mantilla is a light lace or silk scarf worn over the head and shoulders, usually over a high comb, by women in Spain.

Peineta: A peineta is similar in appearance to a large comb and is used to hold up a mantilla. It increases the height of the wearer and also holds the hair in place when worn for special occasions.

Flamenco dress: a traditional dress used in a centuries-old dance.

Men: Men’s traditional clothing is primarily based upon the sport of bullfighting. This clothing includes a sombrero, kerchief, and sarape

Sombrero: traditional Spanish hat

Kerchief: bandana worn under hat to protect from the elements

Sarape: a ponch to protect from rain and cold.

Traditional Clothing

Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Ivy, D. K. (2010). The Blue Book of Communication Studies (TCC Custom Edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.Garcia, Roel. “Clothing used by a Mexican Vaquero”. http://www.ehow.com/about_5374757_clothing-used-mexican-vaquero.html.Accessed 2/20/11.

Fontelera, Jorina. “Flamenco Dress History”. http://www.ehow.com/about_5081539_flamenco-dress-history.html. Accessed 2/20/11.

Garcia, Roel. “Clothing used by a Mexican Vaquero”. http://www.ehow.com/about_5374757_clothing-used-mexican-vaquero.html.Accessed 2/20/11.

Bibliography