Argentine style influence on the western world

We live in a multi-cultural world, with different styles from different cultures influencing global style trends all the time. In this journal entry we are going to break down some of the most important elements of Argentinian traditional style and how it has influenced the style of the western world, and the fashion world at large. Read on and be inspired for yourself.

Now of course, we may be biased as one of the world's leading designers of luxury leather polo belts, but one of the most iconic and influential items of traditional Argentine clothing is of course the polo belt. The polo belt has roots in Argentina, first created when the game was gaining traction in the country after British settlers had brought the game over from India in the 19th century. Different regional teams needed to denote their team colours, and creating patterned belts with vibrant threading was the perfect way to do so. With the rise in popularity of polo over the years, and polo style - see polo shirts for another example - polo belts also became popular for the mass market. Polo belts are now worn all over the world by many people, who are often unaware of the connection to the sport of polo. If you are interested in getting your hands on a genuine piece of Argentine style, take a look at our broad range of luxury polo belts right here on the pampeano website. 

 

Another interesting and influential piece of Argentine style is the Poncho. The poncho is a traditional item of clothing from South America originating in pre-Hispanic times. The exact origin is unknown, but ponchos have been traditional garments in Argentina for as long as records have existed. The poncho, known for its versatility and ease of production quickly became a staple of all who came to South America. In the USA, ponchos have even been used in the military since the 19th Century and remain standard issue today. For the wider western world, ponchos became more popular as a result of their use in many Western films, particularly when Clint Eastwood wore his iconic green poncho in The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Today, ponchos are worn globally, very popular in the winter months in women's fashion. 

One of the most iconic Argentine styles is the Gaucho style. Gauchos were romanticised figures of folklore: honourable and brave loners who travelled across the country herding cattle. They were signified by their red handkerchief, white open button shirt, wide brimmed hat, aforementioned poncho, very similar to the style and role of the cowboys of North America. Gaucho style is still emulated today in Argentina, and cattle ranchers - very much the Gauchos of the modern day - will often dress similarly. The Gaucho style shares many of the same elements of the cowboy style, and doubtless they influenced each other through the years. But next time you tie a handkerchief round your neck, or don a bolero hat, spare a thought for the Gaucho, roaming the plains of Argentina.

One of Argentina's main exports which has influenced global culture the most is Argentine Tango. Argentine Tango was developed in the late 19th century in the working-class areas of Buenos Aires, becoming more popular and more mainstream over the 20th century, eventually becoming the global phenomenon that we see today. And of course, where there is Tango, there must of course be Tango outfits. Tango dresses have been popular all over the world from the early 20th century, made in vibrant colours, often yellow and orange, and often made from satin. Over the years the fashions change, and Tango dresses are more often red today. Tango dresses had a large influence on the development of many styles of cocktail dresses that we still see in the modern day. 

We hope that you have enjoyed learning about some influential elements of traditional Argentine style, and perhaps have been inspired to add a bit of Argentina to your wardrobe.