The word zaragüel comes from the Arabic sarawïl. The zaragüelles are wide panties. In other cultures of the Mediterranean
this kind of calzón has been given, even in Nordic Countries.
They are made of canvas or linen, generally white in color and never exceed "three fingers" above the knee. In the work of
the orchard they give much mobility and comfort, reason why the huertano resisted to change it by the trousers. The zaragüel
is the epitome of the popular men's wardrobe. This is demonstrated every day of the Bando de la Huerta in the city of Murcia,
where thousands of Murcians walk and parade with this garment through the streets of the capital.
Pants.
The gown wore trousers or breeches, not a sling. Normally it was cloth or velvet, and the same color as the jacket.
This luxury trousers covered up to the middle of the leg. At the lower end it had two openings decorated with silver buttons.
Shirt.
The shirt was a garment very similar to that used today. They could be decorated with knapsacks, lace or sheaths.
It's color used to be white.
There were some shirts on which there were hand embroidered cuffs, the neck and the breastplates. These passed from parents
to children and the damaged parts were recovered. It was a very important shirt.
Like the zaragüelles, they used to be very wide to facilitate the movements.
Belt.
The man's waist is covered by at least two turns of a strip of tissue, more or less wide,
usually colourful. This fabric is the girdle.
The girdle was used to fasten the zaragüelles or calzón, and to not leave the skirts of the shirt.
Later it would become an ornament rather than a functional garment.
Belt
Vest.
It is an open garment, with flaps, without crossing. It lacked sleeves. The back was dark in color,
while the front was decorated with silks and more vivid colors.
It was not used daily, and was worn over the shirt covering part of the body. It was totally or
partially covered by other garments.
Jacket
Jacket.
It is a short jacket, waist-length, of generally dark colors. The front was adorned with silk thread and bordered with trimmings.
He usually wore it open to show off the vest underneath.
The first coats usually had high necks, raised and without flaps. Subsequently, flaps were added.
Socks.
The socks were used by women and men, but there were certain differences.
The man's socks never reached the knee, but the woman's knee-lengths reached the thigh.
They were used to not get cold in winter, were usually white, and did not cover their feet.
The most elaborate stockings, even in different colors, were used for the great occasions: visits to the capital, prowling a girl, parties, etc.
A typical sewing point with which these garments are made in the Region of Murcia is the garbanzo, well known for the similarity with this legume.
Esparteñas.
If there is a garment that has differentiated social classes in the Region of Murcia are the Sparta.
They were made with hemp or esparto, and were used by humble people. It seems that the Esparteñas and the abarcas are the oldest footwear in Spain.
Esparteñas
Manufacture of esparteñas.
They were made by hand, from natural esparto, without chopping. There was a thin cord that was woven into the shape of the foot.
The heel and toe were made (which barely covered the toes). Once sewn the sole, heel and toe, were tied to the ankle with two ropes,
also of esparto, similar to the Roman sandals. With the passage of time the esparto was replaced by the hemp, softer and more pleasant.
The toe and the ropes would be made in cotton.
