Aztec clothing

Aztec clothing is the clothing that was worn by the Aztecs, as well as other pre-Columbian peoples of central Mexico who shared similar cultures.

Everyday dress

The basic garment for males was a breechcloth, called "maxtlatl" (IPA| [ˈmaːʃtɬatɬ] ) in Nahuatl. The "maxtlatl" would often be worn under a cloak or cape called "tilmatli" (IPA| [tilˈmaʔtɬi] ; also called "tilma" in Spanish and English). Various styles of "tilmatli" existed which served to indicate the status of the wearer.

Aztec women wore a blouse called "huipilli" (IPA| [wiːˈpiːlli] ; also called "huipil" in Spanish and English) and a skirt called "cueitl" (IPA| [ˈkʷeː.itɬ] ). In the Classical Nahuatl language, the couplet "cueitl huipilli" "skirt [and] blouse" was used metaphorically to mean "woman".

Sandals, called "cactli" (IPA| [ˈkaktɬi] ), were a sign of status. They were largely restricted to noble males. Those who entered temples or appeared before the emperor were required to be barefoot.

Jewelry

The Aztec [ women & men ] would tend to always decorate themselves with gold bangles, necklaces, chockers, etc. Such jewelry was worn to show how wealthy one was; a poor, or unwealthy Aztec would tend to wear less jewellery than an Aztec of higher placing and wealth.

Battle costume

Gods' clothing