Three pieces, one outfit
The Yucatán government describes the terno as a women's gala outfit with three pieces ("terno" means a set of three):
- Fustán: a long underskirt reaching the ankles or feet.
- Hipil: worn over the fustán and ending above it.
- Jubón: the upper piece placed over the hipil.
Embroidery and accessories
The state page describes cross-stitch embroidery on the pieces and notes the outfit is usually finished with a rebozo. Details and materials vary between handmade pieces.
For celebrating, not working
The state source ties the terno to dances and balls, contrasting it with work clothes. It's the outfit of the vaquerías, where the jarana is danced.
A variation on the hipil
State documents describe the terno as a variation of the huipil: it takes the everyday garment and turns it into a luxury ensemble.
Tips
- A hand-embroidered terno represents a lot of work; buy from artisans.
- Ask before photographing someone wearing one.
Seeing ternos in Yucatán
Ternos shine at vaquerías and town patron-saint festivals. If you happen upon one during a Mary Tours trip to Izamal or Valladolid, make the most of it. Trips leave from Calle 61 in downtown Mérida.
| Piece | What it is |
|---|---|
| Fustán | Long underskirt to the ankles |
| Hipil | Worn over the fustán |
| Jubón | Embroidered upper piece over the hipil |
| Rebozo | Shawl accessory |
Fun facts
- The terno has three pieces: fustán, hipil and jubón.
- It's finished with a rebozo.
- It's the outfit worn at vaquerías.
Related tours
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- 8:00 AM Departure from the office — An hour on the road to Izamal. The guide uses the drive to set up what comes next.
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- 11:15 AM Chichén Itzá — Guided walk through the Temple of Kukulkán, the Sacred Cenote, the Ball Court, the Tzompantli and the Jaguars and Eagles platform.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is it called a terno?
Because it has three pieces: fustán, hipil and jubón.
When is the terno worn?
At dances, fiestas and vaquerías.
What embroidery does it have?
Cross-stitch, according to the state description.
Are the terno and hipil the same?
No; the hipil is one garment and the terno a gala set that includes it.
