07/02/2026
Patricia Cardoso, a member of the museum staff, explains that the changes in gaucho clothing occurred in stages, listing one from 1780 to 1820, another from 1820 to 1870, and the last from 1870 to 1920.
She maintains that this was due to social, political, and economic changes.
The first stage is that of the gauderio, changador, or gaucho of the leather and maroon era. This period is named for the large mule trains used for clandestine businesses such as smuggling. It was during this time that the use of the "cribbled underpants," colt-hide boots, and short trousers originated; these garments were brought by the Spanish.
This practice continued until independence, at which point the era of tasajo, or salted meat, began. This led to the raising and fattening of cattle for use in the salting plants. The gaucho's work changed, as he now spent many hours on horseback working with the livestock, necessitating a change in his clothing.
From these first two periods, marked by the caudillos (strongmen), immigrants, and wars, the underpants and the chiripá (a type of loincloth) emerged.
The underpants were inherited from Spanish sailors and peasants. They were made of cotton or linen fabrics. They were short at first, and in the 19th century they gradually widened at the bottom, becoming flared and fringed, with drawn-thread work inherited from Spanish craftsmanship.
The Tuyú Historical Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Admission is free.
https://www.madariaga.gob.ar/noticias/5703/la-evolucion-en-la-vestimenta-del-gaucho-el-calzoncillo-cribado-y-el-chiripa
