P.R. Laws tit. 1, § 452
The typical dress of Puerto Rico which is hereby adopted shall comply with the guidelines stated and described below:
(a) The dress must be made of materials that drape softly to fit the style of the design, as follows: Cotton fiber cloth is suggested, since it was the first natural fiber loomed by our natives to be used for the naguas or skirts. Nevertheless, the technologically-advanced cloth made of mixed fibers which are available on the market, such as voile, batiste, and broadcloth, may be used.
(b) The dress shall be white, since that was the color of the natural cotton fiber used by our indians to spin the yarn and loom their cloth. White is significant in our psychology as a people and has always been used in the relevant events in our individual lives. In addition, the refreshing nature of white as a color makes it very suitable for our climate.
(c) The design of the dress will include the following:
(1) It will be joined at the waistline and will have a sash tied into a bow.
(2) The blouse, which is the part of the dress covering the shoulders to the waistline, is fitted, and shall be adorned with fine pin-tucks.
(3) The neckline is wide and rounded, extending from one shoulder to the other, and has a gathered flounce which is edged with pin-tucks and lace. The neckline will be finished with a narrow bias strip edged with lace.
(4) The sleeve will be wide, gathered into a band at the elbow and adorned with ribbons threaded through a beading and lace.
(5) The skirt is gathered at the waistline and is made of three overskirts. The underskirt extends to the ankle. The middle skirt is extended to midcalf and the overskirt extends to the knee. The edge of each skirt is finished with pin-tucks and lace edging.
(6) The use of pillow lace (mundillo) is recommended, since this is one of the most unique of the popular handicrafts in Puerto Rico. However, it may be substituted by a similar type of lace.
(7) Each person may select the color of the sash and the ribbons she prefers. Pink is suggested as a symbol of the maga flower which is autochthonous to our Island.
(d) The petticoat is wide, gathered at the waistline, and extends to the hem of the dress. This, and all other items of underwear, shall be adorned with ruffles, beading, lace, ribbons and any other type of needlework.
(e) The shoes shall be white pumps of classic design.
(f) Each person may choose the accessories such as earrings, necklaces and bracelets to complement the dress, but it is recommended that these accessories be simple and modest, in harmony with the dress. It is also suggested to carry a kerchief, especially if the person is to perform a dance, and to adorn the hair with flowers which are the same color as the sash and ribbons.
History —Apr. 19, 1983, No. 21, p. 36, § 2.