What makes Papalotl clothing authentic?

Every Papalotl garment is sourced directly from indigenous women's cooperatives in Chiapas, Mexico — never from intermediaries or mass manufacturers. The garments are made using traditional backstrap loom weaving and hand embroidery techniques that have been practiced by Tzotzil Mayan women for thousands of years. Papalotl is a Native-owned brand with over 20 years of indigenous cultural work through Huey Tlahtokan — La Gran Palabra — ChicagoAztlan.

What is the difference between a huipil and other Mayan garments?

A huipil is a tunic-style blouse constructed from hand-woven or hand-embroidered panels. A quechquemitl is a pre-Hispanic triangular cape, most sacred in the Tzotzil tradition and extremely rare. A jorongo is an open-sleeve poncho-style blouse. Each garment type originates from a specific community and carries its own symbolic and cultural meaning. Papalotl carries all three styles, along with belts, purses, and jewelry sourced from the same indigenous artisans.

Are Papalotl garments fair trade?

Yes. All Papalotl garments are Fair Trade, Indigenous Made, and Native Owned. We source directly from women's cooperatives, ensuring that the artisans who create each piece receive fair compensation for their labor and skill. Supporting Papalotl directly supports indigenous women's economic sovereignty in Chiapas.

How do I care for a handmade Tzotzil Mayan garment?

Handwoven and hand-embroidered garments require gentle care. Hand wash in cold water, hang dry, and iron on low heat inside out if needed. Dry cleaning is recommended for wool pieces such as the San Juan Chamula quechquemitl. Avoid machine washing — these are one-of-a-kind works of art, not mass-produced clothing.

Do you ship across the United States?

Yes. Papalotl ships throughout the contiguous United States with free shipping on orders over $200. A $20 flat rate applies to all other contiguous US orders. Alaska and Hawaii ship for a $25 flat rate. Most orders are dispatched within 2 business days via UPS or USPS.

What does Papalotl mean?

Papalotl is the Nahuatl word for butterfly — a symbol of transformation, beauty, and the continuity of life across cultures throughout Mesoamerica. The name reflects the mission of Huey Tlahtokan — to carry indigenous culture forward, thread by thread, generation by generation.