Definition of

Chomba

Man with red sweater

The chomba is a shirt with buttons at the neck.

The notion of chomba is used in several South American countries to refer to a garment similar to a T-shirt ( t-shirt , polo , flannel or t-shirt , depending on the region). The chombas have short sleeves and are characterized by the presence of buttons on the neck .

Relatively formal garment

Chombas are considered a more formal type of clothing than a T-shirt or T-shirt without buttons . On the other hand, they are more informal than shirts .

They can be used in various work areas. There are even companies that include the sweater in their uniform designs.

In everyday life, chombas are usually chosen to go out to eat or to participate in those social events that require a certain elegance but not excessive formality. It should be noted that the sweaters can be worn under a sweater or sweater with a V-neckline , so that its buttons are exposed.

Other meanings

In certain parts of Chile , the sweater , pullover , jersey or jersey is called chomba.

In Panama , on the other hand, we find another use of chomba that has nothing to do with clothing . There, according to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), a black woman who speaks English is called chomba. The term has a derogatory connotation and is used colloquially. In the case of English-speaking black men, they are called chombos .

Types of sweaters

In the market, we can find a wide variety of sweaters. These garments come in different styles, materials, colors and designs to suit various occasions and preferences. Some of them include:

  • Basic sweaters : They are the simplest and most versatile short -sleeved t- shirts. They typically come in solid colors and can be worn in a variety of casual situations;
  • Printed sweaters : They have patterns or prints printed on the fabric. They can range from subtle designs to bold, eye-catching prints;
  • graphic sweatshirts : with images, graphics or texts printed on the front. They can express hobbies, ideas, humorous phrases or any other type of message;
  • Sports sweatshirts : designed specifically for physical activities, they are usually made of materials that absorb moisture and allow greater breathability. They are ideal for use during exercise;
  • Polo chombas : Also known simply as polos , they have a collar and a lapel , giving them a slightly more formal look compared to basic chombas. They are a popular choice for semi-formal events;
  • Henley sweaters : They have a partially open round neckline with a series of buttons, giving them a distinctive style . They are an option between the basics and the polos in terms of formality;
  • Branded Sweaters – Many clothing brands offer their own versions of sweatshirts with unique styles and recognizable logos. These can often be more expensive, simply because of the company that makes them;
  • Thematic or commemorative sweaters : They can be related to specific events, festivities, sports teams or special occasions. They are usually limited editions and may have sentimental value.
Tennis player

Tennis and sweatshirts are related thanks to Lacoste, a pioneering brand in this garment.

Lacoste

Lacoste is a renowned French fashion company founded by René Lacoste in 1933. Its history is closely linked to its founder and his innovative approach to sportswear, particularly in the creation of the famous sweatshirts with the iconic crocodile logo .

René Lacoste, nicknamed "The Crocodile" because of his aggressive style on the tennis court, was a prominent tennis player in the 1920s. At that time, tennis clothing consisted of long-sleeved shirts and ties, which It was not practical or comfortable to play sports . So he decided to address this issue and designed a tennis shirt that had a flexible collar that could be raised to protect the neck from the sun and a series of buttons down the front. Additionally, it introduced the use of cotton piqué knitted fabrics instead of conventional fabrics, allowing for better breathability and comfort during play.