stack of recycled Mexican blankets

Mexican Blankets & Baja Hoodies: A History 

Aug 21, 2024

You have probably seen these colorful Mexican textiles around college campuses, at music festivals, yoga shalas, and drum circles all over the country. From the summer of love to surf and skateboard culture, these iconic Baja hoodies and falsa blankets are nostalgic symbols of simpler times.

Mexican Blankets: The Evolution of Campesino Style

Born in Mexico, Baja hoodies and traditional falsa blankets originated as the ubiquitous Mexican Blanket. Traditionally woven of a thick woolen cloth called “jerga” and decorated with horizontal stripe patterns, falsa blankets were, and still are, used as blankets all over Mexico, from Oaxaca to Tijuana and everywhere in between.

 

"Baja Hoodies:" Counterculture from Mexico to California 

In true fashion evolution this classic falsa blanket grew arms, a hood, a single large “joey” pocket, and thus the “Sudadera de Jerga” was born. Surfers traveling down to Baja, Mexico in search of tasty waves and a cool buzz fell in love with these colorful absorbent sweatshirts, and brought the “Baja Hoodie” back with them to California. 

What is a "drug rug"?

It is up for debate as to whether the name "drug rug" came from the use of hemp in the woven jerga material, or the hoodie's association with marijuana in the counterculture hippie movement. However, don’t let that stony name fool you, the slimming horizontal stripes, colorful designs, and cozy fit of our Baja Joe hoodies can complement any style, from surfer to fashion blogger.


Where to buy Mexican Blankets and the best Baja Hoodies?

Did we mention that our Mexicali Blues Baja Joe Hoodies and Mexican Falsa Blankets are made from 100% recycled materials? You can look good and feel good too with this classic sustainable fashion. Each recycled sweatshirt or recycled blanket helps give textiles a new life and keeps them out of a landfill. 

When did you get your first Baja? How do you use your falsa blanket? It might be time for some new colors... 

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