Mantilla
A traditional Spanish lace or silk veil worn over the head and shoulders, often with a comb.
The mantilla is a head covering of lace or silk popular in Spain and Latin America. It originated in the sixteenth century as a Christian practice and remains common for church services and formal events.
- Originated in Spain during the late sixteenth century.
- Often worn with a large ornamental peineta comb.
- Used by Catholics, Plymouth Brethren, and Mennonites.
- Black mantillas are worn for papal audiences.
- White mantillas are appropriate for church weddings.
What it is
This style consists of a veil or shawl made from silk, lace, or tulle. It covers the hair and drapes over the shoulders. A smaller version is called a toquilla. The garment is typically worn with a large ornamental comb known as a peineta. This comb lifts the fabric to create height and keeps the hair secure. The look is traditional among women in Spain and parts of Latin America. It serves as both religious attire and formal wear.
Where it comes from
The lightweight design emerged in warm regions of Spain during the late sixteenth century. Lace versions gained popularity in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, appearing in portraits by artists like Diego Velázquez and Goya. The practice stems from Christian traditions of female head coverings during worship. Missionaries brought the custom to the Americas. In the nineteenth century, Bishop Nicolás García Jerez mandated opaque mantillas in Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Queen Isabella II promoted the style later that century, though usage declined after her abdication in 1870.
What it means
The mantilla functions primarily as a Christian head covering. Catholic and Plymouth Brethren women wear it globally during church services. Mennonite women in Argentina also use it for this purpose. Eastern Orthodox women in Russia wear white versions with ends crossed over the neck. The style signifies faith and adherence to religious dress codes. It also marks formal social occasions such as weddings and bullfights. The privilège du blanc allows only the Queen of Spain and certain sovereign wives to wear white mantillas at papal audiences.
How it is made
Wearers place the veil over their head and shoulders. They often position a peineta comb beneath the fabric to support it. The comb holds the hair in place and adds vertical structure. For Eastern Orthodox wearers, the ends cross at the neck and drape over one shoulder. Black mantillas are standard for meeting the Pope or attending Holy Week events. White mantillas suit church weddings and other ceremonies. The fabric must remain opaque according to some historical church mandates.
Versions
The toquilla is a smaller variant of the standard mantilla. Eastern Orthodox women wear distinct white versions with specific draping techniques. Regional costumes in Valencia and Andalusia incorporate the peineta comb. Flamenco dance costumes also feature the comb and veil combination. These variations adapt the basic form to different cultural and religious contexts while maintaining the core elements of head coverage and ornamentation.
In culture
The mantilla appears frequently in Spanish art history through works by Velázquez and Goya. It remains integral to Holy Week processions and wedding traditions in Spain. The style is associated with flamenco music and dance performances. Religious communities worldwide continue the practice as a sign of devotion. The garment represents a blend of Spanish heritage and Christian modesty norms. Its presence in Latin America reflects colonial missionary influence.
Questions people ask about Mantilla
What materials are used to make a mantilla?
Mantillas are crafted from silk, lace, or tulle netting. Traditional designs favor lightweight fabrics suitable for warm climates. Some religious authorities have historically required opaque lace rather than transparent materials.
Why do women wear a peineta with a mantilla?
The peineta is a large comb that supports the veil. It creates an illusion of extra height and secures the wearer's hair. This combination is essential for maintaining the shape of the style during dances and processions.
Who wears mantillas in Russia?
Eastern Orthodox women in Russia wear white mantillas without the peineta. They drape the fabric with ends crossed over the neck and over the opposite shoulder. This practice aligns with their specific liturgical head covering traditions.
When is the mantilla no longer commonly worn?
Usage declined significantly after Queen Isabella II abdicated in 1870. By 1900, the style was largely restricted to church services and formal events like bullfights and weddings. It is no longer daily casual wear.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Mantilla", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryHairstyle rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
Like Mantilla
All covered and wrapped
🇮🇳 India and 3 moreDastar
A turban worn by Sikhs to cover uncut hair and signify faith.Wrapped · Any hair · 1699
🇬🇧 United KingdomSnood
A net or cloth bag that holds hair at the back of the head.Wrapped · Any hair · 1590
🇻🇳 VietnamKhăn vấn
A traditional Vietnamese head wrap coiled tightly around the hair.Wrapped · Any hair · 1744
🇰🇷 South KoreaHwagwan
Elaborate Korean ceremonial coronet for womenWrapped · Any hair
