A huipil is a blouse-like garment that forms part of the traditional dress worn by Mexican women. Huipils are hand-woven by the women themselves, usually on a portable 'back-strap' or 'belt' loom, which is secured around the waist of the weaver, enabling her to continue weaving when opportunity and time permit. Huipiles are very simply constructed; they consist of a woven cotton or wool rectangle with an opening left at the top for the head, much like a tunic. The weave is either plain or brocaded, which can then be embroidered or appliquéd if further decoration is desired. Patterns are often particular to the weaver's village or region and are therefore a useful clue to the huipil's origins.

This huipil is made from a single web of cotton cloth. Plain and gauze-woven on the backstrap loom, it features a wealth of embroidered decoration. Although there is no record of its place of origin, it is possible that it is from the Mazatec village of Ayautla in the State of Oaxaca.