The huipil is typically constructed from one to three rectangular panels of cloth, with armholes created by gaps in the side seams.  Some huipils completely lack side seams.  The huipil may be worn as a single garment, or may be worn over another huipil.  They vary significantly in length, some reaching only to below the bust, others may reach to the ankle.  Likewise in width, some may rest at just below the shoulder and other huipils may be so wide that armholes may rest at the wearer’s wrists.  The huipil incorporates intricately woven designs that are usually related to culturally significant symbols and icons found within Maya mythology.  Woven motifs may relate to nature, ceremonial icons, or myth.

Huipils are always worn with skirts, which range from knee- to ankle-length.  The corte is a skirt made of a single piece of fabric, ranging from four to twelve feet in length.  It is wrapped around the lower body and either tucked or folded at the top and held in place by a faja or banda.  Some skirts are pleated (plegado) and gathered at the waist with a drawstring.  Occasionally, fabric may be sewn together to either lengthen the skirt or to create a tube.  The seams used to join skirt sections together are called randas and can be quite elaborate in design.