. The Chinelos costume consists of four main items: a long flowing robe which usually has a rectangular shape tunic, a mask, a large plumed hat, and gloves. The flowing robe and delicate decoration has an almost feminine appearance, making the dancers appear androgynous. These robes are usually made out of velvet. As the robes are extremely hot to dance in, dancers wear bandannas to prevent excessive sweating and dehydration. The Chinelos costume of Tlayacapan is the closest to the original developed in the 19th century. The hat is broader, less embellished with only two or three large feathers. A patterned bandana tied around the head is worn underneath the hat. The tunic is a white robe of white or blue, which is generally not embroidered. The rectangular cape has an image of the
Virgin of Guadalupe . As the tradition spread and developed, especially in Morelos, other towns and groups made distinctive changes to their Chinelos gear and today each town and troupe has its own distinctive elements. This began the process of making extremely elaborate costumes in some places. In Yautepec, the best costumes are made of
velvet and are entirely covered in designs and images made from beads, sequins, ribbing and imitation precious stones. These decorative elements can be expensive such as quality beads imported from the
Czech Republic . The hats have pre-Hispanic images and modern interpretations of ancient legends. In Tepotzlán, the tunic is made from black velvet and is completely smooth with the image on the back painted on, rather than stitched. The feather decoration in the hat is made of fabric. The hat became higher, straighter and more elaborate, with a black velvet tunic embroidered with sequins. The Chinelo's masks are made of mesh and always feature an upturned beard and European features. It and the bandana wrapped around the head are essential in keeping Chinelos’ identities secret, something reinforced with the use of gloves on the hands. To further assure anonymity, costumes are closely guarded and kept secret. Members of the troupe dress in different houses to add to the confusion. The elaborate decorations have made the costumes expensive to make. Prices for making the outfit can range anywhere from 4,000 to 100,000
pesos depending on the complexity of the decoration, the materials used and the time involved. For example, decorations done in beads is more expensive than those in sequins as the beads are smaller. A really elaborate costume can cost up to 2,000 or 400,000 pesos to make. There are now professional Chinelo tunic, mask and hat makers as well as competitions to determine best costume. In Tlayacapan there are at least eight families that dedicated themselves full-time to making the gear. José Salazar Flores of Tepotzlán makes his living making nothing but Chinelo hats. These hats alone can cost anywhere from 12,000 to 30,000 pesos and take about forty days each. The hat is made from fabric with frame made from palm leaves. The costumes worn at previous Carnivals or other occasions can fetch up to 100,000 pesos from collectors. ==Performances==