Going to Sao Paulo, Brazil. What kind of clothing to pack?

Question

am going to a small town near Sao Paulo with a group from my church to do volunteer work. Most articles online that I've found address only tourists and business people, and say the dress is more formal. If I plan on running around playing football with kids most of the time, am I ok to wear tshirts and other very casual attire? Also, I've been told that sleeveless shirts and shorts are rarely worn...any insight? I'm concerned about shoes as well.

Thanks

xposted in packing & preparation

Answer 1

Now its summer any clothes you want, formal or informal, but for summer

Answer 2

Jobim, the songwriter who wrote 'The Girl from Ipanema', had a motto he was always repeating: 'Brazil is not for begginers". He was right. Trying to define Brazil is usually only over-simplification, over-generalization. Brazil is multiple, and very complex. Even Sao Paulo state has SO many differences between different areas. To answer your question the best way, I would need to know more about where you are going and your church.

Not knowing that, I can tell you that Brazilians don´t really like rules, so don´t waste your time trying to find a dress-code manual for my crazy country. We are usually casual people, and if you are easy-going and tolerant with the differences you will find, nobody will really care about the way you are dressing.  

Light clothes, raincap, extra pair of tennis shoes if one gets wet - that´s all I have to say.

Have a nice enjoyable trip!

Answer 3

It is summer there now. It is also the rain season.

It is fine to wear Tshirts, jeans and tennis shoes.

Answer 4

Brazilians wear a lot of tshirts, shorts, sleeveless and even no shirts at all! It will be summer during this time so make sure to have summer clothes. For shoes bring a good sneakers if you want to run around and maybe a pair of sandals. You won['t need anything else. Also Brazilians wear "Hawaianas" that very popular sandals which you can find anywhere in brasil to buy even at supermarkets. So you should definitely buy a few of those. It will also be a great souvenier. I live in NY and I can't believe how popular they got even here in NY!!!!

Don't be surprised if you see guys wearing no shirts at all specially if they are playing soccer. So get to the fashion of Brasil, be comfortable and have fun!

Answer 5

I am very familiar with Brazil and Sao Paulo in particular.  I got there, on average at least 2 times per year.

The business environment is business formal, i.e. all suits.

In the environment you will be in, with kids, shorts and t-shirts (patterend type are great... especially those with the Brazilian football team!) are perfectly fine.  For Church, think at least slacks, shirt, and tie, or, better, suit.

I don't think shorts are a problem, but depsite opinion the contrary, Brazil is a very traditional and conservative country with strong family ties.  So, jeans and t-shirt or polo type shirt is a no-brainer.  Bring along shorts, though, I've never seen that as a taboo.

Answer 6

I spent 3 months backpacking in Sao Paulo last year. I didnt go to any small towns I just stayed in the city. I went from Nov-Jan. I would bring jeans, tees, polos, sweatshirt (somenights it got kind of cool out) rain jacket, boots, football shorts (bring some cheap ones to hand out to the kids) Since your going with a church group I wont tell you the other side of Sao Paulo :) You will love it there if its your first time out of the states its a great place. to bad your with a group hopefully they will take you to the city its one of the biggest cities on earth and let me tell you its big. Have a great time if you want any more info contact me nd4spd2002@yahoo

Answer 7

Here in sao paulo not make much frio.so that is not too much heat, more ja here in Summer brings light clothing is not want to die of heat, I live here in the state of sao paulo and truly here and the common good use shirt, shorts and sandals tennis, more clothes look lighter if not want to die of heat

[Last week was more than 30 °]

And too much rain this season of the year.

Ps: use a shirt selection of Brazilian football too much aid

Here you will be multi welcomed

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