What type of clothing do people in panama wear?

Question

What type of clothing do people in panama wear?

Answer 1

After living here for two year in Panama City Panama, I see some changes in the clothing trends of the locals.  When we first visited in the end of 2004, there were virtually no belly shirts seen on the streets in daylight, no belly piercings, and very few tattoos.  While these things are still the exception rather than the norm I have notice among this generation higher occurrences.   And indeed we now have a few body piercing and tattoos parlors here.  

Another thing I've noticed among the women, which I have been envious of; is the nice round bottoms that don't seem to get flat with age like the bottoms of the women from the states.  I think (IMHO) this is because of the European influence of always wearing high heels when you are out of the house, even with jeans.  I think this has kept their bottoms nice and round even when they expand from having children, additional weight, and time.  (This has nothing to do with clothing other than they wear highs with almost everything) Among the locals that do not own or drive cars, that walk from the bus stop to the office or store; that walk from the office to the corner vendor for lunch I have never noticed a women change from her heels to tennis shoe for traveling on foot from point A to point B.  In the driving rain or the hot sun, if they are dressed to go out it is usually with heels.  So in hopes of regaining a nice round rather than flat bottom I have gone very European when I go out of the house!

You see more of a tendency to dress up among mall shopper.  If you see someone in jeans and a t shirt in the mall it's probably a foreigner.  Or as the other poster said any type of safari tropical wear is the sure sign of a tourist.  

There are several stores here that sell private label clothing brands from many of well known department store in the US at about 10% of the US retail price, so believe me when I say the same types of clothing are available here.  While this is true, the way it is worn is different.  It is more dressed up, the European influence of dressing to go out is still in place here, i.e. full make up, jewelry, and heels.   In the US it would be more dressed down, sandals and casual makeup.  It is unusual to see a woman in public without make up one or without being full dressed.  Sunday is an exception; you can still see women in hair rollers in the mall that are not quiet so dressed up.  I guess even here it would be silly to wear full makeup, heels and rollers, but you do need to get your hair ready for the next week of work.

As a rule in the government offices and banks you will not be allowed in if you are in shorts or you have spaghetti straps on your blouse.

But as the other poster said in the evening if you are going to a disco (that's what they are still called here) the dress style is more open.

As a man if you wear jeans and a three button, collar shirt you will be admitted to most restaurants and public buildings, as a woman if you wear dress slacks or skirt and blouse you will be granted the same admission.    This is the safe way rather than trying to figure out what is acceptable where.

I see many of the changes that have come to Panama to be a direct result of the influences and trends the foreigner has brought with them.  From the South Americans to the North Americans to the European persons to the many illegal aliens coming from China, everyone that is making Panama their new home is shaping it.   In my book Panama, is becoming as great a melting pot as the US of A ever was and the fashion trends will be changing more in the future to reflect these influences.    

For other types of information about Panama see http://www.panamaexpertos.com/

Answer 2

The same type of clothing they wear in the USA.

Answer 3

Exactly the same fashion you have in USA, except winter clothing, of course. Jeans, shirst, t-shirts, pants, skirts, dresses... Whatever you feel like wearing. We are very trend conscious. Tourists like to wear shorts, sandals and safari clothes. But regular panamanians in the city wear regular clothes.

There is one type of shirt called Guayabera, made of very light cotton worn mostly my grandfathers' generation.

Answer 4

For guys....usually NO shorts.  Big floppy shirts, like Hawiaan shirts are generaly seen throughout the country.  Dress slacks or jeans are normal.  You don't need a sweater unless you tour the highlands, where it might get a tad chilly.  It does rain so a jacket might be necessary for that.

For women....sun dresses are ok.  Forget about extremely short dresses unless you heading to a Panama City disco or such.  

The key thing....its hot and muggy....and you really want something loose to wear.

Answer 5

Wait hold on...not the same as the US..Let me tell you why..In the US if you go to Florida (similar weather as Panama) its ok to wear shorts and sleeveless shirt, but in Panama dodnt do that...Normal clothing will be

Jeans and a Polo or Blouse or TOp

Suits for working and Girls use a lot of Uniform style clothing like Blazers with matching skirt and things like that

Tennis shoes not a good option unless you are going to the gym..try to wear shoes (male or female)

Now, IF you are going to do some ecco tourism or going to the beach, then yes, wear shorts to the beach or propper clothing for eccotourism..

Have FUn!!!!!

Answer 6

The same type of clothing which is worn in the USA.My husband has 2 tattoos and my  female cousins have belly-button or nose rings.So people do have this done there.Nicole E is right,prople really don't wear shorts in public.They wear them to hang around the house.The last time I was there (in March) I noticed many young men dressing like rappers,the jeans weren't as baggy.Winter clothes are sold in the mall and in Felix B.Maduro (I saw them) for the rich people who travel to Europe,USA, and to the Southe American countries with colder climates.