What's the dress code in Panama? What clothes do they wear in Panama?

Dress code in Panama is really very tropical, due to its hot climate. You can wear the same clothes pretty much all year round.  

 

Panamanians dress very smart and fashionable, even when out on the streets. Rarely do you see people wear shorts in the cities.

 

Due to the warm climate the dress code is basic, in the sense that you don't need much. 

 

Public offices, like ministries and other official...

Dress code in Panama is really very tropical, due to its hot climate. You can wear the same clothes pretty much all year round.  

 

Panamanians dress very smart and fashionable, even when out on the streets. Rarely do you see people wear shorts in the cities.

 

Due to the warm climate the dress code is basic, in the sense that you don't need much. 

 

Public offices, like ministries and other official buildings, need women to wear closed, long sleeve blouses, no sexy clothes, no mini skirts and flip flops.   Men also need to wear long pants, shirts and closed shoes. 

 

The local population also dresses very smartly, especially for fiestas, clean and polished. 

 

In comparison to the US, Panamanians dress standard is much higher than what we are used to. 

 

"Pollera” is the name commonly used to describe a variety of traditional Panamanian skirts and dresses characterized by their elaborate decorations, usually made from cotton embroidery and lace materials.  At the beginning in the 16th century, the pollera was the daily dress of European ladies.  It was brought to the American continent along with the process of colonization.  In subsequent years, the pollera...

 

"Pollera” is the name commonly used to describe a variety of traditional Panamanian skirts and dresses characterized by their elaborate decorations, usually made from cotton embroidery and lace materials.  At the beginning in the 16th century, the pollera was the daily dress of European ladies.  It was brought to the American continent along with the process of colonization.  In subsequent years, the pollera became the daily dress or the dress of local celebrations.

The people in countries in Latin America other than Panama also use the word “pollera” to describe regular skirts, especially in certain regions.

There are different kinds of polleras:

There are also many different regional dresses, according to different places in the country.

The “Pollera de gala” is performed in almost every public event, tourist  show or parade.  Its main decorations are the “tembleques”, which are worn on the head and made from painted fish scales.  There are also tembleques made out of other materials, and the most elegant are made out of gold.

Some polleras take at least one year to finish, and all of them are originals and hand made. The good ones are handed down by grandmothers from generation to generation, and proudly exhibited in festivals.   The only materials that can be used to make the pollera are gold, pearls, lace and crochet yarn (for the little pompoms in the blouse and skirt).  A good pollera could cost around $10,000.    The jewelry worn is very expensive, with only 100% gold accepted.  A complete set could be valued at over $20,000.   The pompoms should match the color of the shoes, which are also of special designs.  The pollera montuna has different colors of blouse and skirt, and uses a hat, with same shoes and less expensive jewelry.  Some regions uses colorful tembleques, or flowers as well.

 

The pollera has been classified as one of the most beautiful and colorful national dresses in the world; and has won first prize many times at Miss Universe contest.

Latin American ladies, in general, have the tendency to have excellent taste in fashion.  As Panamá has social clubs, restaurants and  lots of social life on a daily basis, that gives them the opportunity to wear special occasion clothes, or simply, do their own  daily fashion show, for their own satisfaction, as well as to maintain regular visits to the beauty parlor, spas and any other place that offers them comfort and well-being,...

Latin American ladies, in general, have the tendency to have excellent taste in fashion.  As Panamá has social clubs, restaurants and  lots of social life on a daily basis, that gives them the opportunity to wear special occasion clothes, or simply, do their own  daily fashion show, for their own satisfaction, as well as to maintain regular visits to the beauty parlor, spas and any other place that offers them comfort and well-being, including the mud bath at El Valle de Antón.

 

Generally, even the less privileged women in Panamá are very much aware of their attire.  For example, a maid will come well-dressed, and then change her clothes upon arrival.  Another example is the general use of brand name sneakers, or Tommy Hilfinger clothes,  which is very popular in Panamá.

 

At the malls, you can find an infinite amount of prime brands from all over the world; and if you go to the less expensive malls or shopping centers, casual clothing for all tastes are available at ridiculously low prices, making the dress code more accessible to everyone.

 

Ladies commonly wear high-heeled shoes, as well as a variety of sandals for daily use.  Sneakers are worn only to sporting events, or trips to the country or beach.  Now, you can see more and more ladies in shorts  at the malls, especially foreigners.  Men are more likely to wear sneakers at certain places, but usually the men in Panamá wear good dress shoes as well.

 

Long gowns are very popular, and are regular attire  for weddings or other special occasions.   Wedding dresses are carefully picked out and compete in quality to the same level as the bridal court girls.

 

Every year, Panamá hosts the "Panamá Week Fashion", in which several international ladies tailors are invited. This is a big event, covered by the international press.  There is also another yearly popular event that is called "Tarde de Sombreros" (Hats' Afternoon), and is designed  as a charity event.

 

Native ladies still wear their traditional customary regional dresses, even if they live in the city.  (See the picture above and to the right.)

 

Sweaters or blouses with "mola" applications are also very popular attire for local women, and now, for tourists as well.

There is definitely a dress code in Panama. As a woman you can't enter any government office wearing shorts. If you are doing anything from reregistering your car to going into the driver's license office, a woman will be turned away if she is wearing shorts. Men also should wear at least shorts below the knee.

 

I live in David. Here it is probably a bit more reserved than Panama City. During the day you will not see women even at the grocery store wearing...

There is definitely a dress code in Panama. As a woman you can't enter any government office wearing shorts. If you are doing anything from reregistering your car to going into the driver's license office, a woman will be turned away if she is wearing shorts. Men also should wear at least shorts below the knee.

 

I live in David. Here it is probably a bit more reserved than Panama City. During the day you will not see women even at the grocery store wearing shorts. In those instances, women wear capris below the knee, never shorts. You can always tell who is a tourist when you do see someone wearing shorts in public.

 

In general, going anywhere during the day to grocery stores, banks, paying your water bill or cable bill, you will be treated with much more respect if you follow the dress code that the local people use.

 

 

Its hot.. wear light clothes. Shorts and a T shirt with flip flops is my code

Its hot.. wear light clothes. Shorts and a T shirt with flip flops is my code

Every time I come back from Holland to Panama, It strikes me to see how elegant Panamanian women are. They love fashion, accessories and high heals. Moreover, they can walk! When I compare that with (in general) women in Europe, with their 3/4 trousers, rough three layers of vests etc., I always have the feeling they don't care because they are married anyway...

 

As a foreigner it is best to mix in with the same, as people do look at you. Of course, apart...

Every time I come back from Holland to Panama, It strikes me to see how elegant Panamanian women are. They love fashion, accessories and high heals. Moreover, they can walk! When I compare that with (in general) women in Europe, with their 3/4 trousers, rough three layers of vests etc., I always have the feeling they don't care because they are married anyway...

 

As a foreigner it is best to mix in with the same, as people do look at you. Of course, apart from official offices, you can wear what you want and outside the city, nobody cares. In Boquete the temperature is often a lot lower than people think. In January you will see people where warm coats, hats and gloves!

• For men, wear long pants.
• For ladies NO shorts.

• For men, wear long pants.
• For ladies NO shorts.

 

I think there is a dress code for people who are going to live in Panama City and who will look for a job here.  The men need to wear good clothes, dress shirts, pants, and closed shoes.  The women also need to dress right; no mini skirts or small shorts.

 

BUT, if you are here because you are looking for somewhere to retire, dress as you want.  It is really hot around here, and at the end, you are retired!  Enjoy your...

 

I think there is a dress code for people who are going to live in Panama City and who will look for a job here.  The men need to wear good clothes, dress shirts, pants, and closed shoes.  The women also need to dress right; no mini skirts or small shorts.

 

BUT, if you are here because you are looking for somewhere to retire, dress as you want.  It is really hot around here, and at the end, you are retired!  Enjoy your retirement by dressing light, with shorts, "Guayaberas" shirts (Tommy Bahama's Style), and simply you will get along day by day. 

Panama is a tropical country where casual dress is the code.  At the same time, it is IMPORTANT to note that men are required to wear long pants when accessing government offices.  Jackets are not required and a white, long sleeve, guayaberra is considered "formalwear".  As for women, when accessing government offices, need a conservative blouse, or dress.  You will NOT be allowed entry if you do not abide by this dress code.  

Panama is a tropical country where casual dress is the code.  At the same time, it is IMPORTANT to note that men are required to wear long pants when accessing government offices.  Jackets are not required and a white, long sleeve, guayaberra is considered "formalwear".  As for women, when accessing government offices, need a conservative blouse, or dress.  You will NOT be allowed entry if you do not abide by this dress code.  

What is the dress code in Panama?  I wish I knew the answer six years ago when I moved to Las Cumbres in Panama City, Panama from Canada.   Moving from minus 30 to plus 30 Celsius, the first thing I did when packing my clothes was get rid of all of my jeans.  "Why jeans when you can wear shorts or light clothes?" Was what I thought to myself.  

 

Unfortunately in 2008, when I moved, there was not so much information...

What is the dress code in Panama?  I wish I knew the answer six years ago when I moved to Las Cumbres in Panama City, Panama from Canada.   Moving from minus 30 to plus 30 Celsius, the first thing I did when packing my clothes was get rid of all of my jeans.  "Why jeans when you can wear shorts or light clothes?" Was what I thought to myself.  

 

Unfortunately in 2008, when I moved, there was not so much information available on the do's and don'ts or the ins and outs of moving to Panama.   We definitely did not have the benefit of rich in information websites, such as "Best Places in the World to Retire." So for those still wondering what clothes do they wear in Panama. Guess what? Jeans it is.  Fortunately for me, I figured out where to get affordable and fashionable jeans for each day of the week.

 

That leads to the question as to what people wear on the weekends.  Generally, locals tend to dress up (dress pants and shirt for men, dresses for women).  However, some go basic chic with a nice pair of jeans and nice shirt or blouse, jewelry for women, and of course, high heels.

 

The one thing you do want to know though, is that as a man, if you are to enter a bank or government building, flip flops or cargo shorts are out.  You need closed shoes and long pants. How many times have we found ourselves desperately looking for a clothing store to buy a pair of jeans so my husband could enter a bank or government building?  So when you decide to take the step to move to the best place to retire in the world....well.....pack those jeans.  You won't regret it!

The dress code in Panama depends on where you're going.  If you will be outside it Is better to wear light clothes like shorts, shirts and t-shirts.

 

In Panama you can find a lot of options for where to buy your clothes.

 

In my case I prefer to wear what is comfortable for me and for sure what is appropriate for the occasion. I would say that if you are in an office you should wear long pants.  In general this is really casual...

The dress code in Panama depends on where you're going.  If you will be outside it Is better to wear light clothes like shorts, shirts and t-shirts.

 

In Panama you can find a lot of options for where to buy your clothes.

 

In my case I prefer to wear what is comfortable for me and for sure what is appropriate for the occasion. I would say that if you are in an office you should wear long pants.  In general this is really casual and sporty. You should wear elegant clothes if you have an important event.

Dress code in the Republic of Panamá

 

What a beautiful custom to be nicely dressed, groomed and be admired! Your clothes don't necessarily have to be expensive, or from a brand name; just charming and clean.

 

Of course, if you are at the beach, park or outdoor adventure, you wear your shorts, jeans, sneakers or boots, but always in good taste.  But don´t you feel good with yourself when...

Dress code in the Republic of Panamá

 

What a beautiful custom to be nicely dressed, groomed and be admired! Your clothes don't necessarily have to be expensive, or from a brand name; just charming and clean.

 

Of course, if you are at the beach, park or outdoor adventure, you wear your shorts, jeans, sneakers or boots, but always in good taste.  But don´t you feel good with yourself when going to dinner or any event, to look at the mirror and say:  "I look so good".  It´s just part of human nature.

 

Latin American people, in general, like to dress well, no matter the occasion, even to go in the metro.  Ladies with high heels, and men with tidy shoes.  We are, though, more flexible when we go to the country, but even there, we like to look our best.

 

Except for the mountains, the temperature in Panamá is very warm, which is why many visitors only wears Hawaiian shirts, hats and sandals, thinking that Panamá is only a beach or jungle area, not realizing that there is a separate social life everywhere they go.  Many visitors are surprisingly aware of the cosmopolitan city, even in places like Coronado, Pedasí, Chitré, David or Boquete, were a  dress code is always in effect.

It can be really hot here in Panama, so a lot of people wear just shirts or guayaberas. People here do not wear long-sleeved shirts, and some people would just go in shorts all day. Many wear flip-flops instead of closed shoes.

 

Expats wear shorts all the time and Panamanians wear shorts only on weekends. Expats dress differently from Panamanians. Expats usually wear shorts, Hawaiian shirts and sneakers. You will see them and you will know that they are expats....

It can be really hot here in Panama, so a lot of people wear just shirts or guayaberas. People here do not wear long-sleeved shirts, and some people would just go in shorts all day. Many wear flip-flops instead of closed shoes.

 

Expats wear shorts all the time and Panamanians wear shorts only on weekends. Expats dress differently from Panamanians. Expats usually wear shorts, Hawaiian shirts and sneakers. You will see them and you will know that they are expats. Panamanians do not usually wear Hawaiian shirts. We use the guayaberas and jeans or khakis. Your dress code will also depend on what you do. A lot of bankers and lawyers dress in a coat and tie during the week.

 

If you want to dress up a little bit, you will not feel out of place, either. You can find a lot of people who dress up in the malls, and of course, it depends on where you are going. If you are going to an event or a date, you would of course dress up.

I moved to the beaches of Nueva Gorgana in 2010, from Washington State.  My wardrobe decreased overnight to ten pairs of white Sportif stretch shorts, ten white loose weave T shirts, ten pairs of white underwear, and three pairs of sandals.  Nothing requires ironing.  Today I routinely wear two of those items, and sometimes only one.  Of course, when I go out to dine, I use four of them.  When visiting government offices, I substitute a pair of...

I moved to the beaches of Nueva Gorgana in 2010, from Washington State.  My wardrobe decreased overnight to ten pairs of white Sportif stretch shorts, ten white loose weave T shirts, ten pairs of white underwear, and three pairs of sandals.  Nothing requires ironing.  Today I routinely wear two of those items, and sometimes only one.  Of course, when I go out to dine, I use four of them.  When visiting government offices, I substitute a pair of long pants for the shorts.  What a change from Washington, and its four season stuffed closets.

Most of the men wear jeans and shirts in Panama. Women wear jeans and trousers as well.  However, when the Panamanians go out to eat in the evening, men wear a shirt and a pair of trousers that make them look respectable and the women “dress up to the nines,” as we say in England. They dress up to go for a meal. Panamanians won’t make their disapproval obvious but it is frowned upon to go to a restaurant wearing a pair of shorts. They expect people to have a certain...

Most of the men wear jeans and shirts in Panama. Women wear jeans and trousers as well.  However, when the Panamanians go out to eat in the evening, men wear a shirt and a pair of trousers that make them look respectable and the women “dress up to the nines,” as we say in England. They dress up to go for a meal. Panamanians won’t make their disapproval obvious but it is frowned upon to go to a restaurant wearing a pair of shorts. They expect people to have a certain amount of etiquette.
 
I’ll give you an example. We had a guy and his son staying at our hotel. His son was in his 20s and he had a date with his girlfriend, a Colombian whom he recently met. He was going to a discotheque and was wearing a pair of shorts. My wife Mieke called him back and said, “You won’t be let in. They won’t let you in the discotheque in shorts. Go and put a decent pair of trousers and a shirt on.” So he did and his father laughed and said, “No offense, ma’am.”
 
If you go to the immigration office of any official office here in Panama wearing shorts and flip flops, they will not let you in. You have to wear a shirt, trousers and shoes. Women must wear proper skirts, proper shoes and a top with shoulders covered. Otherwise, they will throw you out. No T-shirts.
 
If you are invited to a dinner, you wear trousers and a shirt. If you show up wearing shorts, the Panamanians probably won’t say anything but they’re probably thinking, “Oh, uncivilized.”

We wear summer clothes all the time in Panama! It’s sunny here all the time so people here prefer wearing light clothing.  The average temperature here every day is around 34 degrees Celsius (about 93 degrees Fahrenheit).
 
In comparison to the dress code in Italy, where I lived for a year, the dress code in Panama is very relaxed. People in Panama usually wear shorts, guayaberas (the traditional shirt for men), sandals, etc. everywhere they go. You would only see...

We wear summer clothes all the time in Panama! It’s sunny here all the time so people here prefer wearing light clothing.  The average temperature here every day is around 34 degrees Celsius (about 93 degrees Fahrenheit).
 
In comparison to the dress code in Italy, where I lived for a year, the dress code in Panama is very relaxed. People in Panama usually wear shorts, guayaberas (the traditional shirt for men), sandals, etc. everywhere they go. You would only see people dress up if they were working in the office or the bank. Then you would see men wearing suits and women wearing high heels.
 

 

(Elcira Maimone in casual clothes, Panama, pictured.)