How People Dress in Panama - What To Wear in Panama (2024)

Panamanians dress casually.

How casual depends upon where you are in Panama.

Bocasdel Toro is very casual.Flip-flops, shorts, a t-shirt, or even a tank top is fine.

In Panama Citypeople tend to dress more stylishly than elsewhere in Panama. Business casual is more the norm. Suits and high heels are seen more often, but overall the dress is still casual.

I know I rachet up my wardrobe – slightly – while in Panama City. Of course, all those air-conditioned places in PTY makes getting dressed up a more comfortable option.

The highland areas(eg. Boquete, Volcan, El Valle) also dress casually. However, it is warmer-clothing casual since it is cooler in the highlands. So more long-pants and jeans, as well as sneakers or casual city shoes.

A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words

Before I tell you how people dress in Panama, I will show you.

Check out the photos below. Click on any photo to start the slide show.

How To Dress

In general, it’s good to look decent when you go out.

Yes, it is casual, but it is neat and tidy casual, not beach bum casual.

Of course, if you are simply on vacation, you can get away with dressing more casually.

However, if you are moving somewhere in Panama, it is a good idea to be presentable.

The truth is that you will likely be judged based on what you wear.

Most places in Panama are small towns, heck the whole country only has 3.5 million people, and they notice what you wear.

If you go out looking disheveled, with short shorts, or inappropriately attired, locals will notice and talk. It is always a good idea to respect the cultural norms of an area, whether you are a traveler or resident.

I’ll give you an idea of what I mean by presentable.

For a few years, my daughter Skylar and her friend Bryan, who is also our Panamanian next-door neighbor, were almost inseparable. Each time Skylarand Bryan would head into town, Bryan would make a pit stop at his house. He would emerge transformed.

He would no longer be in a t-shirt and shorts. He would have changed into spotless jeans (maybe long shorts) and apolo shirt, with his hair freshly wet-combed.

Only then did his mother give the okay for him to walk or bike into town. I wish I could say Skylar had been as nicely attired.

A Tip: If you are invited to dinner at a Panamanian’s house, dress appropriately. If you show up wearing shorts and a t-shirt, your Panamanian hosts probably won’t say anything, but they’re probably thinking, “how uncivilized.”

Typical PanamanianAttire

In this section, I will try to give you a general idea of what Panamanians usually wear out in public. If you want to fit into the local community, follow these general guidelines.

I am not saying that expats or travelers should dress like a local. However, to be respectful, youshould dress so you don’t outrage local sensibilities. And given that Panama’s dress style is casual, it is pretty easy to dress appropriately.

Business Attire

Also, if you are in business, you might want to take special note of what to wear. You will be given more respect and deference if you wear long pants, polo shirts or button-down shirts, rather than shorts and t-shirts. Think business casual.

Panamanian men typically wear

  • Jeans and polo shirts
  • Long shorts are more and more common
  • Sneakers, flip-flops, sandalsor shoes – as appropriate
  • Carry backpacks and sometimes fanny packs (esp. workers)

Older men wear

  • Light-colored button-down or polo shirts
  • Brown or grey trousers
  • Oftena fedora-type hat
  • Usually loafers. Most often brown loafers. Black for special occasions like picking up theirjubilano check.

Panamanian women typically wear:

  • Capri pants, jeggings, stretch jeans (often with rhinestones).
  • Short sleeve blouses, tight colorful shirts, or tank tops
  • Sometimes skirts,and occasionally dresses
  • Hair up & slicked back in a clip, or in aponytailwith plastic headbands with teeth to smooth hair out
  • Purses are typically used, but a significant number of women tend to carry their wallets and phones in their pockets
  • Sandles, flip-flops, or flats. Female office workers tend to wear high heels to work.

Older women

  • Skirts or capris
  • White or light-colored blouse
  • Flats
  • Hair up in a clip

Workers

Workers (eg., maids, gardeners) tend to arrive at work in nicer clothes, then change into work clothes. They reverse the process when they head for home.

Misc Observations on Dress & Make-up in Panama

  • Jeans are appropriate pretty much everywhere, even in church. That is, nice jeans, no holes or stains.
  • Jeans tend to be dark wash blue, light blue or black jeans are not as common.
  • Guayaberas (the traditional shirt for men) can be worn anywhere. Which is surprising because it is a buttondown shirt that is worn untucked, so it seems causal. However, it is considered appropriate to wear anywhere from Presidential Inaugurations to nightclubs.Click here for the history of Guayaberas, which are worn throughout Latin America.
  • Generally, Panama is15 years behind the fashion world.
  • Panama City is much more fashion-forward than other parts of Panama.
  • Clothes are tighter than is usually worn by North Americans.Even dress shirts for men and women are tight – except for older men and women.
  • Pants, esp. for women, tend to be tight and low-waisted – so you will see your share of guts hanging over waistbands.
  • Women usually limit their make up to eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, and eyebrow shaping. Women tend to draw eyebrows very thin – rarely matching their hair color. Their eyeshadow choices tend to be colorful.
  • Manicures are popular with women. (It helps that they are very inexpensive.)
  • It is perfectly acceptable for men to get manicures (without colored nail polish) and to shape their eyebrows.
  • Panamanians favor gold-colored jewelry

Dress Code for Government Offices & Banks

If you will be going into any government offices know that they have a dress code.

You can be asked to leave if you do not comply.

Dress code: long pants or a knee-ish length skirt/dress/capri pants. Your shoulders must be covered. Men should wear a polo or button down shirt, not a t-shirt. Shoes must cover your toes.

If you wear shorts, flip-flops, and a tank top, you can guarantee you will be asked to leave.

I have been fine going into government offices with over the knee-capri pants, Keen sandals (which cover my toes) and a short-sleeve button-down shirt. Children wearing toe-revealing sandals seem to be okay as well.

Theoretically, banks have the same dress code. But I find it has more to do with the mood of the bank’s security officer than with anything else.

I have gone into banks wearing flip-flops (but otherwise complying with the dress code) and have almost never been asked to leave. Usually, I simply forget that I am wearing flip-flops. However, if you remember, it is best to comply with their dress code.

No Shirt? Not Allowed in Panama

In Panama, except at the beach, it is illegal for men to be shirtless in public. This no shirt law also applies while you aredriving a car.You occasionally will see a man shirtless in public, but not often.

It is always illegal for a woman to be shirtless in public in Panama – even at the beach.

About Jackets

You should have a light jacket. There are many places where the air conditioning can be freezing.

  • Buses
  • Airplanes
  • Restaurants
  • Banks
  • Government buildings

Also, the temperatures in the highlands are lower, sometimes making a jacket a good idea.

Plus, elsewhere, particularly near the ocean, it gets cooler and breezier in the early mornings and evenings, especially in the rainy season. At those times, you may appreciate a light wrap.

Discover more information about life in Panama – Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter.

How People Dress in Panama - What To Wear in Panama (2024)

FAQs

How do people dress in Panama City Panama? ›

Panama City is cosmopolitan and people tend to dress casually but smartly – think fitted clothing and smart shoes. If you don't want to scream 'tourist' then avoid wearing shorts around the city, no matter how hot it gets. The key is neat and sleek, and neutral colors are best.

What kind of clothes do people wear in Panama? ›

Panama's national outfit is the Gala Pollera and the Montuno. These originated in the central provinces of the country. The outfit consists of a hand made skirt and shirt, they come in all colors and designs. Here are some images of the pollera and the jewelry that is worn with it: the combs, necklaces and tembleques.

What do girls wear in Panama? ›

Panamanian women typically wear:

Capri pants, jeggings, stretch jeans (often with rhinestones). Short sleeve blouses, tight colorful shirts, or tank tops. Sometimes skirts, and occasionally dresses.

What is the traditional clothing in Panama for men? ›

Panamanian men's traditional clothing consists of white cotton shirts, trousers and woven straw hat. The traditional women's clothing is the pollera.

What do people wear in Panama in the summer? ›

Panama Clothing Style

Summer in Panama means that you'll find most people, both locals and visitors, walking around in shorts, thin t-shirts and sandals. Popular and worthwhile accessories include hats and sunglasses.

What are people from Panama called? ›

Panamanians (Spanish: Panameños) are people identified with Panama, a transcontinental country in Central America (a region within North America) and South America, whose connection may be residential, legal, historical, or cultural.

What is the culture in Panama like? ›

Panama's culture is a blend of African, American Indian, North American, and Spanish influences, which are expressed in its traditional arts and crafts, music, religion, sports, and cuisine. Panamanian music is popular throughout Latin America, and the country is known as well for its many festivals.

What do I need to pack for Panama? ›

This is the Ultimate Panama Packing list to prepare you for your adventures throughout Panama.
...
THE ULTIMATE PANAMA PACKING LIST
  1. HYDRO FLASK. ...
  2. WATERPROOF PHONE COVER. ...
  3. A RELIABLE POWER BANK. ...
  4. SELFIE STICK. ...
  5. BUG SPRAY. ...
  6. Neck Pillow. ...
  7. GOPRO HERO 6. ...
  8. WORLDWIDE POWER ADAPTOR.
14 Jul 2020

What type of art is popular in Panama? ›

Two of the more iconic pieces of art or fashion coming from Panama are the Panama hat and the mola. A mola is a colorful and intricately-woven textile of layered fabrics, generally sewn to represent a local animal species or geographic design.

Do people in Panama speak Spanish? ›

Spanish is the official native language of Panama. But what kind of Spanish do they speak? There are many types of Spanish, but Castilian Spanish is spoken in Panama due to Spain's influence in Panama.

Do and don'ts in Panama? ›

11 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Panama, Ever
  • Don't carry your actual passport around. ...
  • Always carry your ID. ...
  • Don't be surprised when prices jump during Carnaval. ...
  • Don't panic at the sound of random fireworks. ...
  • Don't wander unfamiliar territories at night or alone. ...
  • Don't forget to stay hydrated. ...
  • Don't count on the forecast.
16 Nov 2017

How much is a pollera? ›

“Just the pollera puts you at a cost ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 or $20,000, depending on the technique and the colors.”

What do American people wear? ›

For most of America casual is the main dress style – even for dining out. Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as a camisoles or t-shirts for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and thick sweater in the winter.

What religions are practiced in Panama? ›

The country has an area of 30,193 square miles and a population of 3.3 million. The Government does not collect statistics on religious affiliation, but various sources estimate that 75 to 85 percent of the population identifies itself as Roman Catholic and 15 to 25 percent as evangelical Christian.

What should I pack for Panama City Beach in December? ›

What to wear/what to pack:
  • Light jacket or fleece. for men. for women. ...
  • Pants or jeans. for men. for women. ...
  • Dresses. You can find some great options here.
  • Long sleeve shirts or blouses. For men. ...
  • Extra socks. for men. ...
  • Sneakers or comfortable shoes. for men. ...
  • Light and heavy skirts. light. ...
  • A rain coat to layer with a jacket. for men.
4 Dec 2021

What is Panama City known for? ›

The Panama City area is a popular destination for college students on spring vacation. The city is the seat of Gulf Coast Community College (1957) and has a campus of Florida State University. St. Andrews State Recreation Area, known for its beautiful beaches, is just south of the city.

Can you drink the water in Panama? ›

In most places, the water in Panama is safe to drink. The Panama Canal Company had a high standard for hygiene, and as a result the water is clean in Panama City and much of the rest of the country. Bocas del Toro is one of the few places in Panama that does not have reliably safe water.

Do and don'ts in Panama? ›

11 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Panama, Ever
  • Don't carry your actual passport around. ...
  • Always carry your ID. ...
  • Don't be surprised when prices jump during Carnaval. ...
  • Don't panic at the sound of random fireworks. ...
  • Don't wander unfamiliar territories at night or alone. ...
  • Don't forget to stay hydrated. ...
  • Don't count on the forecast.
16 Nov 2017

What do I need to pack for Panama? ›

This is the Ultimate Panama Packing list to prepare you for your adventures throughout Panama.
...
THE ULTIMATE PANAMA PACKING LIST
  1. HYDRO FLASK. ...
  2. WATERPROOF PHONE COVER. ...
  3. A RELIABLE POWER BANK. ...
  4. SELFIE STICK. ...
  5. BUG SPRAY. ...
  6. Neck Pillow. ...
  7. GOPRO HERO 6. ...
  8. WORLDWIDE POWER ADAPTOR.
14 Jul 2020

How much cash should I bring to Panama? ›

Take cash

Don't forget to bring money or documentation to prove your financial solvency. The minimum is 500 dollars. A very important requirement to enter the country.

Can you use US dollars in Panama? ›

Panama's official currency is the balboa. The rate of exchange for the balboa has always been tied to the US dollar—one dollar equals one balboa. Panama does not, however, print its own paper currency and instead uses the US dollar as legal tender.

Can I flush toilet paper in Panama? ›

Don't Flush Paper

In Panama, they don't flush toilet paper down the toilet. The little trash bin they have next to every toilet is there for a reason and you should use it. Most businesses have septic systems and flushing any materials down the toilet will mean more regularly cleaning the tanks out.

Can I drink the water in Panama? ›

In most places, the water in Panama is safe to drink. The Panama Canal Company had a high standard for hygiene, and as a result the water is clean in Panama City and much of the rest of the country. Bocas del Toro is one of the few places in Panama that does not have reliably safe water.

How should I dress for Panama Canal cruise? ›

A Panama Canal cruise is definitely a warm weather trip, so shorts, jeans, T-shirts, swimsuits, sandals and walking shoes should take care of your daytime wear.

What is the safest place in Panama? ›

Las Tablas is considered to be one of the safest places on the planet, let alone Panama. The crime index is very low, while the safety index remains high. As for Chitre, locals will tell you that this is one of the safest cities in the country.

How much is 100$ in Panama? ›

100.00000

How much is a US dollar worth in Panama? ›

Convert US Dollar to Panamanian Balboa
USDPAB
1 USD1 PAB
5 USD5 PAB
10 USD10 PAB
25 USD25 PAB
7 more rows

How much does a meal cost in Panama? ›

Cost of Living in Panama
RestaurantsEdit
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant7.00$
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course50.00$
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)7.00$
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)2.00$
62 more rows

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 5731

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.