COSTA RICA CLOTHING

Just because Costa Rica is a tropical country does not mean you can walk around in your bikini. And even if they have been blessed by Mother Nature with lush tropical jungles and rich rainforests does not mean that men can dress like Tarzan.

Well of course, Costa Rica clothing does not mean you have to wrap yourself up. Even if clothing in general is dictated by a society’s cultural aspect, its climate, and the way its citizens live, Costa Rica clothing does not differ much from any other Central or South American countries. Nonetheless, Costa Rica clothing has two types. The traditional Costa Rica clothing is used to represent the country’s culture. This is also considered as their national costume and can be seen being worn by locals for folkloric presentations. The men however, are still seen donning these traditional styles while working in the fields. The women though never wear these costumes outside the presentations. Their traditional dresses are characterized by long tiered skirt, full of colors and adorned with ribbons. The blouses have no sleeves but have wide ruffles at the neck that fall past the shoulders. Their hair is usually kept in a bun and a flower, mostly Guaria Morada (the national flower), is tucked behind one ear.

Another type of Costa Rica clothing is the contemporary clothing. This means the daily clothes that the Costa Ricans wear. Although the sun shines down practically everyday of the year, shorts are generally not acceptable outside the beach resorts. Well, if you’re visiting you probably don’t care, but Ticos (Costa Rica locals) leave their shorts for beach wear.

Ticos dress conservatively. So the most common thing you would see them wearing around are pants and shirts. Most people wear long sleeves or jackets over their shirts as weather sometimes become unpredictable bringing short rains in some afternoons. Men can be seen in knee-length shorts though, but again, running shorts are saved for the beach. Essential Costa Rica clothing also includes comfortable shoes. Sneakers will work best for any type of weather. A lightweight hiking boots is also ideal and offers a good protection against thorny bushes and muddy trails when trekking. Dresses are worn on special occasions and are done so by the older people. Costa Rica clothing is also cheap, especially the underwear. And while the malls and shopping centers offer good bargains, you will find the best deals in downtown San Jose.

Costa Rica clothing is more European than American. So if you’re wearing hip-hugging, low waist jeans and tight fit shirts, you won’t stand out. And if that’s bad news, you can always use your shorts to go around town which is basically like screaming, “I am not from this country”.