Dressing Etiquette

People in Paraguay tend to wear clothing that is made from lightweight and breathable fabrics due to the hot climate. Light colors are also preferred to dark colors for the same reason; lighter colors generally keep people cooler in hot conditions.

The style of dress is fairly formal. Adults typically do not wear shorts and adult males generally do not wear open shoes, or sandals. Women usually wear skirts or dresses rather than pants or trousers. In a casual setting, sportswear is popular. This is due to it being loose-fitting, lightweight, and comfortable.

Dress is more conservative in the countryside and rural areas than in the big cities. In large cities, many people have adopted Western standards of dress. You will likely see women wearing short dresses and skirts, with low necklines or sheer fabrics. As a foreigner, it is better to err on the side of conservatism and wear less revealing clothes. Clothing in Paraguay is similar to that in other South American countries, although people in Paraguay tend to favor louder and brighter colors.

The traditional costume of Paraguay includes a poncho, which is worn by both men and women. Women also wear a traditional shawl, which is called a rebozo. Traditional clothing is not often worn today in Paraguay. Rather, it may be worn for special occasions, for example weddings, festivals, heritage events, and other celebrations. The clothing in Paraguay has evolved over the years, so that visitors will probably not see many differences between the clothes worn in Paraguay on a day-to-day basis and those typically worn in their home country.