Dressing Etiquette

The traditional outfit of Papua New Guinea is a basic apron, loincloth, or skirt worn without shoes, head coverings, or shirts. Traditional dress is strictly ceremonial for the majority of PNGeans, but as you go further away from cities, towns, and commerce, people mix and match. Many Papua New Guineans in the twenty-first century wear modern European clothing, such as shirts, slacks, boots, and mass-produced T-shirts, dresses, and skirts. They dress in Western attire, yet this is partly linked to their relative seclusion.

Aprons and skirts for rural Papua New Guineans are frequently fashioned of bark, grass, or woven plant fibers. These aprons are fastened with a belt made of vines or bark. Simple aprons made of leaves give little protection or support. Other skirts include many bundles of plant fibers in the back to make a cushion for sitting. Papua New Guineans may dress up for events and special occasions by wearing masks, body paint, wigs, and beautiful jewelry, combs, and decorations.