Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Panama Expat Forum

Boquete Style (Woman)

New Topic Newest First
capforfun
  8/2/2015 07:43 EST

So, last night my wife and I were talking about Boquete and our upcoming visit/move. The subject of clothes and style came up and as we have not visited yet (we have been to Panama a few times but never Boquete) she was wondering what do woman where i.e. what is the local style.

We have had the opportunity to spend extended time in a variety of places around the world including Asia & Europe and we have found each place has it's own local style.

So ladies (and men), how about a little dish on what to wear :-)

sdbayless
  8/2/2015 08:10 EST

I have a former Spanish student who retired in Volcan, Panama. I still communicate with her and plan to retire in Panama myself within the year. When I see pictures of her on her Facebook page, she and her US and Panamanian friends dress casually in jeans and nice shirts, some times slacks and a nice shirt, some times a casual dress. In my opinion, she dressed the same as when I saw her in the US, causal and comfortable.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Connect

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

ranadelnorte
  8/2/2015 08:49 EST

Wow! Great question. Daywear is easy: Dior all the way. Evening wear is a bit trickier. It used to be Balenciaga, but now that Alexander Wang is no longer their top designer, its anybody's guess. Tell her to stick with someone pretty and classic like Valentino until the trend gets sorted out. But please, no YSL; just too, too provincial. Footwear is a whole other issue.
Good luck!

capforfun
  8/2/2015 09:01 EST

Looking for less snarky responses.

This is a valid question to understand what to expect and a very important issue for my wife.

BTW - Not sure why you think this means designers. When in Key West or Chiang Mai Thailand there is a style that is considered local. It does not mean it is expensive or fancy, just the opposite.

Happy to hear responses from adults in the room :-)

Panama2017
  8/2/2015 09:04 EST

For footwear it's Jimmy Choo all the way. No Louboutin please.

ranadelnorte
  8/2/2015 10:25 EST

Panama2017: Great advice. To complete the picture for the lady, what is your take on the all-important handbag? Is Céline too edgy for Boquete? Will the chains on Chanel rust out overnight? Maybe she'll just have to suck it up and wear a backpack?

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Connect

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Panama2017
  8/2/2015 10:36 EST

Ranadelnorte, the ladies in Boquete seem to prefer Hermès. Although Coach is also popular - tends to be a little more rugged.

capforfun
  8/2/2015 10:45 EST

It appears only the kids are up this AM. When the ladies get online we might actually be able to get some helpful responses :-)

Panama2017
  8/2/2015 10:58 EST

If you aren't satisfied with our answers I suggest you check Women's Wear Daily. You might be surprised to find we are right.

ranadelnorte
  8/2/2015 11:09 EST

Panama2017: Hermès! Of course! Silly me. Availability should no longer be a problem since they opened their second boutique in PTY at the new Soho.

cheryl4209
  8/2/2015 11:59 EST

Think casual, loose-fitting, naturally breathable fabrics, ie cotton or silk. Humidity here is killer, not as noticeable in Boquete as the lowlands, but still worth a couple of showers a day, minimum, for me. Florida beach wear is fun when hanging out at the pool. You are living in a country of great disparity, where expats, all expats are viewed as extremely wealthy. Out of respect (and for your personal safety) put away the jewelry and designer labels. You will appreciate good walking sandals. My Panama handbag is my go-to travel bag; one of the rip-stop, razor blade proof jobs with credit card protection fabric. Tip conservatively, but do tip every time, bring doughnuts to the staff. Those who perform those little daily tasks for us, from the bag boy at the grocery to the gardner, often go unnoticed, but they notice you. Dress quietly, show interest in their lives and they will be there when you need or want something. Central/South American cultures are collective, as opposed to individualistic, as in the states. Relationships come first. Style, which I miss, has pretty much gone out the window.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Connect

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
Connect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

kimbattlincoln
  8/2/2015 12:32 EST

First off, I never wear anything that looks expensive or too fashionable. No expensive jewelry. Although I often dress like a tourist in shorts and tank top, I think a casual skirt is more in keeping with the local style. I think my husband and I once (unknowingly) offended our attorney by wearing shorts to his office. I wear a skirt if I'm going to any public buildings in the city. Besides, skirts are cooler anyway!

capforfun
  8/2/2015 13:50 EST

Thanks Cheryl & Kim:

This is what we are looking for. Is there locally made clothing i.e., shoes, tops, skirts etc.

It is funny, last summer we spent 3 months in Thailand and there were these great pants, sort of pajama style but everyone wore them wherever and they were so comfortable and looked great. I think they cost about $3-$4 pair. These where in Chiang Mai and if we wore them else wear we would be almost the only ones and friends, store keepers etc would pint and go Chiang Mai :-)

helidog1
  8/2/2015 13:57 EST

How about men's clothing? I'll be moving to the Coronado area later this month and have two sports jackets and one suit packed. Is there many "Jacket and Tie " occasions for a retiree or is this overkill?

hd1

panamajames
  8/2/2015 15:51 EST

Suits, jackets and long pants are for funerals and Government buildings, and perhaps some church events. Boquete is a tourist town, so casual is the dress style. For men, tank tops and shorts, sandals, and for a more formal look, a golf shirt and running shoes. For the ladies it is pretty much the same. Leave your formal wear at the Goodwill, and relax. You can buy new Lands End golf shirts for $3 and T-shirts for $2 in Volcan. Why shop anywhere else. I bought some Lands End shoes for $3 that are $100 in the US. Bathings suits are a few dollars. Nice Lands end Jackets might cost you $10 tops.

Rik61Penonome
  8/2/2015 19:05 EST

And don't forget your socks to wear in those sandals so you look totally gringo ;)

Rik

llseldon
  8/2/2015 19:09 EST

White socks Rik61. Sonrisas

Rik61Penonome
  8/2/2015 19:11 EST

Think casual, but with a touch of class. Shorts are ok for the beach and around the house, but Panamanians rarely wear them around town. Jeans are much more acceptable for everyday wear for guys along with a short sleeved shirt.

Tank tops and shorts make you stand out as a gringo and are frowned on or banned in many banks and govt buildings.

Closed toe sandals are accepted and still cool to wear.

Even the lowest paid Panamanian women do make an effort to dress well when out around town, The gringas stand out a mile with their braless tanktops and cellulite revealing shorts.

Rik

panamajames
  8/2/2015 19:29 EST

Yes, I forgot the white socks for the sandals to keep the blisters away and make for the total Gringo look. Gringos and Gringas wear shorts while the locals always wear long pants. The Panamanian ladies are always fashion conscious with the latest in toe nail art and gorgeous naked sandals..........Crocs that are $3 here, are a favorite amongst Gringos and Gringas. A variety of colors to match your tops and complete your total look....Cheap is a good look here, and then the banditos won't follow you home.

kimbattlincoln
  8/2/2015 23:23 EST

Saw some graffiti on a wall recently. It said, "I love your Crocs. Signed Nobody". : )

capforfun
  8/3/2015 07:06 EST

There was a reference to Land End clothes really cheap. Is that particular to that brand, is it made in Panama? Or was that an example?

Jazzmann
  8/3/2015 09:52 EST

That explains why the banditos leave me alone. The tropics is the best place to live if you are poor.

cheryl4209
  8/3/2015 10:37 EST

I would bring my Chiangmai Mai pants and wear them! Locally made jewelry is fun, however the clothing I've found is usually imported and of low quality and/or a style I would not enjoy. Bring what you like and are comfortable wearing.

cheryl4209
  8/3/2015 11:54 EST

Google; an American clothing brand, comfortable, suitable for travel.

panamajames
  8/3/2015 13:49 EST

We don't have major events in Boquete to wear the latest in fashion, or be a clothes horse. The ladies will wear sun dresses. I've seen a few guys wearing them too. I can tell by the Adam's Apple and the deep voice. Bright colors are stylish. Lime greens and bright oranges. Stay away from silver and gold accessories as they attract way too much unwanted attention.

llseldon
  8/3/2015 14:08 EST

The halmark event in Boquete is the Tuesday morning "social" at the BCP aka community center. Sonrisas.

llseldon
  8/3/2015 14:08 EST

The halmark event in Boquete is the Tuesday morning "social" at the BCP aka community center. Sonrisas.

panamajames
  8/3/2015 14:32 EST

............and it is a Farmers market, every Tuesday 9am to noon, so if you have some farmers clothing in your closet, bring it, and you will fit right in.

Tonette
  8/4/2015 11:18 EST

I'll just echo the good advice I've heard, and add a couple things:
Yes, women need to wear long pants or a skirt, close-toed shoes and no tank tops in govt. offices. Actually, the same goes for men, except for the skirt, lol! ;)
Most Panamanian women wear long jeans. However, as was stated before, they will wear nice sandals, a pretty top, some jewelry, and make sure their hair and makeup are perfect! I've only been here (El Valle) nine months, but I find myself leaning towards the local style of dressing, rather than looking like a gringa all the time (which I do when I'm lounging around or it's really hot). Nothing wrong with looking like a gringa - Boquette has a much larger expat community than EV - I just say this because you mentioned picking up local styles. And yes - DO bring your comfy and neat looking pants from the Orient!
Speaking of comfy - I also agree with whomever said that it's difficult to find good quality, cotton clothes here. I was very disappointed to find soooo much polyester clothing - NOT cool and comfortable. I would bring your favorite clothes, and as much cotton or cotton-blend as possible with you.
So, daily wear is whatever the weather warrants (Boquette can be quite cool, esp. in the evenings): jeans, shorts, capris, any type shirt or blouse, and yes, even Crocs - they DO make a few cute styles for women! :)
If you're going to an event, I agree on khaki pants and polo shirts for men, long pants or sundress with a little jacket for women.
Hope this helps, and best of luck with your move!!

capforfun
  8/4/2015 11:33 EST

Thanks Tonette, great advise and words of wisdom :-)

golric
  8/4/2015 15:23 EST

Panama2017 you guys are funny. But if you go to Multiplaza and new Soho Mall you will find that Panamanian ladies and Venezuelan ladies dress very well.

My advice to anyone is to blend as much as you can. Do not wear those "palm tree" shirts with your shorts and white socks with sandals. They are the dress code for "gringos" and you will stand out in the crowd. Watch the Panamanians even older men and ladies. They make special effort to dress simple but smart and their clothes are always ironed.

mariapanama
  8/4/2015 15:24 EST

I am a lady so I will add my opinion. Some expat ladies dress up a bit, but generally I think that casual clothes are the norm for expat ladies. There are some fairly nice restaurants in Boquete and more upscale folks, so a nice dress would be appropriate. Now, the Panamanians in the city dress in business casual or in dresses and skirts. Those ladies love to dress up for the evening as well! Also, they frown on shorts, flip flops etc. in public buildings and business offices in Panama (especially the city). I would say anything you would wear in the US is fine. Also, remember to bring a light sweater or jacket. It gets cool in evenings or when it rains.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Living in Panama GuideLiving in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in PanamaHealthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in PanamaCost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to PanamaMoving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in PanamaReal Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros Cons of Living in PanamaPros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in PanamaRetiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Visa and Residency PanamaPanama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

We've partnered with Kovalenko & Vera to help with your move.
Learn More

Contribute to Panama Network Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal