Exploring Bolivia's Traditional Male Attire And Clothing Culture

Traditional Bolivian clothing varies across the country, with at least 30 different dress styles among the native Bolivian cultures. In general, men in the highlands and valleys wear rectangular tunics, with a strip of cloth to cover their backsides, and sandals. In the winter, they wear capes made from alpaca or vicuña fibre. In the lowlands and chaco, men wear light cotton trousers, ponchos, and chullas, a type of woollen cap.

The pollera (pleated skirt)

The pollera is a colourful, layered, pleated skirt in the style of a Spanish peasant. The skirt is a symbol of pride for indigenous women in La Paz and in rural areas. The pollera was originally a simple Spanish dress that colonial authorities forced indigenous populations to wear to easily identify and set apart the often-looked-down-upon native community. The pollera is made from different materials, such as cotton or wool, and tends to have colourful decorations, including embroidered flowers and regional animals. The pollera worn in the Bolivian altiplano is made from 8 metres of cloth and is worn with 4–5 embroidered underskirts. The skirt worn under the top pollera is called the fuste, and the skirt under the fuste is typically made from wool.

In Bolivia, the pollera is worn with a silky shawl called a manta, a frilly blouse, a practical apron, and leg warmers. To finish the outfit, a 19th-century European bowler hat, known locally as a bombin, is worn. These hats are often in different vibrant colours. The overall effect is very vivid and striking.

The pollera is typically reserved for special occasions, celebrations, festivals, and parties among younger women. However, in rural areas, the traditional clothing is the usual standard of dress, with many young women coming from families where the females wear this outfit every day.

The chola costume

While the chola costume is still worn daily by many indigenous women in Bolivia, particularly in rural areas, it is facing increasing competition from Western-style clothing, especially among younger women. The traditional outfit is now often reserved for special occasions, celebrations, and festivals. This shift is attributed to factors such as education, career aspirations, and the desire to blend in with universal styles of dress. However, the chola costume remains a strong symbol of cultural identity and pride for indigenous women in Bolivia.

Ponchos and capes

Ponchos have a long history in Bolivia, believed to have originated in neighbouring Peru in the 17th century. They have since become an integral part of the traditional Andean dress, offering protection from the cold and rain. The unique properties of alpaca wool make Bolivian ponchos highly sought-after worldwide, with the finest ponchos being those handcrafted by skilled Bolivian artisans.

Bolivian ponchos come in a variety of styles and colours, catering to different tastes and needs. Some ponchos feature hoods for added warmth, while others have V-neck designs. The "Western" poncho, for example, is a unicolour garment ideal for cold weather, while the "Chacaltaya" poncho features a shaded design. The "Huayna" poncho, on the other hand, stands out for its striped pattern.

In addition to ponchos, capes have also been a part of traditional Bolivian clothing for men, especially during the colonial era. During the winter, both men and women of the lower classes wore capes made of alpaca fibre, while the aristocratic classes favoured vicuña fibre capes. The use of different fibres and colours helped distinguish the various social classes. The noble class also adorned their capes with gold, gems, and feathers, reflecting their high social status.

Today, while younger men in urban areas are adopting more Western styles, traditional ponchos and capes remain a source of pride for those wanting to showcase their indigenous roots. The election of a president who wore a traditional Bolivian male outfit in 2006 is a testament to the enduring significance of these garments in Bolivian culture.

Hats and headwear

In the departments of La Paz, Oruro and Potosí, the noble class wore 'tocados' (headdresses) adorned with gold, gems and feathers, as well as fine fleece earflaps. The lower noble classes wore an 'embroidery chulo' (a woven winter cap with earflaps) as a symbol of social status.

In the 16th century, the Spanish imposed a new style of dress on the indigenous and mestizo populations, including wide-brimmed hats adorned with a feather.

In the 19th century, the pollera (pleated skirt) was introduced to Bolivia, along with the European bowler hat for men and a silky shawl known as a manta. The bowler hat is known locally as a 'bombin' and is often colourful. It perches on top of the head with no means to fasten it.

In Potosí, men wear a chulo (a knit cap with ear coverings) that is usually woven with geometric, zoomorphic or anthropomorphic designs.

In the Chaco region, men of European descent wore very wide-brimmed hats with the front flap folded upwards and tied with a leather cord.

Sandals and shoes

Bolivian men's footwear varies depending on the region and the climate. In the Bolivian highlands, men traditionally wore "ojotas", sandals made from strips of leather. In the lowland and Chaco regions, most men did not wear shoes. In modern times, some indigenous Bolivian men go barefoot, even in cold weather, while others wear sandals or nothing on their feet. In the city of Sucre, men wear "abarcas", flat sandals made from leather or rubber.

Frequently asked questions