Exploring Bolivia's Unique Children's Fashion And Style

Bolivia is a country in South America with a rich cultural history and diverse geography, including the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, and the Amazon rainforest. The country's culture is heavily influenced by its large Indigenous population and Spanish colonial rule. When it comes to clothing in Bolivia, there is no single typical style due to the variety of cultures and ethnic groups present in the country. However, traditional Bolivian clothing often includes colourful, layered, pleated skirts called polleras, silky shawls called mantas, and 19th-century European bowler hats. In rural areas and among older generations, traditional clothing is still commonly worn, while younger people in urban areas tend to favour Western-style clothing, such as jeans and t-shirts.

Traditional dress in La Paz

The traditional dress in La Paz, Bolivia, is representative of the country's rich cultural history and diverse ethnic groups. Here is a detailed description of the traditional attire:

Women's Traditional Dress:

The indigenous women of La Paz, known as "cholitas paceñas," have a distinct style characterised by their unique headwear and vibrant attire. The most recognisable feature of their dress is the "bombin"-style bowler hat, which was originally imported from England and has become a symbol of their culture. The way a cholita wears her hat indicates her marital status: centred on the head for married women and tilted to the side for single or widowed women. Underneath the hat, their hair is typically parted down the middle and braided.

The "pollera" is the name of the traditional skirt worn by the cholitas. It is a colourful, layered, and pleated skirt that falls to the ankles in La Paz. This style of skirt is also a symbol of pride for indigenous women, who have embraced it despite its origins as a garment imposed by colonial rulers. The pollera is often paired with a "manta," a brightly coloured silky shawl draped over the shoulders or used to carry goods or babies. To complete the outfit, women usually wear a frilly blouse and a practical apron, along with leg warmers for added warmth.

Men's Traditional Dress:

The traditional dress for indigenous men in La Paz includes light cotton trousers, often homemade, and vibrant ponchos. On their heads, they typically wear a "chulla," a woollen cap. Some men choose to go barefoot, while others wear sandals.

It is worth noting that traditional attire is more prevalent in rural areas and among older generations. In larger cities and among younger individuals, Western-style clothing, such as jeans and t-shirts, is becoming more common. However, traditional outfits are still worn during special occasions, celebrations, and festivals.

Clothing in the lowlands and Chaco region

The clothing styles in Bolivia vary by region, climate, and income levels. The lowland and Chaco regions of Bolivia include the departments of Beni, Pando, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Chuquisaca, and portions of Santa Cruz, Tarija, and Chuquisaca.

Prior to the colonial era, the tribes that inhabited the lowland and Chaco regions of Bolivia wore very little clothing. Women wore triangular pieces of cloth over their backsides, made from feathers or cotton fiber, while men wore a sheath or 'carcaj' to cover their groins. Boys over 14 years of age wore these. Both men and women wore their hair loose and adorned themselves with necklaces made from bones, seeds, and animal teeth.

In the 17th century, Jesuit priests imposed new styles of dress on the indigenous people of the lowlands and Chaco regions. Men and women wore long, sleeveless, cream-colored cotton tunics that reached their ankles. Men were made to cut their hair in a "mushroom" style, and women were forced to braid their hair in one or two braids.

Over time, the women's tunic evolved and became more colorful, with the addition of colorful ribbons and a frilled collar. The dull, raw cotton color was replaced with strong colors, and the tunic was complemented with other thin, light fabrics to suit the hot tropical climate. Men began to wear wide-cut pants and shirts, made of light-colored cotton, and a hat made from woven palm fronds called a "saó".

In the Chaco region, another type of traditional clothing is worn, which is not of Bolivian origin. This style of dress was worn by people of European descent. Women wore a dress similar to that of a flamenco dancer: a very full, bell-shaped skirt that reached the floor, with a sleeveless blouse that ended at the waist. Men wore "bombachas", wide-legged balloon pants, with high and very pointed boots, and a wide-brimmed hat.

Today, Bolivians typically wear the same clothing as those in Western countries, and the above types of traditional clothing are usually reserved for festivities, special occasions, and tourist attractions.

What kids wear in Santa Cruz de la Sierra

The clothing worn by children in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, is largely similar to the clothing worn by kids in Western countries. This includes items such as jeans, shorts, t-shirts, and dresses. The most common type of clothing in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is shorts, due to the tropical climate of the region.

The cultural development of Bolivia is divided into three distinct periods: pre-Columbian, colonial, and republican. Each of these periods has influenced the country's traditions and clothing styles.

In the pre-Columbian era, the clothing of the indigenous people was simple and varied depending on the region and climate. In the colonial era, Spanish colonizers imposed European-style clothing on the indigenous population, which still influences the traditional dress of Bolivia today. For example, the "pollera" (pleated skirt) worn by highland Indian women of indigenous descent was originally a Spanish dress that colonial authorities forced them to wear.

Today, in rural areas and among older generations, traditional Bolivian clothing is still worn daily. However, in larger cities and among younger generations, Western-style clothing is becoming more common. This includes items such as jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters.

Santa Cruz de la Sierra is located in the eastern part of Bolivia and is the country's largest city. It has a tropical savanna climate with an average annual temperature of around 25 °C (77 °F). The city is known for its mestizo and Creole identity, with a smaller indigenous population.

The history of the pollera

The pollera is a colourful, layered, pleated skirt in the style of a Spanish peasant. It was originally a simple Spanish dress that colonial authorities forced the indigenous populations to wear. The pollera is a symbol of pride for the indigenous people, who live in La Paz, and for people in rural areas. The word "chola" stems from the word "chula", which in Spain was used to refer to the wives of bullfighters' assistants.

The pollera was introduced to Bolivia during the Spanish colonisation of South America. The Spanish imposed a new style of dress upon the indigenous and mestizo (mixed-race) population, forcing them to wear the typical European clothing of the era. This was intended 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. Most of the decorations are embroidered, with flowers and regional animals among the most common designs.

In modern times, the pollera has undergone adaptations to suit evolving fashion trends and personal preferences. Contemporary polleras may feature different lengths, varying embroidery styles, and even incorporate modern fabrics. However, the traditional pollera embodies the essence of Bolivian heritage, with a full, voluminous skirt, often made from layers of petticoats, and typically accompanied by a ruffled underskirt, known as an enagua.

The pollera is worn with a manta, a type of brightly coloured silky shawl, a frilly blouse, and a practical apron. To finish the outfit, a 19th-century European bowler hat, known locally as a bombin, is worn. These hats are often also in different vibrant colours.

Accessories for kids

Hats

Bolivian hats vary by region, with each area boasting its own unique style. In La Paz, for example, hats are typically "bombin"-style bowlers, while in Cochabamba, they are high and rectangular with mid-sized brims. In Tarija, hats have wide brims, low heights, and slightly elevated rims. The bowler hat, in particular, is an inherent part of the traditional women's garment and a source of national pride.

Shawls

The "manta" is a type of brightly coloured silky shawl worn by women of indigenous descent. It is part of their traditional outfit and is often complemented by a bowler hat. In Cochabamba and Tarija, smaller, embroidered shawls with fringe detailing are preferred.

Jewellery

In rural areas, traditional clothing is still the norm, and outfits are often accessorised with fine gold jewellery.

Bags

When exploring Bolivia's natural wonders, a bag or soft-sided rucksack is practical for carrying essentials.

Shoes

Comfortable, lightweight shoes are ideal for the walking involved in exploring Bolivia's countryside and natural attractions. Flat shoes or sandals are commonly worn by both boys and girls.

Frequently asked questions