Typical costumes of Colombia

The typical costumes of a country are a cultural and historical sample of it. In the Colombian case, the folklore linked to clothing speaks of the diversity of its people, the climate and the relief of its peoples. It is a mix between indigenous cultures, Spanish and African culture that was imported during the colonial era.

Generally speaking, the woman wears a two-piece suit. A monocolor skirt (usually black) on which different and colorful designs are reflected, although the most common is to place three yellow, blue and red ribbons at the last end of the skirt, achieving a beautiful contrast. The blouse that complements it has a booed neckline and no neckline, with long sleeves. As accessories, shoes of the same color as the skirt ribbons and a red or khaki hat or scarf are used.

On the other hand, the male wardrobe is constituted to adapt to the female one. It is usually made up of black pants and a long-sleeved shirt complemented by a red scarf around the neck. The footwear and the hat is similar to the one worn by the woman.

However, The regions that make up the Republic of Colombia have designed their typical costumes, differentiating the garments between men and women to achieve outfits that complement each other perfectly. and that are very attractive visually. We meet them, below.

Andean region

The typical costume for women in the Colombian Andean region consists of a white, tray-cut blouse made of lace and stripes and adorned with pailletes applications. It is fitted with a zip on the back. The skirt is made of satin with bright colors and its length is mid-leg. Under it, is the three-ruffle petticoat. The skirt is adorned with floral motifs, either painted or die-cut from silk.

As an accessory, the women of this area wear a hat on their head that is placed on their hair collected in a braid or bow or it is worn as a headdress on the right side of the head.

As for the male suit, its appearance is simpler It is made up of a shirt with an open collar, a button panel centered on the chest, and black or white press-fit trousers. As accessories, the rooster's tail or silk scarf and the leather belt are used.

Antioch

The typical costume of Antioquia has its roots in the colonizing paisas muleteers of the XIX century, for the men, and in the coffee picking ladies for the women.

In the case of men, the costume consists of a typical Antioqueño hat, white with a black ribbon, the poncho or the ruana (depending on whether the weather is cold or hot) and the machete, espadrilles and carriel. In the female case, the suit consists of a black skirt with colorful prints and a white blouse adorned with embroidery and a hat.

The Llanero costume

It is composed of a wide-brimmed hat, made of beaver or felt, liquiliqui, trousers and espadrilles made of thread and a tanned leather sole. In some areas, the llanero outfit still has a wide sash to carry the revolver and knife as well as an inner part to hold money.

Amazon

In this area of ​​Colombia, the typical female costume consists of a flowery skirt with a knee length and a white blouse adorned with indigenous necklaces and belts. The men wear white pants and shirts adorned with necklaces of the same style. Being in a tropical climate, the inhabitants of this region wear simple typical costumes, without many clothes, but very showy.

Orinoquía region

Llanera women like to wear a wide ankle-length skirt, adorning each floor with ribbons and flowers. The blouse is white with a neckline and short sleeves. The hair is not collected but it looks loose. As for the man, his typical costume consisted of white or black trousers rolled up to the middle of the leg to cross the river and a white or red shirt. As an accessory, a wide-brimmed hat, being the preferred black hair eguama.

Caribbean region

Given the hot and humid climate of the Caribbean, the wardrobe that is normally worn is soft and cool. For example, in the male case, linen is widely used for pants and shirts, which are made in bright colors. The combrero «vueltiao» is used as an accessory, very popular in the departments of Bolívar, Magdalena, Sucre or Córdoba.

In the female case, we can talk about outfits such as that of Cartagena where the influence of African culture stands out in the colorful dresses and in the variety of fabrics. An example is the palenquera, which covers the head with cloth where they carry basins with tropical fruits, typical sweets and corn buns.

Pacific region

On the Colombian Pacific coast we find a greater presence of the Afro-Colombian community. The typical costume of this region for women consists of a long ankle-length skirt and a blouse made of soft fabrics in bright colors that highlight the tone of the foot. Regarding men, their wardrobe is made up of white silk shirts with long sleeves, white denim pants and espadrilles made of cabuya, fique or thick fabric of the same color.

These typical Colombian costumes show the diversity of a country of cultures rooted in its roots that at the same time blend naturally, resulting in a great variety of very striking garments and accessories.