Traditional Brazilian Clothing

One of the fastest growing economies in the world, Brazil is a colossal country located in eastern South America. It is world-famous for its attractive tourist destinations and cultural diversity. The roots of Brazilian culture are found in African and European indigenous traditions and cultures. However, it draws much influence from Portuguese culture from its 322 years of colonization. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, German, Japanese, Italian, Arab and Spanish immigrants settled in Brazil and contributed a lot towards its multi-ethnic and multicultural society that we see today. Brazilian culture is enriched with literature, arts, music and flavorful cuisine. Brazil is well-known for its spectacular street parades during the Carnival. The street parades wouldn't be half as attractive if it weren't for the great costumes worn by the people. This article will focus on the different types of traditional attire that the Brazilians wear to celebrate festivities.

Traditional Brazilian Attire

The attire is an integral part of the culture of any country. Each country has its own unique traditional clothing which represents its cultural and social status. The type of clothes worn by people is determined by the history of their country, its climatic conditions, traditions, and ethnic groups that inhabited or are inhabiting it. Brazil is a large country with diverse climatic conditions in different regions. Hence, the traditional clothing of Brazil varies from region to region. Brazil is known internationally for its vibrant, stylish and sophisticated clothing. Brazilian clothes are comfortable, vividly colored, beautifully crafted and decorated with attractive accessories. Traditional Brazilian clothing is influenced by a combination of different races and immigrants from all over the world.

• In the southern region of Brazil, there is a mixture of German, Russian and Italian immigrants.
• While in Rio de Janeiro, immigrants from England, Portugal and Africa are predominant.
• The Bahia region of Brazil is influenced by African culture, hence their traditional clothing is made from Bordado Richelieu, which is a doily-like embroidered fabric.

Towards the south of Brazil, the attire of the people has a very European touch to it, especially Italian and Spanish. People in this region are likely to be among the first to embrace trends that freshly debut on runways. However, true traditional Brazilian attire can be seen in the countryside, where clothing for men includes shirts, jeans and dresses made from inexpensive cotton to suit the sweltering climate and their occupational work. Rio de Janeiro is popular for its magnificent beaches. Hence, people in this region mainly wear beach style shirts, Bermudas and sunglasses. In Rio Grande do Sul, the southern plain region of Brazil, the cowboys (gauchos) wear a distinctive dress: baggy trousers called bombachas, ponchos, wide straw hats and leather boots. The cowherds (vaqueiros) in the Northeast region wear a coat, hat and leather chaps. In Amazon, the native Amerindians wear traditional tunics and paint their faces.
They make use of beads and feathers to decorate their bodies. They are known for their distinctive hairstyles and body painting. However, these days, many native Americans have adopted a contemporary clothing and lifestyle. In Bahia, many women prefer traditional African clothing that includes bright colorful shawl, a baiana dress or a long full skirt and a turban-like head scarf. They are fond of colorful, beaded necklaces and bracelets. The Carmen Miranda version of this dress is a skirt with a long slit showing off a leg and a turban which is embellished with multicolored feathers, plastic fruits and flowers.


In the urban areas of Brazil, most people prefer modern clothing. Young men wear jeans and T-shirts. Short skirts and dresses are very popular among women. Jeans are the most common item in the Brazilian wardrobes and have been even named after this fashionable country. Known as Brazilian jeans, they are made for women are tight-fitting and loosely tapering near the feet. These jeans come in a wide variety of designs, styles and textures. Due to the abundance of beautiful beaches, beachwear (Speedos for men and string bikinis for women) is a very popular clothing in Brazil.

During the Carnival, for which Rio de Janeiro is world-famous, all Brazilians don fancy costumes with elaborate detailing. A lot of women can be seen dressed as Samba dancers wearing a headdress bejeweled with colorful rhinestones and feathers, skimpy costumes, boas, extravagant jewellery with high heels and bright makeup. Due to the tropical climate, Brazilians avoid clothes made of light fabrics like cotton and viscose.

The next time you visit Brazil, don't forget to purchase some of these clothes to add a flash of color to your wardrobe.