Although there are similarities between how Panamanians and U.S. Americans dress, there are also many differences. The way people dress here, as well as their choices of what to wear in certain situations, was definitely one of the harder things I had to get used to when coming here, especially because it can be a lot more subtle. Long pants are the most common outfit here, and people wear shorts only in the most casual of situations. For running errands, or visiting with neighbors, people usually wear jeans. Many older women wear skirts, typically knee-length, as skirts longer than that are sometimes seen as a bit odd. Chancletas (slides) are all the rage, especially for hanging around the house or going to the beach. Sandals, zapatillas (sneakers) and boots are the most worn shoes for casual wear, and graphic t-shirts are what many stick to.
At school, all students are required to wear a uniform up until high school. This uniform consists of a white or light blue button-up shirt, navy pants for the boys and a navy skirt for the girls, alongside dress shoes. As part of the uniform, many schools have the students pin the school crest on their chest.
