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Barcelona Clothes and Dress Code. Tips on How to Blend in With the Locals

Good example of typical Spanish style in Barcelona

By Alexandra Moore

This page will give you an outline of the Barcelona Clothes to wear (and not to wear) if you want to blend in with the locals. There are clear advantages to respecting the dress code here in Barcelona, namely improved safety (not easy to single you out as a tourist) as well as giving you a more authentic experience and a valid reason to do a little shopping! This article will give you all you need to know about the dress code in Barcelona.

Life in Spain has changed dramatically in the past few decades, with the entrance into a new democracy and the decline in the influence of the Catholic church.

This is reflected in a more modern approach to clothes, fashion and dressing, however modesty is still valued and the Spanish tend to dress conservatively and elegantly.

Whilst Barcelona is a very cosmopolitan and bohemian city there are still some definite ´do and do not wears´ which I hope to shed some light on. This should make it easier for you to blend in and not be so obviously a tourist.

The Spanish really care about their personal appearance and image, they don’t really wear casual clothes as we know it. The Catalans especially are very proud people and like to look good. They are keen on designer clothes but even more important to them is quality and fitting. It is not hard to find Spanish clothes of very good quality at a reasonable price, which is great for visitors.

Do respect religion. The church is still an integral part of Spanish life and wearing shorts or being scantily dressed whilst visiting a church will not be appreciated.

Do not flaunt what you’ve got! When my friend came to Spain she complained of all the disapproving looks she got from the older people on the metro. This was because she was wearing a mini skirt, which is no crime but perhaps consider dressing more conservatively.

Do dress up a bit if you are going out for a nice supper. You won’t be turned away if you’re dressed casually but you will probably get some looks.

Do not wear shorts in the city, save them for the beach, wearing them elsewhere will label you as a tourist. A skirt or loose-fitting trousers are just as good in the heat and will protect you from the sun.

Do take the time to have a look around the shops, there is a great variety of shops here, and as I’ve already mentioned the quality of the clothes is normally good.

Do not wear a bumbag. I know they’re very useful but tourists mainly wear them, and in fact they are easily removed by slight-handed thieves. If you must wear them then the Spanish tend to carry them on their shoulders like a normal bag.

Spot the tourist! Classic examples of clothes not to wear if you want to blend in with the locals

Do not wear shorts/mini skirt with strappy tops/bikinis. Despite the fact that on the beach less is better seems to be the rule (don’t be shocked at topless girls with thong bikinis..there are loads of all ages!) in the city women tend to be more conservative. Dressing in what could be seen as a provocative way will most likely get you some unwanted attention.

If you do get attention the best thing to do is completely ignore it, sustained eye contact could be taken as a sign of flirting.

Typical summer clothes worn by the locals in Barcelona

Do choose fitted styled clothes. The Spanish dress well and their clothes fit well and look sophisticated. In the Winter people tend to look quite smart all the time, in fitted jackets, boots and darker colours.

Do not wear bright, garish coloured clothing. You will notice that as a rule the Spaniards seem to prefer muted, autumnal colours, like green, yellow ochre and burgundy. However this is changing and shops for the young are full of brighter clothes. Whichever way you choose to go also remember that the Spanish are big on outfit coordination, clashing colours and mis-matched styles are a no!

Do get your denims out, they are very popular here in every style and worn throughout the year.

Do not forget about your shoes, the Spanish love shoes, and for them a pair of shabby shoes can let down a whole outfit.

Business Clothes:

If you are coming to Barcelona for business then bring your work clothes. For men you will be expected to wear jackets and ties even if it's hot. Women wear dresses or skirts.

As a general guideline, the more casual your clothes are (shorts, vests, flip flops) the more you will stand out as a tourist.

Barcelona is however a vibrant multi-cultural city so I wouldn’t worry too much, unless you really want to blend in and look as local as possible. After all nowadays you can find every styled clothing here from dread locked hippies, trendy denim clad teenagers to smart, conservative dressers.

I hope these Barcelona Clothes tips and dress code will help you feel more relaxed on your visit to Barcelona. There are thousands of tourists who don't have a clue what to wear and are easily spotted. With this article you needn't be one of them if you don't wish to be.