Fashion Talks

From the Andes to the valleys, clothing styles in Bolivia differ between communities, but all carry a deep cultural meaning. Here are some of the most distinctive pieces of traditional clothing worn by Bolivian women and men, highlighting garments that are unique to Bolivia’s cultural landscape and often handmade with remarkable craftsmanship.

Bolivian Women’s Traditional Clothing

Aguayo

The aguayo is a square woven textile used by Aymara and Quechua women to carry children, food, or goods on their backs. Traditionally crafted from llama, alpaca, or sheep wool, it features vibrant geometric designs that often represent regional identity, spiritual beliefs, or agricultural symbolism. Aguayos are not only functional but deeply cultural, often worn draped around the shoulders or folded and tied securely for transport. In festivals and daily life alike, they reflect the enduring strength and heritage of indigenous Bolivian women.

Bombín

The bombín is a traditional bowler hat worn by many indigenous Bolivian women, especially Aymara and Quechua. Introduced in the 1920s by British railway workers, it has since become a strong symbol of cultural identity and pride. Typically made of felt and worn slightly tilted, it complements the vibrant traditional outfits. The hat is both a fashion statement and a marker of heritage.

Lliclla

A lliclla is a rectangular shoulder cloth traditionally worn by Quechua women in the highlands of Bolivia. It is often smaller than an aguayo and used specifically to cover the shoulders or to carry small items. Secured at the front with a decorative pin known as a tupu, llicllas are beautifully woven with colorful stripes and intricate motifs that can indicate the wearer’s community or family lineage. Llicllas are commonly seen during celebrations but are also a part of everyday attire, blending practicality with cultural artistry.

Chumpi

The chumpi is a handwoven belt traditionally worn by women to secure their layered skirts and define the waist. Made using backstrap weaving techniques, it features complex designs and vibrant colors that often include ancestral symbols, plants, or animals from the Andean world. The chumpi not only holds the garments together but also serves a decorative and symbolic purpose, representing strength, fertility, and identity. Each chumpi is unique and can take days or even weeks to complete, showcasing the weaver’s skill and creativity.

Ojotas

Ojotas are durable leather sandals commonly worn by indigenous women in rural and highland areas. Crafted from recycled tires or thick cowhide, they are built for walking long distances across rugged terrain. The simple design of the ojota belies its cultural importance—it represents a humble, hard-working lifestyle connected to the land. Despite modern footwear alternatives, many women continue to wear ojotas as a proud expression of their heritage and resilience.

Bolivian Men’s Traditional Clothing

Juyuna

The juyuna is a traditional Andean poncho worn by Quechua and Aymara men, particularly in the highlands of Bolivia. Handwoven from llama or alpaca wool, it features symmetrical patterns and earthy tones with occasional red or blue accents. The juyuna provides warmth and protection against the harsh mountain climate, while also serving as a symbol of masculinity and community pride. During ceremonies and rituals, specific designs on the poncho can represent the wearer’s village or spiritual beliefs.

Chullo

The chullo is a knitted hat with earflaps, often adorned with tassels, worn by men across the Andean region of Bolivia. Made from alpaca, sheep, or llama wool, chullos are both functional and decorative, providing insulation against cold weather while showcasing vibrant patterns unique to each community. The designs on a chullo can indicate age, marital status, or regional origin. These hats are typically handmade and may be worn year-round, from the fields to festival days.

Bayeta Pants

Bayeta pants are made from a thick, woolen fabric called bayeta, woven by hand and dyed in deep natural colors such as maroon, brown, or dark green. Traditionally worn by Quechua and Aymara men, these pants are practical for the cold, mountainous terrain and often paired with a poncho or woolen jacket. Though simple in structure, bayeta pants are part of a long-standing tradition of wool craftsmanship and self-sufficient textile production in rural Bolivia. They remain an essential component of traditional male attire in ceremonies and daily life alike.

Sombrero de Tarabuco

This distinctive hat, part of the Tarabuco traditional attire, is worn by Yampara men in the Chuquisaca department. Inspired by Spanish helmets from the colonial era, the sombrero de Tarabuco features a dome-shaped leather or felt base with embellishments such as colored bands or coins. More than a practical head covering, it carries symbolic meaning tied to resistance, cultural pride, and identity. Worn during the annual Pujllay festival and other ceremonial events, the hat reflects the unique historical fusion present in Bolivian fashion.

Modern Clothing in Bolivia

Today, most Bolivians wear contemporary Western-style clothing, especially in urban centers like La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, and sneakers are common among the younger population, while professionals adopt modern business attire. However, traditional garments are still proudly worn in rural areas and during festivals, maintaining a visible link between Bolivia’s past and present. This coexistence of tradition and modernity reflects the country’s dynamic identity, where cultural preservation and innovation go hand in hand.