Dress Like a Local: What To Wear in Spain
While Spain might not be home to high-fashion cities like Paris or Milan, Spaniards still seem to appear effortlessly chic when it comes to street style. Each region has its own looks—expect locals to keep things dressier in Andalucia than they might in Catalonia or Madrid—but generally speaking, Spain isn’t a country where yoga pants should replace real ones (unless you’re actually doing yoga).
Even though more youthful travelers are often given a pass on societal fashion norms, you’ll be taken more seriously and will better blend in if you dress like you live there. Stay comfortable, keep cool, and don’t commit any major fashion faux pas when traveling through Spain by following these easy style tips.
Keep it classy (especially if you’re older)
In Spain, locals age with grace and style.
It’s not uncommon to see octogenarians strolling the city dressed to the nines—think tweed suits, sensible yet stylish wedges, and vintage handbags. While Spanish youth can (and do) express themselves by wearing pretty much whatever they want, anyone in between should look generally put together.
This means not wearing your pajamas out for a day of sightseeing, and simply putting a bit of effort and polish into your appearance. While this isn’t necessarily required, it will help locals view you as one of their own.
Beachwear stays on the beach
Skip the flip-flops when strolling the city.
It’s perfectly acceptable to wear sandals around town, assuming it’s not a freezing December day. Even Birkenstocks are becoming widely popular in Spain during the summer months. But skip the flip-flops, even in beachy hubs such as Alicante or Barcelona, whenever you’re not at the beach or the pool. Locals simply don’t wear them while off the beach, so it will mark you as a tourist.
And while anything goes at the shore (think skimpy suits, giant beach hats, or even going topless), once you’re back in town, it’s best to put on regular clothes or a cover-up. Residents typically don’t walk around town shirtless, barefoot, or just wearing a swimsuit.
Dress for the season
Whatever the weather, you won’t see locals wearing shorts in April.
Though global warming may be slowly melting away this particular social norm, it’s rare for Spaniards to wear shorts in any other season but summer. While this varies from city to city (coastal spots are more flexible on this “rule”), seeing locals wear shorts in March, especially in a destination like Madrid, is pretty uncommon.
Layers are especially useful in many Spanish cities, as the weather can vary throughout the day. For example, it’s not unusual in spring and autumn to wake up to frigid temps but enjoy pleasant sunshine midday, especially in Madrid. The best way to adapt is to be prepared: pack and wear layers you can peel off as the day gets warmer, and layer up once again as evening rolls in.
Insider tip: Scarves are an especially stylish, easy, and socially acceptable way to layer up (most locals wear them), and as a bonus, they can double as skirts, tops, headwear, swimsuit cover-ups, belts, and more in a pinch.
Sneakers are a yes
Skip the heels, especially on cobblestone streets.
Spanish cities, towns, and villages require a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must when traveling. Sneakers are completely acceptable, as are other types of comfortable or flat walking shoes. You won’t see many locals in heels, especially in areas with cobblestone streets, except for special events like a wedding or a night out on the town.
So be sure to pack sneakers, flat sandals, low wedges, Doc Martens, Birkenstocks, or any other type of low-heeled or flat shoe you can traipse around town in—this includes traversing hills, cobblestones, stairs in the subway stations, and beyond.
Save the activewear for the gym or hikes
Unless you’re actually doing fitness, trade your yoga pants for jeans or khakis.
While younger travelers or backpackers can probably throw on those leggings, and it’s fine, just know that most locals won’t wear yoga pants or fitness clothing unless they’re actually heading to the gym or going for a hike or a run.
Consider wearing jeans, khakis, or another tailored type of pants, dress, or skirt for museum visits or long days of sightseeing if you’d prefer to blend in.
Pack lightweight clothing
Be ready to air-dry your items.
Even if you’re lucky enough to stay somewhere with a washing machine (such as a home rental or villa), don’t expect to have a dryer available. Most homes and apartments in Spain only have washers and not dryers, since locals typically air-dry their clothing on lines or racks.
If you do plan on doing laundry during your trip, avoid bringing things that take an exceptionally long time to air-dry, especially during the winter months. Lightweight or quick-dry fabrics are the way to go.
On Sundays, take it up a notch
Put on your best to feel like a local.
Across Spain, people love to put on their Sunday best and go about town. This tradition probably originated with going to church, but these days, you don’t have to partake in any religion to look sharp on this day (or any day), so pick a crisp get-up to fit in. Typically, locals put on their most presentable looks (no evening gowns or suits, but think tailored pants and shirts, modest dresses, plus cute outfits for kids) and take strolls in the park, meander the city, or head out for a meal.
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