Traditional Bolivian clothing throughout the country is quite varied, as the large country is home to many different cultures and climates. Commonly, it is a mix between indigenous culture as well as influences from colonization. The styles of clothing in the country can be split into two groups; the Highlands and Valleys as well as the lowlands and Chaco. The traditional styles found in the Highlands and Valleys are largely influenced by the Quechua people. Clothes were simple yet colorful, and both men and women commonly wore a rectangular tunic. They also wore ojotas, a kind of leather sandals. Different fabrics, shapes, and colors were signs of different social classes. For example, commoners wore winter capes made from alpaca fiber while the nobles’ capes were made of vicuña fiber. To further distinguish themselves, nobles also wore elaborate tocados, or headdresses, made from materials such as gold, feathers, and gems. Headwear is still relevant today, as it often distinguishes regions from one another. The region’s clothing changed drastically when the Spaniards conquered Bolivia. They forced them to wear an indigenous adoption of European style, often called Chola. This Spanish style is still common today.
The Lowlands and Chaco had a different style of clothing, though they didn’t wear much of it. They didn’t wear shoes either, but often wore jewelry. They created necklaces out of materials made from flowers and bones, and had piercings as well. When they were conquered and converted, the Christians created a style of clothing for them, including sleeveless dresses. The men were told to cut their hair into ‘mushroom cuts,’ and women were only allowed simple braids. Eventually, this simple style evolved into more colorful clothing.