What is the customary attire in Guam?

Travel Destinations

By Kristy Tolley

What to Wear in Guam

When planning a trip to Guam, it is important to consider the appropriate attire to wear. The climate in Guam is tropical, so lightweight clothing is recommended. The locals in Guam are also known to dress modestly, so it is best to avoid revealing clothing.

Introduction to Guam’s Culture

Guam is a small island in the western Pacific Ocean and is a territory of the United States. The cultural influences in Guam are a blend of Chamorro, Filipino, Spanish, and American. The Chamorro people are the indigenous people of Guam and have heavily influenced the island’s culture.

History of Guam’s Attire

Before the arrival of the Spanish, Chamorro clothing was made from natural materials such as tree bark and leaves. The Spanish introduced silk and cotton fabrics, which were used to create traditional clothing such as the mestiza dress and barong Tagalog for women and men, respectively.

Traditional Clothing in Guam

The traditional clothing in Guam is the mestiza dress for women and the barong Tagalog for men. The mestiza dress is a long, flowing dress with a high neckline and butterfly sleeves. The barong Tagalog is a formal shirt made from lightweight fabrics such as piña or jusi and is typically worn with black pants.

Influence of Spanish and American Colonization

The Spanish and American colonization heavily influenced the clothing in Guam. The Spanish introduced the mestiza dress and barong Tagalog, while the Americans introduced Western clothing such as dresses, shorts, and t-shirts.

Modern Clothing in Guam

Today, modern clothing is popular in Guam and is similar to clothing in the Western world. Locals often wear lightweight clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.

Clothing for Men and Women

Men and women in Guam typically wear casual, comfortable clothing. For men, shorts and t-shirts are common, while women often wear sundresses or skirts with a blouse.

Clothing for Formal Occasions

For formal occasions, women often wear the mestiza dress, while men wear the barong Tagalog or a suit and tie.

Clothing for Casual Occasions

For casual occasions, men and women often wear shorts and a t-shirt or a sundress.

Accessories such as sunglasses, hats, and sandals are popular in Guam due to the hot climate. Chamorro jewelry made from shells and stones is also popular.

Where to Purchase Guam’s Attire

Guam’s traditional clothing can be purchased in local markets and specialty shops. Modern clothing can be found in shopping centers such as Guam Premier Outlets and Micronesia Mall.

Conclusion: Embracing Guam’s Culture

When visiting Guam, it is important to embrace the island’s culture by wearing appropriate attire. Whether it be traditional Chamorro clothing or modern clothing, dressing modestly and comfortably will allow visitors to fully enjoy the island’s beauty and culture.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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