Traditional Peruvian Clothing

Hello, traveler,

The Bigfoot Machu Picchu team wrote this blog just for you. If you are here, you are probably curious about traditional Peruvian clothing and wondering what makes it so special. You have come to the right place.

Traditional Peruvian clothing is an important part of Peru’s culture. People wear different clothes depending on the region (coast, mountains, and jungle), and many of these clothes are made from materials like wool. Both men and women wear colorful and special clothes for everyday life and festivals.

Materials and Techniques in Traditional Peruvian Clothing

Alpaca and Llama Wool

In the highlands of Peru, alpacas and llamas are more than just cute animals—they’re essential to everyday life. Their wool is incredibly warm, soft, and strong. Local communities use this wool to weave clothing that protects them from the cold mountain air. Unlike synthetic materials, these natural fibers breathe and insulate, making them perfect for high-altitude climates.

Handwoven Textiles

Traditional Peruvian clothes are often handmade using backstrap looms, a method passed down through generations. These weavings aren’t just functional—they tell stories. Each pattern and color combination represents the identity, values, and history of a specific community. Some designs are inspired by the mountains, others by animals, and many by ancestral myths.

Men’s Traditional Peruvian Clothing

Poncho

One of the most iconic garments in the Andes is the poncho. Made of thick wool, it’s a large square or rectangular fabric with a hole in the center for the head. Every region has its own style of poncho—some are striped, others feature complex symbols. It’s not only practical (warm and water-resistant) but also ceremonial, worn during important events and festivals.

Chullo

The chullo is the famous Andean hat with earflaps. You’ll see locals wearing it high in the mountains. Knitted from alpaca or sheep wool, the chullo helps protect against the freezing wind. Many of them are decorated with tassels or pom-poms and showcase detailed geometric patterns in vibrant colors.

Juyuna or Unku

The juyuna (also called unku) is a tunic worn during Inca times, typically made from finely woven wool. It’s rectangular in shape and has been found in archaeological sites dating back hundreds of years. Though not worn daily now, it’s still used in some traditional ceremonies and rituals to honor the Inca heritage.

Pants and Shirts

While modern pants and shirts have influenced everyday clothing, traditional versions are still worn in festivals. These pieces are usually made from cotton or wool and are embroidered by hand with colorful floral or geometric designs that reflect the wearer’s origins.

Women’s Traditional Peruvian Clothing

Polleras

Polleras are wide, layered skirts worn by women, usually made from thick wool and heavily decorated. In some communities, women wear up to five layers of polleras during festivals. The embroidery often tells personal or community stories, and the number of skirts or their colors can indicate marital status or village.

Montera

The montera is a traditional hat worn by Andean women. The style and decorations change from one region to another. In Cusco, for example, women wear wide, flat hats with colorful ribbons, while in Puno, the hats are rounder with bright decorations. It’s a beautiful way to show cultural identity.

Lliclla

The lliclla is a rectangular shawl that women use to keep warm or carry items on their back—sometimes even their children. It’s secured at the front with a pin called a tupu. The cloth is woven with care and decorated with motifs that often reflect the natural environment—like mountains, rivers, and animals.

Bayeta

In rural highland areas, bayeta refers to a thick woolen skirt or wrap. It’s especially popular in colder zones and is often used for everyday life. The texture is coarser than other fabrics, but it’s incredibly warm and long-lasting.

Accessories in Traditional Peruvian Clothing

Fajas

Fajas are woven belts worn around the waist by both men and women. They’re colorful, tightly woven, and often feature complex patterns that symbolize protection and strength. Besides holding up skirts or pants, fajas are believed to support the lower back during hard physical labor.

Chuspas

A chuspa is a small woven bag used to carry coca leaves, money, or personal items. Men usually wear it across the chest or shoulder, and it’s common in rural areas. These bags are usually handmade and feature bright colors and symbolic designs, acting as a practical and cultural item.

Ojotas

Ojotas are sandals made from recycled car tires or thick leather. They’re durable and strong—perfect for walking long distances on rocky terrain. Many Andean people still use them today, especially in farming communities, because they last much longer than regular shoes.

Regional Variations in Traditional Peruvian Clothing

Andean Highlands

Clothing from the highlands is warm, colorful, and rich in meaning. Due to the cold climate, thick fabrics like alpaca and llama wool are essential. Men wear ponchos, while women layer polleras and wrap themselves in llicllas. Patterns and colors vary depending on the community—Pisac, Chinchero, and Taquile Island all have distinct styles.

Coastal Regions

On the coast, the clothing is lighter and has more influence from Spanish colonial times. During Marinera dance festivals, women wear elegant full skirts with lace blouses, while men wear white shirts, straw hats, and sashes. These costumes are less about daily use and more for performance and tradition.

Amazon Jungle

In the jungle, clothing is simple and breathable. It’s too hot and humid for wool, so communities use lightweight cotton fabrics. Feathers, seeds, and natural dyes are used for decoration. Many of these garments are ceremonial and are part of sacred dances or rituals tied to nature and ancestral spirits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are used in traditional Peruvian clothing?

The most common materials are alpaca and llama wool, especially in the highlands. These wools are warm, soft, and perfect for cold climates. In the jungle, people use breathable cotton. Traditional clothing is often handwoven and naturally dyed using plants, seeds, or insects like cochineal.

What is a pollera?

A pollera is a colorful, layered skirt worn by women in the Andes. They’re often made from wool and decorated with embroidery. Women may wear one or several at once, depending on the occasion or region. Polleras are commonly worn during festivals and dances.

Why do people wear ponchos?

Ponchos are practical garments made to withstand cold mountain weather. They’re also symbolic, often used in ceremonies and representing regional identity. The colors and designs tell stories about the wearer’s home, community, and sometimes even their role within the village.

What are ojotas?

Ojotas are traditional sandals, often made from recycled car tires. These sandals are tough, long-lasting, and ideal for walking through rough Andean landscapes. Despite their simple look, ojotas are a great example of sustainable, handmade footwear that’s stood the test of time.