Barcelona Clothes and dress code (2024)

Barcelona Clothes and dress code (1)
Good example of typical Spanish style in Barcelona

This page will give you an outline of the Barcelona clothes to wear (and not to wear) if you want to blend in more with the locals and not appear as an obvious tourist. There are clear advantages to following the general local clothing trends here in Barcelona, namely improved safety (not as easy to single you out as a tourist) as well as giving a valid reason to do a little shopping. We also cover the types of clothes to wear that are appropriate for the climate here.

What this article is not about

This page is not about giving you a rundown on fashion trends or about stereotyping how the Catalan and Spanish dress.

Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city with many influences from around Europe. In addition, people from different age groups wear different types and styles of clothes.

The seasons also play an important part in determining the types and colours of clothes worn.

How to blend in

Catalunya is forward-thinking when it comes to clothes and design, and there are a whole variety of different clothes and styles worn here. However it is fair to say that modesty is generally valued here and Catalans tend to dress conservatively.

Middle age and the older generation generally tend to wear clothing with muted and conservative colours. The younger generation tend to wear semi-casual clothes like jeans and T-shirts and comfortable shoes or sandals during summer.

The Catalans care about their personal appearance and image. They wear a wide variety of types of clothes. However, generally, they do not wear overly casual clothes. The Catalans like to look good in a conservative way. They are keen on designer clothes but even more important to them is quality and fitting. It is not hard to find Catalan clothes of good quality at a reasonable price, which is also good news for visitors.

With clothes there are no definitive rules. We have stated that generally, the Catalans are conservative however there are also exceptions to this, e.g. Custo Barcelona and Desigual are famous brands here in Barcelona and are noted for their vibrant colours.

Fabric type is important

The material type is particularly important, especially the weight of the fabric. Since it is generally warm/hot throughout most of the year clothes are manufactured with lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow the air to circulate easily. The clothes feel light and cool to wear and have the added benefit of protecting your skin from the sun.

Clothes for the seasons

During summer months lighter colours tend to be worn primarily to keep the clothing cool. Winter months tend to favour more autumnal-type colours.

If you have jeans from countries with colder yearly temperatures, for example, most of Northern USA, Canada and Northern Europe you will be able to wear these in the winter months (November - March). However, the jeans fabric from these cooler countries will be much too heavy and uncomfortable to wear during the summer months.

If you want to wear jeans during the summer it is recommended to purchase them here in Barcelona since the fabric is much lighter weight than conventional jeans found in USA / Canada and Northern Europe. The aim is for you to feel comfortable in your clothing yet protected from the strong sun.

You will be surprised how much a light-weight cotton fabric can keep you cool and comfortable even in hot sun.

Don't struggle by with clothes that are just not suitable for the climate - you will feel uncomfortable and hot, and it will detract from your visit. If necessary invest in a few lightweight tops and bottoms here in Barcelona.

Winter (December, January, February) - These months are cooler so you can wear your heavyweight denims during this time. It is also recommended to bring some warmer clothes and a jacket. It does not rain too much here in Barcelona. However, there are rainy days, particularly during these months and the month of April. Therefore it is worth bringing a light-weight waterproof jacket and an umbrella.

Spring (March, April, May,) it is beginning to warm up a little however there still are cooler days especially during March. You should be prepared for both warm/sunny days but also cooler weather with occasional rain.

Summer (June, July, August)
It is hot and humid in Barcelona during this time. In August particularly it can be very humid. You will need light-weight fabric clothing that is preferably light in colour during the day. During the evening you can wear darker coloured clothing if you want.

Autumn (September, October and November)
The weather can be pleasant and sunny during this time, but it is becoming cooler - especially in November.

We have produced a day-by-day weather report for each month of the year in Barcelona. It may be a good idea to take a look through this record, so you get a better idea of the temperatures and weather conditions during the year.

Do's and Don'ts

Whilst Barcelona is a cosmopolitan and bohemian city there are some 'do's and don't's which I hope to shed some light on. This should make it easier for you to know what types of clothes are suitable for your visit.

Here are a few general guidelines about the Do's and Don't's when it comes to clothing:

Do wear light-weighted fabrics during the months of May - September.

Do not wear heavy cotton denims typical of Northern Europe and USA/Canada during summer months- choose light-weight denim cotton instead.

Do choose lighter coloured clothing during summer months and more muted/autumnal conservative colours during cooler months.

Do respect religion. The church is still an integral part of Spanish life and wearing shorts or being scantily dressed whilst visiting a church will not be appreciated. If visiting Barcelona Cathedral men should wear long trousers and women should have a shawl or a full top covering their shoulders.

Do dress up a bit if you are going out for a nice supper. You won't necessarily be turned away if you're dressed casually, however, an evening out in Barcelona generally means you should be looking good and well dressed.

Avoid wearing casual shorts in the city, save them for the beach, wearing them elsewhere will generally label you as a tourist. A skirt or loose-fitting light weight fabric trousers are more suitable since they will protect you from the sun.

We have had some tourists write in saying they have seen people wearing shorts in the city. This is true - but the majority of the people they have seen are mostly also just tourists.

Locals also wear shorts (mainly the older generation) however these shorts are generally conservative and normally of the longer type.

Do take the time to have a look around the shops and see the types of clothes that are on sale. There is a wide variety of shops here, and you will quickly see the styles and fabrics that are popular in the city. If you try on some clothes from shops in Barcelona, you will notice that the fabrics are much lighter weight than most Northern European clothes and much more comfortable and suitable for the climate here.

Do not wear a bumbag. I know they're useful, but tourists mainly wear them, and in fact, they are easily removed by sleight-handed thieves.

Barcelona Clothes and dress code (2)
Spot the tourist! Classic examples of clothes not to wear if you want to blend in with the locals

Avoid wearing shorts/mini skirts with strappy tops/bikinis in the city centre. Despite the fact that on the beach less is better seems to be the rule don't be shocked at topless girls with thong bikinis. In the city however Catalan women tend to be more conservative.

Barcelona Clothes and dress code (3)
Typical summer clothes worn by the locals in Barcelona

Do choose fitted styled clothes. The Catalans dress well, and their clothes fit well and look sophisticated. In the winter people tend to look quite smart all the time, in fitted jackets, boots and darker or autumnal colours.

Do not wear bright, garish coloured clothing. You will notice that as a general rule the Catalans prefer muted, autumnal colours, like green, yellow ochre and burgundy. However, it is true to say that there are also shops for the younger generation that are full of brighter clothes. Whichever way you choose to go also remember that the Catalans are big on outfit coordination, clashing colours and mismatched styles are a definite no.

Do wear denims but remember that in the summer you will need extra lightweight denim. Your heavy denim fabrics from colder countries will not be comfortable during the summer months, and you won't be able to wear it comfortably. Denims are popular here in every style and worn throughout the year.

Do not forget about your shoes, the Catalans love shoes, and a pair of shabby shoes can let down a whole outfit. In summer leather sandals are also popular.

Business Clothes

If you are coming to Barcelona for business then bring your work clothes. For men, you will be expected to wear jackets and ties for formal business meetings - even if it's hot. But again, your suit fabric weight is an important factor. If you have a heavy fabric suit, you won't be able to comfortably wear it in summer, and it may be worth purchasing a lightweight fabric suit and shirt here if you intend to stay in Barcelona for more than a few days.

Women should wear dresses or skirts for business and a conservative cotton blouse.

As a general guideline, the more casual your clothes are (shorts, vests, flip flops) the more you are likely to stand out as a tourist.

Barcelona is a vibrant multi-cultural city with a good variety of clothes and styles. Nowadays you can find every style clothing here from dreadlocked hippies, trendy denim-clad teenagers to smart, conservative dressers. The aim of this article, however, is to assist you in not appearing like an obvious tourist. It is also to ensure you are comfortable and wear appropriate clothing for the climate. This may mean purchasing a few items of clothes locally which have the correct lightweight fabric suitable for the climate here.

I hope these Barcelona clothes tips and dress code will help you feel more relaxed on your visit to Barcelona. There are thousands of tourists who don't have a clue what to wear and are easily spotted. With this article, you needn't be one of them if you don't wish to be.

Barcelona Clothes and dress code (2024)

FAQs

What do people usually wear in Barcelona? ›

Middle age and the older generation generally tend to wear clothing with muted and conservative colours. The younger generation tend to wear semi-casual clothes like jeans and T-shirts and comfortable shoes or sandals during summer. The Catalans care about their personal appearance and image.

What is the dress code for Barcelona Club? ›

The dress code for FC Barcelona VIP lounges is Smart Casual.

Can you wear jeans out in Barcelona? ›

Throughout Spain the locals really care about their personal appearance, and Barcelona is no different. On the whole they dress smartly and make an effort when they go out in public. Jeans are very popular here – but make sure they are smart and clean.

What are people wearing in Barcelona 2023? ›

You'll see the older generation wearing neutral and primary colors, while the younger prefer semi-casual clothes like T-shirts, leather jackets, jeans, and comfortable shoes. You'll also notice that locals have a weak spot for designer clothes.

What is the appropriate dress code in Spain? ›

The dress code is in line with that of the rest of Europe: smart, dark-coloured suits for both men and women, although women are not expected to wear jackets. Conservative attire is respected with nothing too showy.

What do people wear to go out in Barcelona? ›

Dress code for Barcelona clubs

Guys should go for dark shoes rather than light ones and avoid trainers like the plague. For women, heels aren't common at most of Barcelona's clubs, except the fanciest ones. The beachfront clubs generally have much smart dress codes, with dresses for women and collared shirts for guys.

Can girls wear sneakers in clubs at Barcelona? ›

If you want to stay on the safe side and avoid being turned away, it's best not to wear trainers, even if they are fairly smart. We highly suggest you avoid flip-flops, sporty sneakers, sleeveless shirts, and short pants.

How strict are Barcelona clubs? ›

Most of the clubs in the city don't have a strict dress code, except for some upscale clubs. Always double-check the dress code. Most clubs have a bouncer, so don't be too drunk if you want to enter the club. Barcelona has extensive transportation options through the night.

Is there a dress code for Barcelona Cathedral? ›

Is There a Dress Code To Visit Barcelona Cathedral? Befitting the nature of a church, knees and shoulders should be covered before entering the cathedral. There are also stalls selling shawls around the premises. Cameras and photography are allowed inside the cathedral.

Do people wear flip flops in Barcelona? ›

Footwear for cobblestone streets

That means that wearing the right shoes is essential. Comfortable footwear with grip and support is the best. Uber-flat shoes such as flip flops are not ideal, and you won't find any locals wearing them.

Can you wear sneakers to clubs in Barcelona? ›

To be on the safe side, wear dark shoes rather than white ones, and never wear running shoes. Apart from that, just about anything goes most of the time. The exception to the low-key rule is the beachfront clubs and upscale venues like Sutton or Bling Bling.

Are ripped jeans okay in Spain? ›

Don't: wear jeans with a ton of holes

Ripped jeans might be the style in the States but too much of a good thing can go wrong. Wearing jeans that are too distressed are considered inappropriate unless you are going to a night club. One or two rips is fine, but stay away from extremely tattered jeans.

Can you have your shirt off in Barcelona? ›

Walking half-naked around town.

Since the trend of walking around grocery stores shirtless and pantless caught on, the city passed a law making partial nudity illegal. Throwing on a shirt before leaving the beach is a good idea unless you'd rather pay a $150 fine.

Do people wear sneakers in Spain? ›

Sneakers are also a staple piece when traveling in Spain, which makes exploring much more comfortable. Nicer sneakers are paired with EVERYTHING. This includes dresses, skirts, shorts, jeans you name it. Currently, platform sneakers can be frequently seen throughout the day.

Can I wear leggings in Spain? ›

When deciding what to wear in Spain, pack at least a pair of jeans and a pair of thick leggings. If you plan to explore the north of Spain where some of the most fantastic cities are – like Bilbao, San Sebastian, and Asturias you may even want to layer your leggings underneath your jeans.

Do you wear masks in Barcelona? ›

From 26 June 2021, the use of face masks will be obligatory for anyone over 6 years of age in busy public spaces, enclosed spaces and anywhere where it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres (in accordance with the Health regulations: Royal Decree Law 13/2021 of 24 June).

How to be polite in Barcelona? ›

Local Etiquette
  1. Don't talk politics. ...
  2. Do bring your own bags to shop in the market or supermarket.
  3. Don't have tapas for dinner. ...
  4. Don't show up for dinner before 9 p.m.
  5. Don't wear a Barça jersey except on a day where there's a game (unless if you're under ten years old).
Mar 5, 2018

Is Barcelona a fashionable city? ›

Although this beautiful city has long been a popular destination for travellers, it has only recently joined Paris, New York, and London as the world's fashion capitals. Regarding many different facets of culture, Barcelona is regarded as a significant city.

What time do bars shut in Barcelona? ›

Useful information for nightlife: Remember that nightlife starts at around 10 pm for bars, midnight or 1 am for discos. The bars close around 2:00 on weekdays and 3:00 on weekends. Clubs and discos open around midnight and rarely close before 6 or 7 in the morning ... ;-) Check our page Barcelona Nightlife for tickets.

Can you wear shorts on a night out in Barcelona? ›

Barcelona parties gives you information about items to be avoid and the accurate outfit for almost all the club in Barcelona. Try to avoid anything that may be classified as sporty. Especially sport running shoes or too inappropriate ones. Avoid shorts, too many face piercings or tattoos.

Can girls wear jeans to a nightclub? ›

Yes. All nightclubs allow both men and women to wear jeans. We suggest not wearing bagging denim.

Do you need heels for clubs in Barcelona? ›

For the girls, co*cktail dress and low-heels or other elegant shoes are recommended. Boys, on the other hand, also need to be careful about the outfit. The bouncers in clubs like Opium are known to pay a little bit more attention to how men are dressed.

How not to get mugged in Barcelona? ›

Leave your backpack at home.

Bags that have zips and secret inner pockets are even better. Never put anything of value in outer pockets, and if you really have to walk alone at night, keep your hand over the zip and the bag on an unexposed arm (facing the wall rather than the street).

What time does clubbing start in Barcelona? ›

Nightlife in Barcelona doesn't start until midnight, but it keeps going until sunrise. Sounds like a plan? Well, the truth is that most Barcelona nightclubs start opening around 10pm, but unless it's a venue by the beach (i.e. that tourists can easily find), it won't start getting busy with locals until that late.

Can I wear a dress to Sagrada Familia? ›

What is the dress code for Sagrada Familia? A. Visitors are required to dress appropriately by covering their shoulders and wearing trousers/skirts that come below the mid-thighs. Hats, swimwear and costumes with promotional content or offensive/distracting designs are not allowed.

Can I wear shorts in Sagrada Familia? ›

No, it is not allowed to wear shorts in La Sagrada Família which is an active Catholic church. As in all Catholic churches, you must dress appropriately. It is advised not to reveal too much skin, no sleeveless shirts, or very short pants.

Can you wear shorts in Spain? ›

Spaniards don't wear shorts or sneakers for anything other than sports, so if you aren't planning on working out, leave these at home. Light fabric pants, capris, skirts, dresses are all fine for summer.

Do people wear pants in Spain? ›

For the cooler fall and winter months, Spanish women wear pants and jeans.In the fall and winter months, a typical outfit for a Spanish male can consist of woolen pants or jeans, with button-down shirts topped with a sweater, and dress shoes or sneakers.

Do people not wear shorts in Spain? ›

Spanish Fashion for Men in Seville / Granada

Men often wear shorts in the summer (not basketball shorts, but European style shorts, which are shorter and slimmer than American shorts) with simple cotton T-shirts. The more fashionable men will rock short-sleeve button-ups with a colorful pattern.

Do people use umbrellas in Barcelona? ›

Umbrellas pop up everywhere

When it starts to rain in Barcelona, “umbrella entrepreneurs” start appearing in the streets, as if they had suddenly sprouted from the concrete. Released after a good watering, men and women start appearing in every corner, shoving umbrellas in your face.

Can you walk around with alcohol in Barcelona? ›

Drinking alcohol in the streets? No, that's illegal. One of the favoured habits of young people in Barcelona used to be – and still is – congregating in public squares with six-packs of Estrella Damm, the local beer, and happily drinking and smoking the balmy Mediterranean nights away till the early-late hours.

Do you need water shoes in Barcelona? ›

Anything special we should look for? The area is home to a colony of sea urchins, so you're advised to wear water shoes when swimming, and to stay especially alert near rocks.

Can you walk around with drinks in Barcelona? ›

It is forbidden to drink on the streets of the Barcelona, although t there are many street beer sellers everywhere and people buy their 1 euro beer, which might seem like a good deal but if the police pick you up drinking in a public place you can be fined.

Can you wear hoodies in Spain? ›

Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, cardigans, and hoodies are all a go! Men wear scarves mostly if it's necessary i.e. it's cold!, so you'll see fewer male scarf-wearers in the spring. It's more acceptable for men to wear more fitted tops and bottoms, and not so baggy like American men wear their clothes.

Do Europeans still wear skinny jeans? ›

Skinny Jeans

Jeans are a staple of any European wardrobe.

Can you have your shirt off in Spain? ›

Nudity At Non-Nudist Beaches Is Strictly Forbidden

Salobrena may be off-limits, but dedicated naturists can still enjoy other famous nudist beaches hassle-free, such as the crystal clear water stretch of Platja Es Cavallet, in Ibiza, or Cala de Home Mort, in Sitges.

Should I carry cash in Barcelona? ›

Bring cash in the foreign currency

We do not recommend carrying a lot of cash with you while visiting Barcelona. However, it is a good idea to bring a small amount of Euros cash in advance to cover some initial expenses like taxi, meal etc. until you can arrive at a bank or cashpoint to obtain some more money.

Is it safe to carry a purse in Barcelona? ›

Safety in Barcelona metro

Check your belongings first, then respond. We recommend that you wear a purse or bag with a secure clasp and thick straps. Keep backpacks in front at all times. Keep the purse or bag close to your body and in front or under your arm.

Do you need to carry cash in Barcelona? ›

You will need some cash. Small businesses have credit/debit card minimums, especially at markets like La Boquería and Santa Caterina. Consider ordering some euros to pick up at your local branch before your trip. Some banks will have fees attached, others might just exchange the money at the official rate of the day.

Do you have to wear a bra in Spain? ›

Spain, like much of Europe, is less prude than the United States in that it doesn't deem nudity/sexuality as improper or taboo. Because of this, girls walking around in bras and extremely tight or short clothing isn't considered inappropriate – it's just normal for them.

Can you use your phone in Barcelona? ›

All European cellphone networks are GSM (Global System for Mobiles), so if your cellphone is on a GSM system, you will be fine in Barcelona. If you are unsure how to set up your phone for overseas use, call your wireless operator and ask for "international roaming" to be activated on your account.

What are the new rules for tourists in Spain? ›

Under Spain's current Covid-19 regulations, visitors will also need provide to proof of vaccination, a medical certificate or recovery record showing recovery from Covid-19 within the last six months, or a negative PCR (taken within 72 hours prior to departure) or an antigen test (taken within 24 hours).

Are bags cheaper in Barcelona? ›

Items in Europe are already significantly cheaper to purchase than in the U.S., and you can also get a percentage of your money back from the taxes you paid. Let's break it down. The Louis Vuitton bag that I purchased in Spain was $740 cheaper than the U.S. price.

Should I carry my passport with me in Barcelona? ›

If you are in Spain (no matter what country you are from), you must carry a valid ID card or passport at all times, and failure to do so could see the police detain you temporarily whilst they ascertain your identity, and furthermore, it is within their rights to issue a fine.

What are traditional outfits in Spain? ›

Most traditional Spanish clothing is reserved for special events and celebrations. The most common pieces, still used today, include: the mantilla, the peineta, and the gilet. - The mantilla is a traditional Spanish veil piece that is often worn during religious celebrations such as Spanish weddings.

Is it rude not to tip in Barcelona? ›

Tipping Your Servers:

Tips aren't expected in Barcelona, but they are always appreciated. Credit cards – tipping is possible with a card, just be sure you ask them to add it to the total as they run your card.

What do girls wear to clubs in Spain? ›

One thing to keep in mind is packing shoes for the nightlife! The Spain dress code for a night involves dressing up! You'll see heels, nice sandals, dress shoes, loafers, leather shoes or nice sneakers. Whether you're visiting a club or bar you can't go wrong dressing up.

What is the most famous dress in Spain? ›

One of the most famous traditional dresses of Spain is the flamenco dress. The flamenco dress is often associated with the Andalusian region of Spain, and it is worn by women who perform the traditional Spanish dance known as flamenco.

Does Spain have a national dress? ›

Spain is a country with a rich and varied regional culture and, unlike other countries, we don't have such thing as a national costume. Foreigners often associate Spain with the 'traje de flamenca', but that outfit is worn by Andalusian women during festivals only.

What are different clothes in Spanish? ›

Vestidos, faldas, y ropa formal (Dress, Skirts, and Formal Wear)
EnglishSpanish
skirtfalda
miniskirtminifalda
suittraje
tiecorbata
10 more rows

Do you need cash in Barcelona? ›

You will need some cash. Small businesses have credit/debit card minimums, especially at markets like La Boquería and Santa Caterina. Consider ordering some euros to pick up at your local branch before your trip. Some banks will have fees attached, others might just exchange the money at the official rate of the day.

Can you drink tap water in Barcelona? ›

The short answer is yes, the tap water in Barcelona is generally safe to drink. The typical reaction by locals and visitors is: “Have you tasted and smelled it? It can't be good.”

Do girls wear crop tops in Spain? ›

Sun dresses, shorts, tank tops and even crop tops are perfectly acceptable ways to dress throughout Spain.

Do people wear jeans in Spain? ›

You can't go wrong with a pair of well-fitted denim, whatever time of year you're visiting Spain. In fact, it's common for both men and women to wear trousers or jeans on a daily basis, despite the heat. Shirts and classic button-downs are also year-round favourites and can be easily layered with a winter jacket.

Do they ID you at clubs in Spain? ›

Before we begin, it is worth noting that the official legal age limit for nightclub entry in Ibiza is 18. Therefore, nightclubs are generally obliged to ask you for ID on entry. Acceptable forms of identification are a valid passport or driver's license with a photograph and full name.

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