What clothing is traditionally worn by Indigenous people in Ecuador’s highlands?

In Ecuador’s highlands, each Indigenous community maintains a distinct style of traditional dress. While specific garments vary by location, common elements include:1

• Men: Often wear coloured ponchos, such as blue in the Otavalo area or red in western Chimborazo. They may also wear traditional hats and sandals.1
• Women: Typically wear embroidered blouses, wrapped skirts made of woolen cloth, and shawls secured with a pin in the front. They also wear sandals and locally produced hats or headgear.1

In some highland locations, both men and women may still wear their hair long, often gathered in a ponytail. While these traditional styles remain significant, it is important to note that clothing choices in Ecuador are diverse; many people, particularly younger generations, also wear international fashions like jeans and khakis, and business suits are common for formal occasions.1