When visiting a new place, one of the first questions you ask yourself is “what clothes should I pack?” Finding a balance between feeling comfortable, being prepared for any plan, and looking good is a challenge for every trip. There are many variables to consider: the weather, the activities you plan to do, the places you want to visit, and even local fashion. Colombia’s variety of climate, activities to do, and fashion trends will give you a wide range of options to choose from. But don’t get overwhelmed! We will give you all the information you need to make packing your suitcase as easy and quick as possible.
Consider the Weather
Colombia is characterized by having all types of climatic zones with drastically changing weather conditions from region to region. That’s why you need to know the specific conditions of the places you plan to visit. Antioquia, one of the most beautiful departments in the country, has a great variety of climates, from warm and humid weather to very low temperatures in the moors.
Medellín, the capital of Antioquia, has an average temperature of 70 ºF, with a low of 58 ºF and a high of 86 ºF, although the temperature is usually consistent year-round. The sky can quickly change from sunny to rainy in a matter of minutes, so be ready for weather changes throughout the day. It’s a good idea to carry an umbrella with you, but you don’t need to worry about packing one in your suitcase. You can simply buy one when you get to the city.
While you’re sure to enjoy warm weather during the day, the temperature will probably drop at night. The best way to prepare yourself for Medellín’s weather is to bring layered outfits. Have fun mixing cool and airy garments with light sweaters and rain jackets or windbreakers. Play around with different fabrics and textures. Cotton shirts or dresses are an excellent option for walking around the city during the day, and a soft wool jacket or a light raincoat will come in handy at night or in case it rains.
Dress According to Your Plans
When it comes to the activities you can do, Medellín has a variety of cultural, sporty, and gastronomic options. From visiting a flower farm to rafting, each day will come with a new adventure. Dressing in layers and having versatile outfits will help you be prepared for any plan.
There are two must-haves for you to enjoy the city to the fullest: denim jeans and sneakers. You can pair your jeans with virtually any outfit. If you are doing a city tour, you can combine it with a colorful shirt or a floral top. But if you have a sportier plan like going paragliding, you can pair it with a sports t-shirt and a windbreaker.
Sneakers are essential because Medellín is located in a mountainous region. The city is situated in the Aburrá valley, but its surroundings are elevated and you will need to have appropriate footwear for lots of walking and hill climbing. Avoid high heels and very stiff shoes, as they will restrict your mobility and make you tired faster.
If you are going out clubbing, do not overdo it. Each dancing club will have its own dress code, but it is usually not strict. For women, a printed dress or a colorful top with well-fitting jeans will work just fine. Remember to wear shoes you can dance in. For men, trousers with a nice shirt will blend in well. Keep in mind that it gets chilly at night, so while you can get hot dancing in the club, it’s a good idea to have a cardigan or a light-fabric coat for when you return to your place.
Try not to wear jewelry or very flashy pieces. While Medellín is a safe travel destination, it’s always best to avoid wearing an accessory you’ll regret losing. Besides, the less accessories you wear, the more comfortable you will be to go on any adventure you want without worry.
Embrace Local Fashion
Medellín, the city of Eternal Spring, is the fashion capital of Colombia. Its style is vibrant, daring, and colorful. Women are not afraid to show some skin, and men wear fun accessories and haircuts. Locals enjoy and value dressing well without being extravagant or showing off expensive brands. Floral patterns and bright colors will be your allies to fit in well in the city.
If you have a budget for shopping, a good way to save space in your luggage is to pack only the strictly necessary and buy whatever else you need when you get to the city. Medellín is an excellent place to find new pieces for your wardrobe, and there are options for every budget and taste.
You can easily find replica shoes from big brands that are very affordable. So if you are worried about wearing out your expensive shoes, this could be a good solution. There are local brands such as Animalista if you are looking for more durable and original shoes. There, you will find urban-style shoes, boots, and much more.
For clothes, you can visit shopping malls such as El Tesoro Parque Comercial or Centro Comercial Santafé, where you will find popular stores like H&M and Le Coq Sportif, but you can also find local designer stores such as Cocoa Jeans and Especia. If you are looking for a more affordable and casual option, go to El Palacio Nacional, where you can get inexpensive and varied sportswear.
To sum it up, you can easily achieve the perfect match between comfort, weather-appropriate clothes, and Medellín fashion. The main tips are:
- Use bold colors and soft, breathable fabrics.
- Dress in layers to be prepared for any weather change.
- Jeans are your go-to for almost every activity you plan.
- It will occasionally rain, so a light raincoat will come in handy.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Avoid flip-flops and heavy jackets.
- Do not wear expensive jewelry.
- Do not rely solely on shorts.
Having all the relevant information to prepare for your trip will simplify the travel planning process and make your experience more enjoyable and satisfying. If you have more questions about clothes to wear in Medellín or want to know more about this magical city, contact us for the best tour plans.
