www.CostaRicaTicas.com

No one is trying to pass themselves off as a native. Guys that ask this question do so because of weather, and not wanting to draw attention to themselves. Being a foreigner doesn't draw attention to you, except for the Calle Seis-type of excursions. In the general areas, no one notices a foreigner unless he's dressed like a clown.

Outside of coastal areas, I do not see local MEN wearing shorts. That is their choice. I don't think they find shorts disrespectful, and tourists are given a lot of leeway before the undue attention begins.

Wear what you want. Leave the jewelry at home.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Wear shorts but do not call undo drunk attention. Of course people will still know your are a tourist even if you dressed in a 3 piece suit. It's not about your clothes.

I am not bagging on anyone, but I would think that if it were based on situations then common sense would dictate what you would wear. Or no? I personally do enjoy being able to wear shorts everyday, but of course I am not going to wear shorts out to restaurants unless I am at the beach.....


the DR



<--------the OG in cargo shorts.......

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“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity"

I've never seen you look out of place. It's just that first-timers aren't sure what the 'theme' is. San Jose and Jaco are worlds apart. Jaco-dress in San Jose is noticeable, but not offensive. San Jose dress in Jaco is too hot and stands out.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Can I go Tony Robbins on this thread?

Dress for what makes you comfortable!

Likewise, I am a full-timer here. I dress 365 days a year in what I want to wear for the occasion. Usually for me a casual day is a pair of jeans, flip flops, and a button down untucked and roll up the sleeves if warm. I live on a northern pacific, Guanacaste beach, and will very rarely wear shorts except for daytime trips to grocery store or the like. I also have a full time job so I wear slacks and a dress shirt every day. With Mosquitos I prefer to wear jeans to keep them off my legs or reduce them. Even my homeboy Dr. Mario can confirm, I am usually a little overdressed for anywhere, monger venue or not, as I feel comfortable in a button down dress shirt.

The more comfortable a person feels the more positive their attitude will be and the more confident they will feel. So dress like you want.

My unique situation is I am very tall, and American lving in Coata Rica. So no matter where I am I do stand out. You can see me from across virtually any bar, restaurant, club, etc. just because I am taller than a vast majority. So, approaching a different subject. Gringos DO stand out in any and all areas compared to a location full of Latinos. Obviously, Dr. Mario is the ultimate mexi-chino, and he tends to blend in better than most.... But this would also take us back to the Spanish equation.......

Wear some clothing, or not , it's up to you.

There must be a TLC program that covers the subject. A couple of well-dressed, snotty know-it-alls will come into your home, throw out all of your hawaiian shirts and you Bud Lite t-shirts, burn all your favorite baseball caps, and then set you up in airy tropical wear that slims your hips and put you in a Panama hat.

Despite the weather, my experience in latin america indicates that most "well-dressed" people, whether casual or formal, wear slacks as opposed to shorts, and women on dates expect such. Mongers, on the other hand, can wear pretty much anything they want that makes them happy, and as long as they accessorize well with a fat wallet then it's all good. The ladies are very forgiving of other fashion goofs and will cheerfully overlook them as long as the mongering gentleman accessorizes properly.

Jaco is freakishly hot, even at night, so whatever you wear, make sure it's the lightest possible material, and shorts are almost required. I do wear lightweight khakis usually, but only at night and even then they are borderline too hot.

I know some of you give a rat's ass what a chic might think, but as far as ladies go…

In Jaco, shorts are fine either day or night. Might want to have a nicer shirt at night but no big deal.

In San Jose, unless you're hanging out at the pool, working out or playing golf wearing shorts is less common. At night, you'd look like a gringo polo with shorts…which many of you can't help anyways (sandals and socks, c'mon dude)…so just put on some pants or jeans and pretty much anything up top (tshirt, polo shirt, dress shirt, whatever), particularly if you are thinking about taking your chic somewhere else.

+1 appearance helps in lower price negotiation as well as hygiene and a good attitude.

the only place I take any of my chics is my hotel room

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"cuz I'm a back-door man" Jim Morrison-1969

I'm surprised zip-offs weren't mentioned--classy enough with a nice Polo for nearly any occasion; zip'm off the next morning with a good T for that day. I do agree that the lightest weight are the way to go--quick-dry cloth even better (those sudden, sodden showers during "Green Season"). And carry your phone/wallet in zipped Ziploc bags << I learned this lesson the hard way on an ATV adventure.

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"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

I use ziplocks for all the adventure stuff I do, but I'd also like to add that having pockets that seal (or at least flap over and velcro) are a must. I took a tumble that cracked 3 ribs, but worse than that was my action camera bounced out of the pocket it was in and flew several hundred feet down past me ... never to be seen again!

Oh, and the camera was safely sealed in a ziplock, so wherever it is down in the valley, it's at least safe from water damage.

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bypassin' kinky, and usin' the whole chicken!!!

Rumor has it the Friday night on the weekend of a full moon you can catch Greengo outfitted in a pink jockstrap and a lime green tank top prancing through the DelRey to the sound of show tunes on his Ipod! Just a rumor!

While we're on the subject, if you're an older guy, like me, with a bit of a belly, like me, can I just suggest you not wear a cheap tee shirt tucked into a belt that is straining to hold in your gut at about navel level.

It's the ultimate 'dad bod' look, and it's just not the way to go.

Buy a couple of decent summer weight shirts that are meant not to be tucked in. And some pants that you don't have to strap up around the middle of your belly. For the love of god, please. It's a very small change that will make a world of difference.