Dress in conservative business attire for any official meetings or if you are visiting banks or government offices. Women should wear lightweight business suits and heels, or a dress with a sweater or jacket.
Dress in casual sportswear for sightseeing, shopping or casual dining. A sundress or capri pants with a summer top are appropriate for most non-business activities in Panama. Wear comfortable sandals or walking shoes, since city sidewalks and streets are often unevenly paved, and dirt or gravel roads are the norm outside the city.
Wear shorts only at home or at the beach. Adult women typically do not wear shorts when out in public, except at the beach or in the poorest areas of the city and rural regions. Avoid very short shorts and revealing tops, even at the beach. Do not wear torn or dirty clothing. Some Panamanian youth may wear these styles, but it is considered disrespectful for adult women and foreigners to dress in this fashion.
Take along a sweater if you will be traveling into the highland region of Chiriqui. During the rainy months, keep a light rain jacket or umbrella handy in the afternoons, because it will likely rain at least once or twice each day.
Dress stylishly in pants, dressy jeans or capris and summer tops for dance clubs. Formal attire is expected for both men and women at the casino in Panama City. Jeans are fine for treks into the rainforest areas outside the main cities or in the border regions.
