How to prepare your wardrobe for Brazil weather?

The biggest mistake travelers commit when going to Brazil is that they assume that Brazil is always sunny. Unlike tourists who usually do bring a sweater or two on their trips, what should those who move to Brazil from other countries? Here are a few tips on how to prepare your wardrobe for Brazil weather.

Brazilian climate

With about 200 million inhabitants, Brazil is world’s 5th largest country. Obviously, it takes a large amount of space for such a number of people to settle in. Add to that that the large portions of Amazon river basin aren’t populated at all and you’re left with even larger country’s surface than what it seemed in the first place. In fact, 3.2 million square miles large. Or, to put it even more into perspective, Brazil spans in 4 different time zones. This means that should prepare your wardrobe for Brazil weather according to the part of the country you are moving to.

There are five different climate areas in Brazil that you should pay attention to when you need to prepare your wardrobe for Brazil weather:

• Humid Equatorial – high humidity and precipitation; rainforests are located in these areas
• Tropical – dry weather in winter and very humid summer
• Semi-arid Tropical – somewhat between deserts and forests, these areas have lower precipitation level than the rest of the country
• Humid Coastal – located along the cost, summers tend to be hot and humid, while winters aren’t very cold
• Humid Subtropical – slightly cooler summers than in the cost, while winters remain warm; the level of precipitation changes on a yearly basis

What should you pack in order to properly prepare your wardrobe for Brazil weather?

As we have seen, the weather in Brazil can be classified as warm. However, this doesn’t mean you’re going to be wearing tank tops every day. Depending on the weather, your journey to work, to the beach, to dinner or for a walk, outfits may vary.

Dressing for work

If you’re a businessman or a woman, obviously you won’t be wearing loose skirts and shorts every day. Business attire is more prominent in the country’s capital of Brasilia. In men, polished shoes and a good-looking suit in combination with a nice tie are a must. For women, business suit with a skirt that falls below the knees is always a good choice. Whatever you decide to wear, keep in mind that status symbols are big in Brazil.

Everyday dressing

When you decide to move and realize it is time to prepare your wardrobe for Brazil weather, look to bring loose clothes made from natural materials with you. Due to high humidity, Brazilians tend to wear clothes from natural materials because they let your skin breathe and helps the body cool down. You should count on wearing flipflops and shorts quite often, so make sure you have packed them.

You need to prepare your wardrobe for Brazil climate depending on where you travel in the country

For nights out, something casual, but slightly more formal should be your go-to options. Ladies, bare in mind that locals like to wear high heels and evening dresses when going out for a dinner. Bring them with you in case you might need them. If you don’t have any, no worries, you’ll be able to purchase some when you arrive.

Going to the beach

With 4600 miles of coast, beach culture plays an important role in Brazil everyday life. However, this doesn’t mean that you should wear your swimsuit all around the city. Once you arrive, you’ll see that locals take pride in their bodies. Feel free to wear a swimsuit of your choice and don’t be surprised to see guys in Speedos or girls in more revealing options.

Beach fashion plays a major role in coastal areas of Brazil

However, topless or nude swimming isn’t big in Brazil. In case you’d like to show some more skin, make sure you do it on a nudist beach. Information on them is easily found online.

Brazil cools down too

However, depending on where you decide to move your home in Brazil and what season it is, evenings can get chilly. Therefore, make sure you always have a scarf on you, just in case. Furthermore, Brazilians like bright colors, so in case you have certain items of clothing you haven’t felt comfortable wearing back home due to their vivid colors, go ahead and take them with you. They are normal and will help you blend in.

Be aware of your surroundings though

On the other hand, be mindful of flashy items you wear. Brazil is notorious for its crime issues that are often directed towards tourists. While you have moved there and don’t regard yourself to be a tourist anymore, foreigners are always easy to spot. This can make you a target without you even being aware of it. So, you might want to leave your jewelry in your new apartment and wear them for special occasions.

Prepare your wardrobe for rainy days

As we have already seen, humidity is high in Brazil. This means that you should expect moderate to high precipitation as well. Therefore, rainy clothes are a must! Especially because Brazil is located in the southern hemisphere. This means that when it’s summer in the USA, winter mode is full on in Brazil. Keep that in mind when deciding on the time of year when to move to Brazil.

Going to Amazon

Dressing for rainforest is different from dressing in the city

Being the largest rainforest on Earth, if you’re moving to Brazil, you’re surely going to visit Amazon at a certain point. It is a place where wildlife is abundant and animals and insect roam freely all around. Here is the list of things you have to make sure you put on or bring with you:

• Walking boots that cover your ankles
• Sandals for resting
• At least a pair of socks per day
• Long-sleeved pants
• Cotton shirts, long-sleeved
• Fast-dry t-shirts
• Wide-brimmed hat
• Waterproof poncho
• Warm clothes for evenings and nights
• Insect and mosquito repellents

Dress according to your common sense

Hopefully, these tips will come in handy when the time comes. In case you start panicking when you realize you need to prepare your wardrobe for Brazil weather, just take a step back, calm down and take a moment or two at maybe talk to your international moving company Brazil and ask for advice. Look around you and try to imagine yourself wearing your clothes in Brazil. If you cannot imagine yourself wearing something, then it surely doesn’t belong in your suitcase.