History of Regional Costumes in Panama

Robert Harrold and Phyllida Legg in their “Folk Costunes of the World” provided the following information on the traditional dress of Panama:

“The pollera of panama is considered to be one of the prettiest costumes in Latin America. “This costume, which is most often made in cotton, has a very full, long skirt, a blouse top with short sleeves and a boat neckline draped with frills. The pollera is thought to have come from Spain, the loose skirt and blouse once worn by the slaves or slaves.” The article goes on to say there are three styles of pollera: Los Santos province style, Herrera and Veraquas Style and finally a simple style called the Montuna or diaria. The dresses are commomly made in white cotton with beautiful hand embroidery. Each styles have varations based on the region or purpose of the dress.”