My very first question to her was "Why am I the only one wearing shorts?" She laughed and explained to me that no matter how hot it gets in Ecuador, shorts are not socially acceptable in many places, school being one of them.
Ecuadorians take the way that they present themselves very seriously. They always want to make a good first impression, and this includes their choice of dress. To show that they have class and manners, Ecuadorians dress in a presentable and respectable manner at all times, even if just going for a walk through the city. It is rare to find a Ecuadorian in shorts or overly revealing clothing or in baggy or athletic wear. The clothes that they wear to work, school, or any type of outing is more formal than you would see in the United States. On top of this, the Catholic Church has a huge impact on the way that people behave and express themselves here. Because of this, women here dress more conservatively. They prefer to show less skin, even if that means wearing long pants in hot weather.
Although there's no set rules against wearing shorts and tank tops, it's just not common in this sociaty.There are certain things that people in a country or any social group just accept. If you think about it, it would not be socially acceptable for someone in America to wear pajamas to a business meeting or to school. This is not something that is a set rule, but it's a custom that we all observe. I knew upon coming to Ecuador that I would experience differences in culture and perspectives. Being here has quickly taught me that just because I am used to doing something a certain way does not make it the right or only way to do it!
