British tourists planning a trip to Spain have been advised to dress more formally, as an American expat warns of potential 'culture shock' over clothing norms. In a YouTube video on her channel Maddie's Mundo, the expat explained that Spaniards tend to dress semi-formally even for errands, contrasting with the more relaxed styles common in the UK and US.
She noted that wearing gym clothes or pyjamas in public is not acceptable in Spain, where people put significant effort into their appearance, particularly in cities like Madrid. 'If you need to go to the store, if you need to run an errand, don't run it in the middle of the day,' she advised, suggesting that dressing appropriately is key to fitting in.
Despite the warning, Spain remains a top destination for British expats. According to the Immigration Advice Service, over 350,000 British citizens are officially registered as living in Spain, with estimates suggesting up to one million Brits reside there. The advice aims to help visitors and new residents adapt to local customs.
