Mexico Business Etiquette: What to Wear

Figuring out what to wear can be difficult anywhere, but how should you dress when you are doing business in Mexico?  I always tell people who are doing business in Mexico to err on the conservative side, but make sure you are dressing appropriately for your line of work and location. 

For example, if you are meeting with a real estate developer in Cancun, as a male you would want to wear something more casual, like a guayabera and linen pants.  Ladies should wear either a dress or a skirt and nice top.

If you are doing business with anyone in Mexico City, the standard for men is a suit and tie (YES I said tie :)) and the standard for women is a nice blouse with dress pants or a conservative dress.  If it is a more relaxed environment, men should still wear a long sleeve button down, as short sleeves are considered for the beach areas.

The other big cities in Mexico, Monterrey and Guadalajara, seem to have a less formal dress code overall and that is partly to do with the weather being warmer.  Women put a big effort into their appearance all over Mexico which means hair is done, lots of makeup, and jewelry.  You will find that both men and women love fragrance in Mexico,

Please never, ever, ever under any circumstances wear shorts unless you are at the beach on vacation in Mexico!!!