The white and red dress is so closely linked to the Sanfermines that it is impossible to imagine the festivities without this festive uniform. The truth, however, is that this type of clothing did not become widespread until the 1960s and has its precedent in the clothing of the members of the La Veleta rock during the Second Republic.
To this day, in any case, the clothing has become widespread to such an extent that whoever does not follow the parameters of this quite recent tradition, gives the feeling of being out of the game.
The clothing for the Sanfermines is easy to get and, economically, it is accessible to all budgets. Basically, it is about dressing in white, from head to toe, and with a red scarf around the neck and a sash of the same color. From there, you can opt for basic, low-price clothing, or for a more expensive outfit, with higher-quality, brand-name clothing. This is how Ana and Yolanda Ustárroz, image consultants and personal shopper at the Esencia Infinita store, located in the Iturrama neighborhood, explain it.
As they explain, starting from scratch, the basic 'San Fermin look' can be completed for very little money. “It is the cheapest alternative, the one we all use to go out on a spree, since this clothing almost always ends up useless after a party day. Generally, people buy it in Chinese bazaars or in large stores," says Ana Ustárroz.
Men's or women's T-shirts or polo shirts can be bought from around 8 euros, while in the case of pants, long or short, prices are around 15-20 euros, according to what he says. From there, the plain girdle can be purchased for between 2.5 and 3.5 euros, depending on whether or not it has embroidery. The prices of the San Fermín scarves range between 1.90 euros, in the case of the plain ones, and 2.95.
Ana Ustárroz also suggests wearing a round neck sweatshirt, which can be purchased for between 13 and 15 euros.
Footwear deserves a separate chapter. “The footwear we wear is very important, since Sanfermines is a festival of being in the street and moving from one part of the city to another, due to the multitude of acts that take place in different parts of the city,” he indicates.
Sara Remón from the Alpargatas de mil colores store, in Estafeta street, offers the typical white espadrilles from Pamplona for 16 euros a pair, with crossed red ribbons tied around the ankle. “These espadrilles are made with natural fiber fabrics such as cotton and a rubber sole on the outside for greater resistance. They are made by a local artisan”, explains Ustárroz.
Beyond trotter clothing to enjoy the festivities without worrying about the consequences of partying on clothes, there are other options for those who have quieter plans or simply want to show off.
“What differentiates an elegant look from the basic one is the quality of the garments in terms of their patterns, fabrics, finishes, brands, etc. A basic look, cheaper, generally has less quality patterns and fabrics”, he indicates.
“In our store, a San Fermin look of this type for women can cost approximately 230 euros, but it all depends on the accessories you put on it, since women use them a lot,” she says.
In this case, women who decide on this type of attire may opt for "short dresses, 100% cotton with inner lining (about 90 euros); white die-cut t-shirts with puffed organic cotton sleeves (about 30 euros); pants long whites, 100% cotton and with embroidery (about 60 euros); or red pleated ribbed jackets, made in Spain (about 75 euros)". In this case, the prices for the handkerchiefs and embroidered girdles amount to 5 and 10 euros,
As for footwear, Ustárroz proposes, in the case of women, "some wedges from the Alpargatas store in a thousand colors made in Girona, made with fabrics such as suede, cotton, linen, leather...". "They are lined on the inside, with a padded sole, and with buckles to tie them," he points out.
“The accessories and accessories raise the price. A red cowhide leather shoulder bag can cost around 60-70 euros, an openwork wooden fan around 40 euros. In addition, we can buy earrings, necklaces, brooches with San Fermin motifs... We could say that the look could cost between 150 or 200 euros more. We would be talking in total about 380-430 euros in the case of the complete “outfit” for women”, she explains.
In the case of betting on a more elegant look for men, Ana Ustárroz estimates that it would be around 230 euros, with white chino pants, 100% cotton and branded, as the most expensive garment, for around 80 euros. In this case, this proposal includes espadrilles for about 16 euros. “If they chose to wear brand name shoes, the price would go up,” she says.
The shop windows of Pamplona are transformed with the arrival of the Sanfermines, so that the visitor will be able to find San Fermin clothing easily and at different prices.
