How to Dress for Capoeira

It is important to know how to dress for Capoeira so that you can continue a time-honored tradition. Capoeiristas who began this martial art centuries ago wore little clothing under the heat of equatorial Africa and South America. You should dress in comfortable clothing that reflects the history of the practice.

Things You'll Need

  • White pants
  • Loose top
  • Tennis shoes
  • Capoeira belt
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Substitute the traditional abadadas with a pair of loose-fitting white pants. Abadadas are difficult to find in most American communities and expensive for casual Capoeiristas.

    • 2

      Locate a simple shirt that hangs loosely on your body to ensure freedom of motion as you perform Capoiera. A T-shirt or sweatshirt with loose sleeves allows you to engage in a ginga and perform a bananeira within the roda.

    • 3

      Wear shoes that can be laced tightly if you are performing outside. The Brazilian tradition in Capoeira requires participants to wear shoes to display prosperity and personal responsiblity.

    • 4

      Tie a colored belt to your waist to represent your position in a particular school of Capoeira. Capoeira schools do not have an international standard, but, like other martial arts, it assigns colored belts based on skill level

    • 5

      Try colorful robes and dresses if you want to dress in the attire of traditional Angolan Capoeiristas. Traditionalists in Angola stick to formal dance attire, instead of pants and sneakers, to honor their culture.

    • 6

      Accent your Capoeira wear with bracelets and necklaces that can help you keep the beat in the roda. The clanking of bracelets as you clap your hands will contribute to the music created for participating Capoeiristas.

    • 7

      Search for comfortable gloves to pad your hands if you plan on doing flips and spins in Capoiera. Experienced Capoeiristas use dance gloves when they perform kicks, flips and other moves in public venues to avoid harm from surface debris.