What to Wear After Walking the Camino de Santiago
You’ve reached Santiago de Compostela. The scallop shell is tucked safely in your bag, your boots are dusted with miles of Spanish soil, and your final stamp has been inked. But now that the walking is over — what do you wear?
After weeks of repeating the same outfits, many pilgrims find themselves surprisingly unsure about what to wear once the Camino is finished. Should you dress for comfort, celebration, sightseeing, or travel? Should you ditch your walking clothes entirely or squeeze out a few more days from them?
This guide explores what to wear after walking the Camino de Santiago, whether you’re staying in Santiago a few days, heading back home, or continuing on to Fisterra.
Read here if you want to know what to wear on the evening after the camino.
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Why This Question Matters
At first glance, it might seem trivial. You’ve just completed a 100km, 500km, or even 800km full Camino Frances pilgrimage — surely clothes are the least of your worries.
But what you wear after the Camino can shape how you feel in this transitional moment. You’re no longer a pilgrim on the road, but you’re not quite back to “normal life” either. The shift in clothing marks a mental shift too — from endurance and routine, to reflection and reintegration.
And, practically speaking, after weeks of function-first gear, most pilgrims crave something a little more relaxed, fresh, and suitable for daily life.
Clothes for Post-Camino Life: What to Consider
What you wear after walking the Camino depends on what comes next. Are you:
- Staying in Santiago for a few days?
- Taking a train or flight home?
- Travelling on to other cities?
- Heading to the coast at Fisterra or Muxía?
No matter your plan, the following principles apply:
1. Comfort First
After walking hundreds of kilometres, your body needs gentle clothes. Think soft fabrics, relaxed fits, and breathable materials. You may be dealing with sore feet, chafed skin, or just general fatigue — don’t make it worse with tight jeans or rigid fabrics.
2. Weather Appropriateness
Galicia’s weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, Santiago can be cool and damp. Pack something warm and waterproof, even if you’ve finished the trail.
Likewise, if you’re continuing to sunnier regions — like Fisterra’s beaches or Madrid’s heat — you’ll want lighter options.
3. Respect for the Occasion
Many pilgrims choose to attend the Pilgrim’s Mass at the cathedral. While there’s no strict dress code, dressing neatly — even casually — shows respect. You don’t need to wear formal clothes, but swapping muddy gear for something clean and simple is a good idea.
Reda our Camino Packing Guide.
Suggested Clothing Options After the Camino
Here’s what many find useful to wear in the days after the walk:
✔ A Clean, Casual Outfit
A lightweight shirt or blouse and a pair of travel trousers or casual jeans will serve you well in most situations — sightseeing, eating out, or just exploring the city.
Try to avoid clothes that scream “hiker” if you want to blend in. Santiago is a city, not a trail.
✔ A Comfortable Dress or Tunic (for women)
Many female pilgrims enjoy putting on a simple dress after weeks in hiking gear. It feels like a return to normality. Choose something you can pack easily and that won’t crease badly.
✔ Soft, Travel-Friendly Shoes
Ditch the boots — but not entirely. You may want them again on the flight home if you’re saving space. In the meantime, opt for trainers, loafers, or comfortable sandals.
Flip-flops are fine for the beach or your hotel, but not so great for exploring the cobbled streets of old towns.
✔ A Light Jacket or Fleece
Santiago evenings can get chilly. A light fleece or jacket that layers easily is essential, especially if you’re dining outdoors or attending evening events.
✔ Travel Outfit for the Journey Home
If you’re flying or taking a long journey back, plan for comfort. Joggers or leggings, a clean T-shirt, and a hoodie or cardigan make ideal travel wear. You want something soft, breathable, and decent-looking.
Should You Discard Your Camino Clothes?
Many pilgrims are tempted to leave behind their well-worn gear. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see hiking boots or walking sticks abandoned in bins outside the cathedral.
But before you throw anything away:
- Consider reuse: Can your walking clothes be donated or washed and reused for other adventures?
- Sentimental value: Some pilgrims keep their gear as a memory of the journey.
- Environmental cost: Dispose responsibly if you really don’t want to carry them home.
What About Celebratory Clothes?
Some people bring or buy a special outfit to celebrate the end of the Camino — whether for a dinner, a photo, or a personal ritual. This could be as simple as a fresh shirt or as extravagant as a dress or smart outfit for a night out.
If this feels right to you, pack or plan for it. Just don’t go overboard. The Camino teaches simplicity, and there’s no need to overcompensate.
Buying Clothes in Santiago
If you didn’t pack a post-Camino outfit — or if you’re eager to never wear your hiking trousers again — Santiago has plenty of clothing shops. From budget basics to stylish Spanish fashion, it’s easy to pick up a clean outfit for a reasonable price.
Just keep in mind: shopping when you’re exhausted isn’t always joyful. If you know you’ll want a change of clothes, it may be better to pack one set in advance.
What to Wear After Walking the Camino
Figuring out what to wear after walking the Camino de Santiago might seem like a small detail. But it’s one of those “small details” that can have a surprisingly big impact on how you feel as your journey ends.
After days, weeks, or even months of walking, dressing in something different — something clean, soft, and yours — is part of the transition back to everyday life. It’s a symbolic shift, a mental exhale, and often a quiet celebration in itself.
You don’t need much. Just one outfit that feels like a reward, a return, and a step forward — all at once.
