In this guide
In Itauguá, clothes are mostly bought in two places: the shops along the PY02 highway (Mariscal Estigarribia), which runs right through the city, and the area around the Mercado Municipal. If you want something local, Itauguá is the home of ñandutí lace, and several shops on the highway sell garments and accessories made with it. Before you go, decide what you need and message two or three shops to check sizes and hours.
Where are the clothing stores in Itauguá?
Itauguá's commerce runs along the PY02, the former Ruta 2, and around the Mercado Municipal (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). Clothing shops, shoe stores, supermarkets and craft shops sit side by side on the highway, and there are more ñandutí shops in the blocks around the municipal building (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
How to plan it:
- On the PY02: easy if you come by car or bus from Asunción, about 30 km away. Pick shops on the same side of the highway so you do not have to keep crossing it.
- Market area and centre: everyday clothes, shoes and lower prices, with direct service.
- Your own neighbourhood: Itauguá has 46 barrios, such as Guayaibity, Cañadita or Itauguá Guazú, and the local clothing shop is often enough for children's clothes without going to the highway.
What happened to the Mercado Municipal?
On 10 May 2026 a fire destroyed 95% of Itauguá's Mercado Municipal, including 434 stalls, among them clothing and shoe stalls (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Afterwards the stallholders set up in the street under 180 removable awnings provided by the Central governorate and the municipality, and the mayor warned that recovery would not be quick.
In practice: if you used to buy from a market stall, message the vendor on WhatsApp and ask where they are trading now. Many are still selling, with less stock and in a different spot.
Looking for clothes with ñandutí?
Ñandutí is a lace woven on a frame in radial circles, used mainly for clothing details, hats, fans and ornaments (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)). According to the municipal culture office there are more than 300 traditional patterns, combined into garments, accessories and home décor (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)).
If you buy a piece with ñandutí:
- Ask whether the lace is handmade and who made it; shops on the highway are usually happy to tell you.
- Check the seams where the lace joins the fabric, which is the first part to come loose.
- Ask how to wash it; fine lace is hand-washed and dried in the shade.
- To see many patterns together, the Museo San Rafael next to the church holds more than 300 of them; according to ABC Color (2023) it opens Monday to Friday, 14:00 to 17:00.
The Festival Nacional del Ñandutí brings together an artisan fair every year: the 2025 edition, the 46th, held its main night in early November at Club Olimpia, km 32 of the PY02, with free entry (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). It is a good moment to compare work and prices in one place.
What to ask about sizes, exchanges and prices
Exchanging for another size or colour depends on each shop's policy, so ask before you pay:
- How many days do I have to exchange it, and on what terms (tags, receipt or invoice)?
- Can sale items be exchanged?
- Do you do hems or alterations, and how long do they take?
Always ask for an invoice. Paraguay's consumer agency SEDECO reminds shops that every sale needs one, and that sale signs must show the previous price, the discount percentage and the current cash price in guaraníes (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). If a "sale" sign does not, compare before buying.
How to pay and when to go
- Payment: QR is now the most used electronic payment in Paraguay, with 68.1% of electronic payments in April 2026 according to Bancard (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)). Bring cash for small shops and stalls.
- Weekends: Saturdays are busier on the highway; to try things on calmly, go on a weekday.
- December: the PY02 is the main road for the Caacupé festivity (7–8 December), and in past years the heavy-vehicle diversion toward the interior started in Itauguá (ABC Color (opens in a new tab)); expect delays those days.
- June: the city's anniversary on 27 June fills the centre with events (Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)).
- Winter: frosts can happen, so buy warm clothes early, while every size is still in stock.
FAQ
Where are the clothing stores in Itauguá?
Mostly along the PY02 highway through the city and around the Mercado Municipal. Neighbourhoods also have small shops for everyday clothes.
Is Itauguá's market still open?
A fire destroyed 95% of the Mercado Municipal on 10 May 2026. Vendors moved to the street under awnings; ask your vendor where they are trading now.
Where can I buy ñandutí clothing in Itauguá?
At the craft shops on the PY02 and around the municipal building. The yearly Festival Nacional del Ñandutí, with an artisan fair, is another good time to buy.
