Dress code in the Maldives: how to dress, what to take with you

The Maldives has its own restrictions regarding clothing and behavior that you should know about before traveling. Most of them are religious or natural. We will discuss this in more detail below. It is worth noting that there is a significant difference in restrictions for vacationers on local islands (where the local population lives) and private island resorts, where there are only service personnel and vacationers. So, what is acceptable in the wardrobe on these paradise islands?

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How to Dress on Local Islands

The Maldives is a Muslim country. The rules here are somewhat stricter than in tourist destinations like Turkey or Egypt. It is not recommended to dress openly when visiting local islands. However, there are no strict prohibitions. Upon arrival at the airport, you can dress as you like. But if you are visiting local islands where locals live, you should adhere to a certain dress code.

Please note: Local islands are those where Maldivians live. They are significantly larger than resort islands and have almost no expensive luxury hotels. Typically, local islands are visited as part of a tourist group, or budget travelers stay here. For the latter, there are inexpensive guesthouses and 3-4 star hotels. If you want to relax in beach or water villas, you should consider private resorts, where prices can vary greatly depending on the services provided and the hotel itself.

Basic rules for tourists on the local islands of the Maldives:

• Tops and short shorts are appropriate on resort islands but not on local islands.
• If staying in a guesthouse on a local island, bring a T-shirt, longer shorts, or a dress.
• Not all beaches on inhabited islands are suitable for relaxing in regular swimsuits. Many popular tourist local islands have so-called bikini beaches. Typically, guesthouses and hotels provide a tourist map with marked beaches for tourists.
• Each incident of topless or nude sunbathing incurs a fine of $1,000.
• It is forbidden to walk around populated areas in swimsuits.
• Pay attention to the prints on T-shirts to ensure they do not offend religious sensitivities.

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Dress Code at Maldives Resorts

At Maldivian resorts, which cater to guests from all over the world, there are no special dress code requirements. Dress appropriately for the occasion. If you prefer a crop top and shorts, you can wear them all day.

In many hotels, you will encounter the no shoes concept, which means going barefoot. For example, at Gili Lankanfushi. Simply put, formal shoes are not needed, especially stilettos and high heels. One reason is that many Maldivian resorts lack hard-surfaced paths, making it uncomfortable to walk in heels.

In the Maldives, avoid bright makeup and elaborate evening hairstyles. High humidity does not help maintain such looks unless you are in an air-conditioned room.

Most hotels have a dress code for dining in restaurants. At upscale resort islands, a light evening dress or suit is appropriate. Guests are typically asked not to wear beachwear. Men should bring light trousers that cover the ankles and a short-sleeved shirt. For women, a dress or a skirt with a light blouse is suitable.

Kurumba Maldives

What to Pack for the Maldives

Lightweight clothing made from natural materials is best, as the Maldives is hot and humid. Choose lightweight cotton clothing. On larger resort islands, such as Kuramathi Maldives 4 stars or Kurumba Maldives 5 stars, there are small shops where you can find clothes, but the selection is limited, and prices can be high, so plan ahead.

• Forget stilettos and dress shoes at home. Bring comfortable shoes for excursions, such as sneakers or light sandals.
• Pack a light jacket and trousers to stay dry if it rains. The rainy season typically starts in spring and ends in late autumn, with the heaviest rainfall in August-September. However, rains in the Maldives pass quickly, and the sun often appears shortly after. It’s rare for the sky to stay cloudy for days. As a reminder, the weather in the Maldives is predictable, with average water and air temperatures of +28-+32 degrees year-round.
• Bring an umbrella and raincoat if traveling in the off-season.
• T-shirts and shorts are the main clothing types in the Maldives. For local islands, choose more modest clothing. Pack several sets, as high humidity means clothes take longer to dry.
• Evening wear is needed if you plan to attend events or dine at upscale restaurants, though a cocktail outfit is usually sufficient at resorts.
• Sunglasses, hats, caps, and sandals.
• 2-3 swimsuits. While one is drying, you can use another, and it’s a good opportunity to vary your look.
• A pareo is convenient for beach visits. In some hotels, guests go to lunch in beachwear with a pareo over their swimsuit.

Feel free in the Maldives: it’s your vacation, so choose comfortable clothing. However, practice moderation when visiting local islands, where residents follow Islam.

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