How Do People Dress in the Maldives

Ranked among South Asia's most breathtaking beach holiday hotspots, the Maldives welcomes travellers from around the world. While it may not be advertised in travel brochures or other promotional publications, the Maldives is an Islamic nation despite its reputation as a honeymoon destination for the masses. From choosing the right clothes for a tour of Male to what to wear on cruises, here's a comprehensive guide on the perfect attire for every conceivable vacation situation in the Maldives.

Weather Wise

It is crucial to consider the local weather when deciding what to wear during a holiday in the Maldives as it can be quite warm and humid even during the peak travel season. As a tropical nation, the coldest month in the Maldives is January when temperatures are 81°F on average. With March (the hottest month) temperatures rising to  84°F, it is easy to see that regardless of the time of the year, cotton and linen clothing are what's most suitable for a getaway in the archipelago. With the equator running across most islands, silks and synthetic fabrics can be a nightmare to wear in the island nation.

What to Wear on a Male Tour

Although tourists are unlikely to come across locals going about their lives on Embudu Village or any other resort island in Maldives, Male is a different story. As the cultural and financial capital of the country, Male is home to the largest population of any of the inhabited islands and the city is also where iconic religious landmarks such as the Grand Friday Mosque and the Islamic Centre are situated. This is why conservative clothing must be reserved for a day trip to Male as locals are likely to be less tolerant of tourists sporting skimpy outfits than the resort staff in far-flung atolls. It is necessary to pick outfits that cover the shoulders and knees when visiting Male as entrance to certain heritage sites can be denied on the basis of one's attire.

Resort Wear

Bikinis and swimwear are only permitted within the resort islands and tourists can wear bathing suits all day long if they wish so long as they have a sarong or a cover-up on hand. It is crucial to have a cover-up for spending time in public areas of the resort such as the lobby as walking around in a bathing suit is considered inappropriate unless one is at the pool bar. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also required to keep the harsh rays of the sun away from one's eyes when spending time by the ocean or the poolside.

What to Wear on Sailing Excursions

Lightweight tops and shorts, summer dresses and a hat are perfect for island-hopping excursions and whale-watching tours although the latter will require participants to don a lifejacket.

What to Wear for Water Sports 

Although one can ride around on a jet ski with nothing but a swimsuit on, it is necessary to wear a wetsuit when engaging in scuba diving and snorkelling activities outside of the resort's immediate surroundings. Don't forget to use a rash guard for underwater tours as it will be a lifesaver for those with sensitive skin.

Restaurant and Dinner Outing Attire

Travellers must remember that they cannot go out to dine in Maldivian restaurants and resort cafes in their swimwear. Most restaurants will request patrons to wear smart/casual clothing so summer dresses, cotton shirts and long pants are ideal for romantic dinner dates in the Maldives.

Footwear Essentials

Flip flops and sandals are all that's necessary when it comes to footwear as the sandy nature of Maldivian landscapes makes walking around difficult on heels and sneakers.

In addition, it's advisable to bring a pair of sturdy water shoes, especially for activities like reef exploration, where sharp corals may pose a hazard.