What to Wear in the Maldives: Cute Outfit Ideas
If you’ve read any of my packing guides, you know I usually struggle with packing. I want the perfect outfit for every occasion, but don’t want to bring a ton of luggage. However, packing for my recent trip to the Maldives was actually super simple. This guide to what to wear in the Maldives will make it easy for you too.
The Maldives is all about barefoot luxury. This means its all about enjoying the finer things in life in a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere.
For fashion, this looks like comfortable, flowy clothes, sandals, and all-day beach way. During the day, a swimsuit and cover up is perfect for nearly all activities. The dressiest you’ll get at night is a sundress and sandals.
Keep reading below for more details about what to pack for the Maldives and outfit ideas for every occasion.
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What to Wear to the Pool / Beach in the Maldives
My most-worn item of clothing on my Maldives vacation was a swimsuit. With amazing pools and the warm ocean, you will spend a ton of time in and around the water.
On local islands, there are modesty laws, especially for women. If you are staying there, I recommend finding a modest option that covers your shoulders and a cover up that goes over your knees.
At the resorts, you can wear any swimwear that you are comfortable in. Then, bring a few cute cover ups to throw on over while walking around or grabbing a bite from the bar or restaurant.
Shop this resort swimwear and cover ups
Resort Dinner Outfit Ideas
I stayed at the Park Hyatt Maldives, so I can only speak to that resort’s dress code, but based on my research all of them are similar. There is no formal dress code for any restaurant and you could wear shorts and a t-shirt if you wanted.
I like to get a little dressed up on vacation, so the perfect mix of cute and casual was a midi sundress with sandals. All of the above options are under $200 and super comfortable.
Shop these Maldives vacation dresses
Cute Shoes for the Maldives
For footwear, be sure to leave the heels at home. A saw one woman wearing a pair of (very cute) heels, and she struggled with each step sinking into the sand.
Instead, wear a pair of cute and beachy flat sandals. Plus, they’re compact so you can bring a ton if you are a shoe addict like me.
Bring at least one pair that is waterproof for the pool and beach. For dinner, materials like leather or woven straw are a bit dressier and fashionable.
What to Wear for Snorkeling / Diving
Of course, you can wear a normal swimsuit for snorkeling, but I prefer something with more coverage for protection from the sun. I also like the extra security of the swimsuit as I move around.
For diving, your tour will likely provide a wetsuit, but these can be good to layer underneath.
Shop these comfortable, high-coverage swimsuits
What to Wear in Male and Local Islands
There are different rules for what to wear in Male (the capital) and local islands than there is at the resorts. At the resorts, you can really wear what you want.
However, the Maldives is a Muslim country so there are modesty guidelines in local areas. For women, it is best to cover your shoulders and knees. If you are visiting a resort, the only time you will need to follow these rules is when you fly and and out of the international airport in Male.
However, it is very hot so I recommend cool fabrics so you don’t get too hot. Some good outfit ideas are a flowy midi dress or matching linen set. You can also layer a light button up over your outfit to add additional coverage.
Shop these modest vacation outfits
Maldives Packing List
As I mentioned above, packing for the Maldives is actually quite easy and you do not need a ton. Each day, I wore something super casual to breakfast, a swimsuit all day, then a dress at night.
Be sure to also pack the other warm-weather essentials such as sunscreen, a good book, and a beach bag. I also recommend towel clips to keep your towel from blowing around.
- Swimsuits
- Cover Ups
- Shorts & Tanks
- Sundresses
- Sandals
- Hat
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Book
- Beach Bag
- Towel Clips
outfit Ideas: What I Wore in the Maldives
In case you need some more Maldives outfit inspiration, here are some examples of what I wore. Both blue dresses are examples of what I wore in the evening and to happy hour. In the middle is what I wore every day – a swimsuit and crochet cover up.
FAQ – What to Wear in the Maldives
Yes, it is ok to wear a bikini in the Maldives if you are staying at a private resort. If you are staying on a local island, bikinis are not allowed for women as your shoulders and knees must be covered.
No, you do not need to pack a raincoat for the Maldives. Although there are occasional rain showers, the temperatures do not drop enough to need a coat. If it rains, an umbrella will be a much better option and most resorts will have them for you to use.
Check with your individual resort for their policies, but typically the only restriction for luggage is a 50 pound weight limit, similar to major airlines.
At resorts, there is no need to cover your hair. On local islands, women should cover their hair if they enter a religious building, but don’t need to elsewhere.
Typical Weather in the Maldives
The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with generally warm temperatures throughout the year. The typical weather in the Maldives is hot and humid, with two main seasons – the dry season (from December to April) and the wet season (from May to November).
During the dry season, you can expect plenty of sunshine, clear skies, and calm seas. In contrast, the wet season has more rainfall, occasional storms, and higher humidity levels. However, the storms are usually quick and do not last all day.
Even during rainy season, it is very warm, so you can pack the same items year-round. A rain jacket is not necessary since it is so hot and the rain passes quickly. I honestly didn’t mind getting wet and it felt refreshing.
Related Posts
- Park Hyatt Maldives Review: My Honest & Detailed Opinion
- What to Wear on a Long-haul Flight – Cute & Comfy Outfit Ideas
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