What to Wear in Fiji: Clothes to Pack & Clothing Etiquette 🌞

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Casual Clothing for Fiji

Due to the warm temperatures, most people in Fiji wear casual and light clothing to keep cool, particularly bamboo, linen or merino wool fabrics. For women, we love Moso Morrow‘s breezy, versatile, and sustainable bamboo outfits.

You also may want to pack a light jacket or cardigan to cover up on cooler evenings, especially in the dry season – see Fiji Weather, Seasons & Climate + Weather by Month and The Best Time to Visit Fiji: Best Months to Visit.

Clothing Customs in Fiji: Resorts Vs. Towns and Villages

The most important thing to note is the different clothing you can wear in resorts compared to villages and towns. In resorts, it’s acceptable to wear short shorts or walk around in a bikini.

On the other hand, in villages and towns, people should respect local customs by wearing modest clothing. Fiji is a religious country for both indigenous and Indian Fijians, so modest clothing is important.

In addition, while most resorts have a casual dress code for dining, some luxury resorts may have a fine dining establishment with a smart dress code, so pack accordingly.

Learn more about the clothing etiquette for visiting Fijian towns and villages in our guide, Fijian & Indo-Fijian Etiquette: Fiji Village Customs & Traditions.

Casual Clothing List for Men

Casual Clothing List for Women

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What Do Fijians Wear?

Wondering how to dress like a Fijian? Let’s dive into the colourful world of traditional Fijian attire!

For women, the go-to garment is called a “chamba“. This vibrant dress features a floor-length skirt adorned with eye-catching island-inspired motifs. Men, on the other hand, rock the “bula” shirt and “sulu” combo. The bula shirt is a close cousin to the “island” or “Hawaiian” shirt, bursting with bright colours and tropical patterns. The sulu is essentially a wraparound skirt that falls to the mid-calf.

For formal occasions, men opt for dark blue or grey sulus. In villages, however, you’ll spot both men and women sporting more casual sarong-style sulus. We always make sure to pack a sarong-style sulu when visiting a village (for us ladies, at least). Gents, remember to wear shorts or trousers that cover the knees.

So, whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring a traditional village, embrace the laid-back yet vibrant Fijian style. Trust us, you’ll love how comfortable and colourful you feel in these island-inspired outfits!

Where to Buy Fijian Clothing in Fiji

Should you want to sport your own sulu or Bula shirt, one of our favourite go-to’s is Jack’s of Fiji department store, found in just about any town in Fiji! Otherwise, check out The Guide to Shopping in Fiji + The Best Places to Shop.

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Swimwear for Fiji

The water is where you’re likely to spend A LOT of time in Fiji. For this reason, we recommend packing two pieces of swimwear because no one likes scraping on a wet bathing suit! For men, boardshorts are the usual choice of swimwear, as opposed to tight Speedos. For women, we recommend a bikini for casual days by the pool and something more stable for watersports or for spending time in a village.

A rash vest is a good idea for sun protection, especially for children – we like the sustainable ethos and quality of Sharkskin rashies! Additionally, while resorts and tours often provide snorkelling gear, you can’t be sure what state they will be in. If you have the option, pack your own mask and snorkel – TUSA Sport is our go-to.

Swimwear List for Men

Swimwear List for Women

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Sun, Rain and Insect Protection

There are a few elements that you will want to protect yourself from in Fiji, including the sun, rain and insects. With UV levels between 4 and 11 in Fiji, sun protection is essential. Protect your head from the sun with a cap, floppy sunhat, bandana or whatever you are into. Sunglasses will protect your eyes and make seeing more comfortable. Sun protection is more essential for kids, so make sure they are covered up in and out of the water and try not to let them get too exposed to the sun during midday.

A light rain jacket or umbrella is another essential, especially if travelling in the wet season (November to April). For the mosquitoes, pack a light long-sleeved layer so they have no skin to access. Insect repellent is also useful, but that’s more of an item for the Full Fiji Packing List.

Protective Clothing for Men, Women and Children

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Shoes for Fiji

Finally, what are you going to wear on your feet? Sandals or flip-flops are comfortable enough in warm temperatures.

With so many walking trails around Fiji, it’s also a good idea to pack walking shoes or walking sandals, or hiking boots if you plan to do some more hardcore trekking.

Finally, while reef shoes or water shoes are recommended if you have them but are not strictly necessary. A good pair to have are the unisex Mishansha Water Shoes while Speedo Kid’s and Toddler’s Water Shoes are great for kids.

Footwear for Men, Women and Children

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FAQ About What to Wear in Fiji

Still haven’t had your question about what to wear in Fiji answered yet? Perhaps these frequently asked questions about dressing appropriately in Fiji will help!

How should you dress in Fiji?

In Fiji, the dress code is generally casual but modest. Lightweight, breathable fabrics like bamboo, merino and linen are ideal due to the tropical climate. For everyday activities, T-shirts, shorts, sundresses and skirts are suitable. When visiting villages or local communities, it’s respectful to dress modestly – this means covering your shoulders and knees. Sarongs, known locally as ‘sulus‘, are a versatile choice and are widely worn by both men and women.

What are the do’s and don’ts in Fiji?

Do’s:

• Do dress modestly when visiting villages or religious sites.
• Do wear swimwear on the beach or at the pool, but cover up when in towns or villages.
• Do opt for light, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the humid climate.

Don’ts:

• Don’t wear revealing clothing in villages or towns.
• Don’t go shirtless or in swimwear away from beaches or resorts.
• Don’t forget to remove hats and sunglasses as a sign of respect when entering villages or homes.

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Do you need a jacket at night in Fiji?

Evenings in Fiji can sometimes get a bit cooler, especially during the winter months (May to October). It’s advisable to bring a light jacket or a sweater for the evenings, especially if you’re staying near the coast where it can be breezy.

What is the dress code for Nadi?

Nadi, being a tourist hub, is quite relaxed in terms of dress code. Casual wear like shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, and sandals are commonly worn. However, when visiting religious sites such as temples, it’s important to dress modestly – this means covering your legs and shoulders. Wearing hats and sunglasses inside temples is also considered disrespectful.

Is traditional Fijian attire appropriate for tourists?

Tourists are welcome to wear traditional Fijian attire, such as the ‘sulu’, which is a type of sarong. It’s seen as a sign of respect towards local customs. These are available in various prints and styles and can be a comfortable and culturally appropriate choice for many activities.

Are there specific dress requirements for dining out in Fiji?

Most restaurants in Fiji, especially in resorts, have a casual dress code. However, some fine dining establishments may require smart-casual attire, such as collared shirts and dresses. It’s always a good idea to check with the restaurant beforehand.