How to dress in the Maldives?

Dress rules in the Maldives depend on where you are. At a resort you can wear a normal beach holiday wardrobe. On an inhabited island, such as Thoddoo, you are a guest in a Muslim community and should dress modestly. Here is what official advice says and what to pack.

What the rules say

• The UK government advises visitors to be sensitive to local dress standards outside holiday resorts, including on beaches used by locals.
• Men and women should have their shoulders covered and avoid short or tight-fitting shorts. When bathing on such beaches, arms and upper legs should be covered.
• Nudism and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere in the Maldives, including on resort islands, according to the same advice.
• Travel guides add that inhabited islands usually have a designated bikini beach where swimwear is acceptable. We have not found an official list of them, so ask your guesthouse where it is.

What to pack for an inhabited island

• Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees: t-shirts, long skirts or dresses, linen trousers, shorts to the knee.
• A light scarf or cover-up for walks through the village and for the transfer.
• Swimwear for the bikini beach, and a t-shirt and shorts or a sarong to wear to and from it.
• A hat, sunglasses and sandals. The sun is strong, see our article on sun protection.
• A thin rain jacket. Rain is possible in any month, which is general guidance rather than an official forecast.

Good to know

• During Ramadan, do not eat, drink or smoke in public in the daytime outside holiday resorts.
• Dress standards are about respect, not a ban on holidays. Our guesthouse team is happy to tell you what is appropriate on Thoddoo.
• Rules can be tightened or clarified, so check current advice before you travel.

Reviewed by the Relax Residence team in October 2026.