Belizean Style: Clothing And Culture

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and fashion styles. The country's diverse population includes people from all ethnic backgrounds, with the majority being Mestizo, followed by Maya, Creole, Garifuna, Chinese, and Mennonites. While most Belizeans wear modern Western-style clothing, traditional attire is still worn by some and has influenced the designs of local fashion brands.

The Mayan people, who were the original natives of Belize, wear a blouse called a huipil, made from a square piece of cloth. Men's huipils are less decorated, often featuring a blue or red sash, while women's huipils are elaborately embroidered with designs representing the cosmos and gods. Mayan women also wear skirts made from layers of gathered cloth, decorated with lace trim. The Mopan Mayan people wear solid-coloured shirts with black embroidered trim, while the Kekchi Mayan people wear skirts and blouses with colourful embroidery in geometric designs.

In recent years, local fashion brands have emerged that celebrate Mayan culture and empower Mayan women. One such brand is Xe’il Belize, which features designs adorned with Xokb’il Chuy, a form of Mopan Maya embroidery that turns geometry into art through a complex counting system.

Clothing for the beach and water-based activities

Belize is a tropical country, so casual attire is always in style. The climate is warm all year round, with the coldest it gets being in the high 60s. As such, lightweight and airy clothing is recommended.

For beach and water-based activities, it is suggested that you bring 3-4 breezy and airy dresses, 1-2 cover-ups, 3 skirts/shorts, 1 pair of leggings, 1-2 light jackets/wraps (1 of which is rainproof), 2 pairs of sandals (1 casual and 1 fancy), and 1 pair of athletic/hiking shoes.

For women, a sarong is a versatile item that can be used as a cover-up, a dress, or a skirt. Men should also bring a few t-shirts and shorts, as well as a collared shirt and linen pants.

If you plan to visit the Mayan ruins, you may want to wear something more photogenic but still functional and suitable for trekking. Athletic or closed-toe shoes are recommended for this activity.

Footwear

Belize is a beach and jungle destination, so the type of footwear you'll need will depend on the activities you plan to do and the time of year you visit. The country has a rainy season from June to November and a dry season from December to May, but the weather is warm to hot all year round, so lightweight shoes that can handle getting wet are a good choice.

For hiking in the jungle, you'll want sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. If you're visiting during the rainy season, opt for waterproof hiking shoes or boots. Some activities, like visiting the ATM Cave, will require shoes that you can swim in, so water shoes or water-resistant hiking shoes are a must. These will also come in handy for beach outings and water excursions like snorkelling or tubing. Flip-flops are a good choice for everyday wear and can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. If you plan to do a lot of walking, a pair of comfortable sandals or tennis shoes might also be a good idea.

If you're visiting during the rainy season, a lightweight waterproof jacket or rain poncho will help keep you dry. And don't forget to pack a hat to protect yourself from the sun!

Clothing for hiking and outdoor activities

Belize is known for its lush rainforests and outdoor activities, so it's important to pack accordingly. The climate is tropical and casual attire is always in style. Here are some tips for clothing for hiking and outdoor activities in Belize:

• The weather in Belize is hot and humid, so it's important to wear lightweight and breathable clothing. Pack clothes made from lightweight and quick-drying fabrics such as cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking activewear.
• For hiking and outdoor activities, it is recommended to bring a long-sleeve shirt for sun protection and jungle hiking, as well as a pair of long pants to protect your legs from scratches and insects.
• Waterproof clothing and shoes are a must, as the outdoors in Belize can be wet. Waterproof hiking boots will keep your feet comfortable all day.
• Don't forget a raincoat or lightweight waterproof jacket for rain showers or cooler temperatures at night.
• A sun hat or baseball cap, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are essential to protect yourself from the strong sun.
• For hiking and outdoor activities, it is recommended to pack sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots.
• If you plan to visit caves, bring a headlamp or flashlight, and consider water shoes for navigating slippery surfaces.
• Mosquito-repellent clothing or insect-repelling wristbands are recommended, especially during the rainy season when mosquitoes and sand flies are more prevalent.
• It is not necessary to dress formally in Belize, even when dining at nice restaurants. A dress shirt or blouse and a pair of dressy long pants will suffice for more formal occasions.
• In general, the dress code in Belize is very casual. For daily wear, pack t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, skirts, and sandals.
• If you plan to visit the beach, don't forget your swimwear and a beach cover-up.

Clothing for dining at restaurants

Belize is a tropical country with warm weather all year round. Even during the winter, the temperature remains warm, with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-60s to low 70s. As such, the dress code in Belize is very casual.

For dining at restaurants, it is recommended to bring a dress shirt or blouse. Collared shirts and linen pants are considered appropriate, and a nice collared shirt for men and a long tropical dress for women could be considered "dressy" by Belizean standards. Sundresses are also a popular choice for women when dining at the nicest restaurants and resorts.

It is worth noting that while the dress code is generally casual, there are some restaurants with dress codes. For example, The Tavern does not allow shorts at night, and The Celebrity Restaurant discourages shorts and t-shirts.

Overall, when choosing clothing for dining at restaurants in Belize, it is best to opt for lightweight and comfortable attire, with a slightly dressier option for more upscale establishments.

Clothing for special occasions

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse range of ethnic groups co-existing and celebrating their own traditions. The country's dress code is generally casual, with the tropical climate favouring lightweight and comfortable clothing. However, on special occasions, Belizeans embrace their cultural heritage and traditional attire.

The Huipil

The Huipil is a traditional blouse and a key component of Belize's National Dress. It is worn by women and holds deep cultural and historical significance. The Huipil is intricately designed, with vibrant colours and patterns that vary by region. Each design tells a unique story, incorporating motifs from nature, ancient symbols and geometric shapes. The embroidery and stitching techniques showcase the artistic skills passed down through generations. The colours hold specific meanings, such as red for passion and vitality, blue for tranquility and spirituality, and green for nature.

Mayan Clothing

The Mayans were the original natives of Belize, and their clothing reflects their village traditions. Mayan men wear a less decorated version of the Huipil with a blue or red sash, while women often embroider elaborate designs representing the cosmos and gods. Mayan men also carry bags called "morrals". Both men and women may wear a "tzute", a rectangular cloth that can be worn over the shoulder, as a cape or as a sun hat. Mayan clothing is still worn by many Belizeans, especially during cultural events and celebrations.

Mestizo Mayan Clothing

Mestizo Mayans, a mixture of Spanish and Mayan descent, have distinct traditional garments for special occasions. Men wear long white pants with cuffs and vertical and horizontal pockets. Their shirt, called a "chamarra", is long-sleeved and white, made of poplin with a high, round neck. Wealthier men may use gold buttons. A straw hat called a "jipijapa" with two indentations at the front, adjusted with a narrow black band, is also part of the ensemble. White leather sandals known as "chillonas", with thick high heels, complete the outfit. A red scarf is added as a final touch, either tied to the pocket or around the neck.

Mopan Mayan Clothing

Mopan Mayan men and women wear solid-coloured shirts, traditionally white, with black embroidered trim around the neck and sleeves, which they weave themselves. Their skirts are made of several layers of gathered cloth in various solid colours, decorated with lace trim at each gathered seam.

Kekchi Mayan Clothing

Kekchi Mayan women wear vibrantly coloured, embroidered clothing which they weave themselves. Their blouses and skirts feature geometric designs.

Creole Attire

Creoles, with mixed African and European heritage, have their own traditional attire. Women wear cotton blouses and long, colourful skirts, often with white fabric and colourful ruffles around the neck. Men wear elaborately dyed shirts, white pants and a straw hat.

Belizeans generally embrace a casual dress code in their daily lives, but they take pride in their cultural heritage and traditional attire, donning these special outfits for festivals, weddings, and other celebrations.

Frequently asked questions