Belize: Clothing No-Nos

Belize is a laid-back Caribbean country with a hot and humid climate. The official language is English, and the style is island casual. It's best to wear casual, comfortable clothing in lightweight, natural fabrics such as cotton, silk and linen.

For the beach, you'll need t-shirts or camisoles, a sarong and shorts. If you're trekking, light wool is a good choice as it helps to regulate your body temperature.

Evenings on the coast or in the jungle can be a little cooler, so it's worth packing a sweater or wrap. And don't forget your sun hat, sunglasses and insect repellent.

It's also important to protect yourself from the sun, so bring sunscreen and clothing that covers your skin. For example, if you're visiting Mayan ruins, wear long, loose-fitting clothing, a sun hat and sunglasses. And don't forget comfortable walking shoes!

If you're going to be in or near the water, bring dive shoes to protect your feet from coral. And if you're planning to do any caving or jungle trekking, you'll need sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, and shoes that you can swim in.

Don't bring nice things

Belize is hot and humid, so it's best to leave your nice things at home. You won't want to be lugging around heavy items or thick materials like denim or linen. Instead, opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that will keep you cool in the tropical climate.

The dress code in Belize is casual, so you won't need to bring anything fancy. One source mentions that there may be occasions for formal dress, mainly if you're staying in an upscale resort, but otherwise, it's not necessary. You'll be doing a lot of hiking and beach lounging, so it's important to dress comfortably.

If you're worried about looking nice for dinner, one source suggests bringing one nicer outfit. However, this is not necessary, as most restaurants are open-air with a relaxed atmosphere. You'll likely be eating outdoors with your feet in the sand, so leave your fancy clothes and nice jewellery at home.

The weather in Belize is consistently warm, with the coldest months only reaching highs of the mid-60s°F (around 18°C). Even in the winter, you'll want to pack for hot weather, with some rainproof options.

If you're still set on bringing something nice, make sure it's lightweight and casual. A loose-fitting dress or a pair of lightweight linen pants and a blouse would be suitable. But remember, you'll likely only wear these items once or twice, so it's not worth bringing multiple outfits.

Overall, it's best to leave your nice things at home when visiting Belize. The climate is hot and humid, and the dress code is casual. Stick to lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable during your trip.

Don't bring anything you wouldn't want to destroy

Belize is hot and humid, with temperatures rarely dipping below 27°C (80°F). It's also very active, with plenty of opportunities for snorkelling, hiking, and exploring caves. So, when packing for Belize, it's best to leave anything you wouldn't want to destroy at home.

The climate and activities in Belize can be tough on clothing, so it's best to avoid bringing anything you'd want to keep pristine. The humidity can cause clothes to never fully dry, and the activities can lead to tears and stains. So, instead of packing nice clothes, opt for loose-fitting, comfortable attire that you don't mind getting a little worn.

Belize is also known for its dirt roads, so be prepared for your clothes to get dusty and dirty. And, if you plan on doing any water activities, they may also get splashed or soaked. So, leave your fancy shoes and delicate fabrics at home and opt for quick-drying, water-resistant options instead.

In addition to the climate and activities, there are a few other things to consider when packing for Belize. For example, bug spray is a must, as mosquito bites can be itchy and annoying. And, if you plan on spending time in the sun, be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the rays.

So, when packing for Belize, the key is to prioritise comfort and practicality over style. Leave your nice clothes and delicate fabrics at home, and instead opt for quick-drying, comfortable attire that can handle a little wear and tear.

Don't bring tops requiring a strapless bra

Belize is hot and humid, so it's best to avoid thick materials like denim and heavy cotton clothing. Instead, opt for lightweight, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing such as linen or moisture-wicking athletic and activewear fabrics.

With that in mind, it's best not to bring tops that require a strapless bra to Belize. The heat and humidity will likely make you uncomfortable, and you'll want to avoid wearing anything that might make you feel more vulnerable to accidental exposure.

If you do decide to bring a top that requires a strapless bra, consider the following options to stay comfortable in the Belizean climate:

• Opt for a strapless bra made from lightweight and breathable materials. Look for bras that are buttery soft and contour your body without underwires or padding.
• Choose a strapless bra with thicker bands for added support. Some strapless bras have pull-on designs that are seamless and lightweight, making them more comfortable in the heat.
• If you're adventurous, consider forgoing a bra altogether and opting for #FreeTheNipple.
• Wear pasties or nipple covers as an alternative to a strapless bra. Reusable adhesive pasties can provide some lift and coverage while being less constricting than a bra.

Additionally, keep in mind that Belize is a casual place, and dressy clothing is not necessary. The local uniform typically consists of shorts and t-shirts, so you can plan to dress similarly.

Don't bring a curling iron

Belize is hot and humid, so there's no need to bring a curling iron to style your hair. Here are some reasons why you should leave your curling iron at home when visiting Belize:

The Weather

Belize's tropical climate means it's hot and humid. The temperature rarely dips below 80°F (27°C) and can feel much hotter due to the high humidity. You will likely spend your days in Belize doing outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and exploring ancient ruins. The last thing you want is to be weighed down by styled hair, which will quickly become frizzy or limp in the humid climate. Embrace the natural look and save yourself the hassle of trying to maintain styled hair in this climate!

Packing Light

When travelling to a place like Belize, it's essential to pack light. You'll want to bring items that are versatile, comfortable, and suitable for the warm weather. A curling iron is a bulky item that will take up valuable space in your luggage. It's also heavy, adding extra weight to your bag, which can be a nuisance when you're on the move. Instead, opt for lightweight clothing and accessories that can be mixed and matched to create different looks.

Electricity and Adapters

Belize's electrical outlets are the same as those in the US, so you won't need to bring a voltage converter if you're travelling from there. However, if you're coming from a country with different electrical standards, you'll need to bring a universal travel adapter. This can be a hassle, especially if you're trying to use a curling iron with a temperature control setting. Dealing with different voltages and adapters can be tricky and may damage your curling iron. Save yourself the trouble and leave it at home!

Water Activities

Belize is known for its world-class water activities such as snorkelling, diving, and swimming. If you plan on spending time in the water, you won't want to worry about keeping your hair styled. It's best to embrace the natural look and let your hair air dry. A curling iron will be useless if you're spending your days in the ocean or swimming pools.

Alternative Styling Options

If you're concerned about looking put together in Belize, there are alternative styling options that don't require a curling iron. Consider braiding your hair or putting it in a bun. These styles will help you feel polished while also keeping your hair off your neck and shoulders in the warm weather. You can also pack a sun hat to protect your hair and face from the sun. These options will ensure you look and feel great without the need for a curling iron!

Don't bring heavy books

Belize is a balmy, beachy paradise, with a hot and humid climate. It's important to pack light and only bring the essentials when visiting this gorgeous locale.

One item that you should definitely not bring is heavy books. They are bulky and take up valuable space in your luggage. Instead, bring a Kindle or another e-reader and load all your desired reads onto it. If you are worried about taking it to the beach or near water, you can always get a protective, waterproof cover for your device.

It is better to wear light, loose-fitting clothing and dress casually when visiting Belize. The temperature and humidity can be intense, so you will want to stay as cool as possible. Pack layers if you are visiting during the winter months, but still opt for synthetic or lightweight materials such as activewear and linen.

You will also want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect your skin from the sun's rays. A dry bag or waterproof backpack will help keep your belongings dry if you plan to spend time in or near the water.

So, leave the books at home and opt for an e-reader instead. This will save you space and weight in your luggage, allowing you to bring other essentials to make the most of your time in beautiful Belize.

Frequently asked questions