Brunei's Modest Fashion: A Guide To Women's Attire

Women in Brunei are encouraged to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals. While there is no specific dress code, it is advisable to wear modest clothing, similar to what one would wear when entering holy places like churches or temples. Local women, except those of Chinese descent, wear hijabs and never show any skin. Female travellers are not expected to wear hijabs but are advised to pack conservative clothing. For instance, loose pants made of breathable fabric like linen or cotton, paired with a blouse, and comfortable walking shoes or sandals.

Dressing for the weather

Brunei is warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C (73°F to 90°F). As such, lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended.

If you are planning to visit Brunei, it is best to wear light and comfortable clothing made from natural fibres such as cotton or linen. Loose-fitting clothing is also recommended to keep you cool in the hot and humid climate. It is also important to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals, as Brunei is a predominantly Muslim country.

For women, this means clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, such as a long skirt or dress, or trousers and a blouse. A scarf can also be useful to cover your arms when in restaurants or cafes, as the air conditioning can be quite strong. Sandals are a good choice of footwear, and it is also a good idea to bring a hat or other sun protection.

When visiting mosques or government buildings, you will need to cover up more. Major mosques will provide you with a robe to wear, but if you want to be especially respectful, you can bring your own loose-fitting cardigan and long skirt or dress to wear.

Although there is no specific dress code in Brunei, it is safe and advisable to wear modest clothing as you would when entering other holy places.

Dressing for the mosques

Brunei is a Muslim-majority country and, as such, has a conservative dress code. Local women, except those of Chinese descent, wear hijabs and never show any skin. Female travellers are not expected to wear a hijab, but it is important to be respectful of the culture and to dress modestly.

If you are planning to visit a mosque, it is recommended to wear a head covering; a scarf over your hair would be acceptable. It is also a good idea to wear loose-fitting, long clothing that covers your arms and legs. Major mosques will provide a robe for you to wear if your clothing is deemed inappropriate.

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen.
• Choose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, such as long skirts or dresses, or trousers and a blouse.
• Bring a scarf to cover your head and your arms when inside the mosque.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals as you may be walking a lot.
• Avoid wearing shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops.
• If you are unsure about the dress code, it is better to dress more conservatively to be respectful of the culture and religion.

Dressing for the beach

Brunei is a Muslim-majority country, so it's important to dress modestly and conservatively when visiting. The beaches, however, offer more flexibility in terms of attire. Here are some tips for dressing for the beach in Brunei:

• While there is no specific dress code in Brunei, it is recommended to wear modest clothing out of respect for the conservative culture, especially when visiting tourist spots that are also mosques.
• At the beach, you can wear the swimwear of your choice. However, it is advisable to pack a cover-up, such as a crop top or a long sarong, for extra coverage when you're not in the water.
• Beach essentials include sunscreen, sunglasses, and a quick-dry towel. Don't forget to pack insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and sand flies.
• The beaches in Brunei are mostly sandy and easily accessible, so sandals or water shoes are a good choice for footwear.
• If you plan to visit religious sites or interact with locals after your beach time, bring appropriate clothing, such as loose pants or a long skirt, and a blouse that covers your shoulders and knees.
• To stay cool in the warm and humid climate, opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
• Don't forget to bring a hat or other sun protection, especially if you plan to spend extended periods in the sun.

Dressing for the rainforest

Brunei is a Muslim-majority country, so it's important to dress modestly and conservatively when visiting. The rainforest in Brunei is hot and humid, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended. Here are some tips on how to dress for the rainforest in Brunei:

Fabric Choice

Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or other natural fibres. These fabrics will help keep you cool in the humid climate. Avoid heavy or thick materials like tulle, as they can be uncomfortable and make you sweat more.

Clothing Style

Go for loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. This will allow air circulation and help you stay cool. For tops, opt for non-sheer, loose-fitting t-shirts or blouses. Avoid clothing that reveals excessive skin, such as sleeveless or low-cut tops. Long skirts or dresses that fall below the knee are ideal for women. If you prefer pants, choose loose-fitting styles made from breathable fabrics. Leggings can also be a good option, especially for activities like hiking or walking through the rainforest.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are essential for exploring the rainforest. You may encounter muddy trails or uneven terrain, so choose shoes with good traction and that you don't mind getting dirty. Water shoes are a great option if you plan to go swimming or walk through streams.

Accessories

A hat or scarf can provide additional protection from the sun. A lightweight scarf, preferably made from cotton or silk, can also be useful to cover your arms or head if needed. Don't forget to bring insect repellent and sunscreen to protect yourself from bugs and the sun.

Layering

It's a good idea to bring a light layer, such as a cardigan or thin jacket, in case you need to cover up more when interacting with locals or visiting religious sites. Some temples or mosques may provide garments for visitors to wear, but it's always good to be prepared.

Swimming

If you plan to go swimming in the rainforest, bring a bathing suit. While modest dress is generally recommended in Brunei, you can wear the swimwear of your choice when swimming. Just be sure to pack a cover-up, like a long sarong or a lightweight dress, to wear before and after your dip.

Dressing for the city

When visiting Brunei, it's important to remember that it is a Muslim-majority country and to dress modestly and conservatively out of respect for the culture and local customs. This means avoiding excessive skin exposure, cleavage, sheer clothing, and ripped or torn clothing.

For women, loose-fitting and breathable clothing is ideal. A combination of a knee-length skirt or dress with a blouse, or trousers with a loose-fitting t-shirt or shirt is perfect. Sandals are a good choice for exploring the city, and a light scarf can be useful for covering your arms when in heavily air-conditioned spaces.

If you plan on visiting mosques or other religious sites, you will need to cover up more. While you do not need to bring your own headscarf, you will be provided with a robe to wear over your clothes.

While there is no specific dress code, it is best to be cautious and respectful.

Frequently asked questions