What to Wear in Fiji (Style Guide & Packing List)
Ready to pack your bags and head to Fiji? This style guide will show you what to wear in Fiji to look and feel your best during your trip! From breezy maxi dresses to stylish swimsuits, you’ll be covered for your tropical island vacation. Plus, I’ve added a packing list, so you don’t forget anything important!
Fiji was my first international trip abroad by myself- and figuring out what to pack was definitely a struggle. After spending two weeks island-hopping in Fiji, I learned a thing or two!
Whether you’re heading off to Fiji for a romantic honeymoon getaway or an adventurous jungle excursion, there are a few things to keep in mind when pulling out the suitcase.
Summary
Important Considerations for Fiji:
Fiji is a humid, tropical climate
When packing for a trip to Fiji, it’s important to keep the climate in mind. Fiji is a humid, tropical climate, so breathable fabrics are key. Cotton, linen, and light synthetics are all excellent choices. And don’t forget to pack a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Sun Protection is Essential
Many people are drawn to Fiji for its stunning beaches and clear blue waters. However, they may not realize that the sun in Fiji is intense due to the country’s proximity to the equator. As a result, it is essential to take precautions against the sun’s harmful UV rays.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will help to protect your face, and clothing that covers your shoulders, neck, and back will help prevent sunburn. Reef-safe sunscreen is also a must, as conventional sunscreen can damage the delicate coral ecosystem.
Proper Etiquette & Dress Code in Fiji
When planning a trip to Fiji, it’s important to consider the local customs and what type of clothing is appropriate to wear. The dress code in Fiji is relatively casual, but there are a few things to keep in mind, especially for women.
First, it’s important to remember that Fiji is primarily Christian, so modest clothing covering the shoulders and knees is recommended. Secondly, while beachwear is acceptable around the resorts, it’s considered rude to walk around town in a swimsuit.
Also, when visiting religious sites or villages, it’s respectful to dress more conservatively out of deference to local traditions.
Health & Wellbeing
One of the most important things to remember is to protect yourself from mosquito and bug bites. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and use high-quality insect repellent when spending time outdoors. Whenever I travel to tropical or jungle destinations where mosquito activity is high, I bring this mosquito repellent.
It’s also a good idea to pack a first aid kit in case you suffer any cuts or scrapes while exploring the beaches or hiking through the jungle.
I cut my toe on a rock while cliff diving in Fiji, and even though I thoroughly washed and cleaned the wound, it was painful and infected by the end of the trip. I spent my first day back in the States in urgent care getting antibiotics and steroid injections!
And finally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using sunscreen, even if you don’t think you will be spending much time in the sun.
see also:
Fiji Style Tips:
- Think bright colors & floral patterns. Bright colors like pinks, greens, oranges, and blues are popular in Fiji, as they help to reflect the vibrant spirit of the island. Floral patterns also reflect the style of Polynesian culture.
- Buy a sulu. A sulu (also known as a lavalava or sarong) are an absolute must for both men and women. The wrap-around “sulu” is Fiji’s most distinctive form of attire. There are many ways to wear one, but it’s biggest use is for covering up the shoulders and legs when visiting villages or shopping in town. They also come in many different colors, styles, and patterns.
What to Wear at the Resorts in Fiji:
In general, it’s best to dress casually in Fiji. As previously mentioned, it’s a tropical country, so it’s important to pack light and airy clothing to help you stay cool in the heat.
However, if you’re planning on dining at any of the finer restaurants, it’s always good to bring along something slightly more formal, such as a cute sundress or jumpsuit.
What to Wear for Fiji Excursions & Day Trips:
When packing for a trip to Fiji, it’s essential to keep in mind that there are a lot of activities and excursions available beyond what’s offered at your resort.
From rafting and zip lining to hiking through rain forests, there’s plenty to do if you’re looking for an adventure. With that in mind, pack one or two sets of workout clothes and running shoes so you can take advantage of all the great activities offered!
Also, if you plan on doing any water activities such as snorkeling, I recommend a good pair of water shoes!
What to Wear for a Village Visit:
When planning what to wear for a village visit in Fiji, all you need to remember is SULU SULU SULU! A Fijian village’s dress code is typically one where women cover their shoulders and knees, which can be best achieved with a sulu. You’ll also respect the village’s customs by participating in the traditional Fijian attire.
See also:
What to Wear in Fiji During the Dry Season:
May, June, July, August, September, and October are the dry months that coincide with the island’s winter. During this time, the weather is less humid and can even be a little cool in the evenings. Because of this, it’s a good idea to pack a lightweight jacket or pashmina to put around you.
What to Wear in Fiji During the Wet Season:
November, December, January, February, March, and April are the wetter months in Fiji, so you’ll notice a more hot and humid summer climate during this time.
It is also a time prone to tropical storms and cyclones, so it’s important to be prepared for the wet weather. Water-wicking fabrics, lightweight fabrics, and perhaps even a travel umbrella are a good idea if traveling during this time.
Important Tips for Packing for Fiji:
- If you’re taking a domestic flight, helicopter, or seaplane transfer in Fiji, pack lightly! The baggage allowance is much smaller than what’s allowed on international flights – around 15kg (33lbs) for checked baggage per person. For this reason, I recommend traveling with a carry-on only!
- If traveling for one week, pack for each day. If traveling for longer, pack for one week, then make use of the laundry services available in most resorts and hotels.
- Pack versatile outfits. For example, what can be used for a village visit might also be suitable as an evening outfit for dinner.
- Use packing cubes to organize your suitcase! You’ll save so much space and time not having to dig for everything!
- Buy gifts in advance if you’re visiting a village. It’s customary to bring a gift to the village you plan on visiting. Some tour guides will take care of this for you, but sometimes the gesture is heartwarming as the villagers don’t have much. During my trip to Fiji, I left my T-shirts for the village women to wear and some notebooks and colored pencils for the children.
Fiji Packing List:
Swimsuits & bikinis. Pack a few!
Swimsuit cover-up.
Water shoes.
Sarong. For when you’re shopping in town or visiting a village.
Long sleeve shirt or pashmina. For when temperatures drop in the evenings.
T-Shirts. Bring a couple you don’t mind getting dirty.
Flowy Blouses.
Shorts, skirts, and rompers.
Cute dresses for going out.
Activewear for hiking, jungle trekking, or ziplining
Undergarments including bras, sports bras, underwear, and socks.
Sleepwear.
Shoes. Pack at least one pair of flip-flops, sneakers, sandals, and water shoes.
Sun hat.
Sunglasses.
Dry bag. An excellent idea if you’re planning on spending a lot of time on the beach, kayaking, rafting, waterfall visits, etc.
Microfiber towel.
Medicine. I have an entire post dedicated to must-have medications to travel with.
Mosquito repellent. This is the mosquito repellent I always take with me when the mosquito population is high.
Reef-safe sunscreen.
Aloe Vera.
Travel first aid kit.
Toiletries.
Mosquito net (if staying in a village overnight)
Plug adapter.
Waterproof camera. I always like to bring my GoPro!
Beach bag.
Backpack. For day trips and excursions.
