1

In Honduras and Guatemala I'm not comfortable wearing shorts except in beachy areas; I wear long pants or capris. In Belize shorts seemed more acceptable. With my family and if I was taking a group of teenagers, I would say sleeveless is OK but not skimpy tanktops, shorts and skirts OK if not too short. My packing list is #15 in the FAQ thread if you're interested (wouldn't need a fleece for Belize, though - all lowland). The main thing I'd be sure about is that everyone just takes a loosely-filled carry-on so no one is tied down to heavy luggage or has to check luggage.

Have a great trip and be sure to tell us all about it.

2

I'm a guy, but maybe I can help. I'd say either sleeveless shirts or t-shirts and both knee-length shorts and skirts are culturally acceptable most anywhere in Belize. If you are there during the summer you'll surely want to think light weight cottons or wicking/fast-dry clothes. As a guy, and only having been in Belize during winter months and staying inland most of the time, I wear button-up, loose fitting long or short sleeve cotton shirts and jeans or shorts. Sandals of any type are acceptable, although I personally rarely wear them. It also depends on where in Belize you will be. I wear long sleeves and pants mostly because the bugs where I stay (on the Hummingbird Hwy) are a real challenge. Up in San Ignacio, or most places west of Belmopan, you have to worry about this less (at least in the winter, as that is the only experience I have).
Maybe some women and/or guys with wives in Belize can shed some more light on this. And an idea of where you will be would be helpful for more informative advice.

3

Belize of course is a multi-cultural society, and what the Mennonite women wear in conservative Little Belize or Shipyard is very different from what Creole office workers wear in downtown Belize City or what hip young San Pedranas wear at clubs on Ambergris Caye or Mopan Maya ladies wear in remote Toledo villages.

In general, though, the advice you've gotten so far is spot on. Shorts, tee-shirts and sleeveless blouses are okay just about everywhere, as long as they aren't "immodest." It's going to be very hot and humid, and people expect that visitors will want to be comfortable.

--Lan Sluder
http://www.belizefirst.com

4

Hi
I´ve just spent nearly two weeks in Placencia, in the south-east of Belize. Most of the younger local girls (late teens-early 20s) were wearing tshirts (with and without sleeves) and jean shorts. Not many short skirts, but shorts seem to be acceptable. Slightly older ladies were wearing tshirts (again, both with and without sleeves) and skirts or three-quarter length trousers or slightly longer shorts.

5

I second needing to know where you are going. In the Cayes, many tourists wander around in swimwear - is this acceptable, er no, not really. Locals will either laugh AT them, be quietly, or not so quietly, offended or try to hit on them. Tank tops and shorts are fine though. Personally I like to wear long shorts or capris and a tank top, and have a thin cotton shirt to thrown on if I'm out in the sun or I feel the need to cover up. If you are going inland, you will be much better having some long sleeves and pants for when the bugs are out. If you plan to snorkel, take tee-shirts to stop bad sunburn, and don't forget a hat. Belizean are practical, it's hot, but are moderately modest in their attire!

6

That will be fine to wear in Belize. If you are going to a church or an office in a city, then wear something longer.