What is appropriate apparel in Malaysia?

If seen photos of travelers wearing tank tops in Malaysia, but have heard that it is offensive to show your shoulders... I also read that beach wear is appropriate only for the beach, but am a bit unclear as to what exactly this means. I don't want to cause problems, and I don't want any unnecessary embarrassment. Is it considered lewd to wear a bikini to a hotel swimming pool or beach? Are shorts and tank tops inappropriate for both men and women? What about skirts (for women, of course)? What should I pack? I know that if I am visiting a temple to dress very conservatively, but what about if you are just walking around?

as long as you are dressed, you'll be fine...

Depends where you are for the most part. In KL and Penang you can get away with wearing most anything, probably in Johor Bahru, too, which has a lot of exposure to Singaporean trends. However, if you venture into Kuala Terrenganu or Kelantan you'd probably want to cover up a bit away from the beach.

Most people aren't going to make much fuss, but for women travellers it's more a question of leering men and cat-calls than say censure or rock-throwing.

Ok, this is what I've found from being a girl on my own:

Beachwear - whatever you like around the hotel pool and on the tourist beach, but if you are on a public beach in a non-touristy area do expect to get a few stares from local men. Muslim Malay women will often swim in their clothes. Basically, you should put on a t-shirt etc if you pop to the shops or something while you're at the beach.

Tank tops are generally fine but you will need to cover your head and shoulders to visit mosques and some temples etc.

I mostly wore loose linen trousers or 3/4 cargos and had no probs. I once wore shorts on the local bus because everything else was in the wash and one man stared at my legs and refused to sit next to me, even though it was the only empty seat, but that was the only time anything happened.

Skirts shouldn't be too short. You don't need to be totally covered up - above the knee is fine but I wouldn't recommend anything that shows too much thigh. Think what would you have got away with in school!

Agree with Guinn - you won't get arrested but you may get whistled at and called out to....a lot!

well said Samfan... please follow her suggestion..

Samfan is correct.

Malaysia has three main 'ethnic groups': Malays, Indians and Chinese. Malays are mostly muslim and wear long trousers, t-shirts to their elbows and a headscarf. Indians wear saris and Indian-type clothing. Chinese females wear as little as possible - mini-shorts, small heels and a strappy singlet are common.

So basically you can wear anything in Malaysia - as long as you are dressed. Skirts are not common - I did try wearing a skirt once and I was the only one with a skirt longer than a mini-skirt on.

Wow, very measured replies :)
Check this thread for a laugh!