The atmosphere of a Bermuda hotel, guest house or cottage colony, and indeed of Bermuda itself, is one of British reserve and dignified informality. Therefore, there are certain 'customs of dress' which you will want to know about.
Dress Code:
As a rule of thumb, dress conservatively. Bathing suits, abbreviated tops and short shorts are not acceptable except at beaches and pools. There are no nude or semi-nude beaches. In public (including public area of hotels) beach wear must be covered. Bare feet and hair curlers are not acceptable anywhere in public.
It is an offense to ride cycles or appear in public without a shirt or just wearing a bathing suit top. Joggers may wear standard running shorts and shirts.
Casual sportswear is acceptable in restaurants at lunch time but many restaurants and night clubs in and out of hotels require gentlemen to wear a jacket and tie in the evenings. It is best to check on dress requirements when making dinner / night club reservations as some places do have casual evenings periodically.
Warmer Months:
May to mid-November. Summer-weight sports clothes, swim suits, a raincoat or lightweight wind breaker. Evenings - casual elegant cottons: ladies, light dressy sweater or wrap and cocktail-type outfits; gentlemen, a sports jacket and tie.
Cooler Months:
December to late March. Light woollens or fall-weight casuals, sweaters, raincoat and warmer jacket, wind breaker or coat, with swim suit for warmer days. Evenings - casual elegant lightweight woollens; ladies, dressier sweater or wrap and cocktail-type outfits; gentlemean, a suit or sports jacket and tie.
Changes of Season:
Mid-November through December and late-March through April. Either spring or summer weather may occur and a combination of the two above suggestions should be ideal.
Formal Dress:
Not necessary except for specific personal needs. Tuxedos, morning suits, evening tails may be rented by visitors, but accessories must be purchased.
