Now that summer is here, our closets are brimming with swimsuits, shorts, flip-flops, and sundresses galore. But if your travel plans include vacationing at an all-inclusive resort, you’ll need to pack a few formal options as well. Resorts are notoriously known for their mandatory dinner dress codes, and failing to abide by these could get you dismissed from a restaurant, even if you have a reservation.
"A lot of all-inclusive resorts have dress codes, especially at dinner time," according to Kathryn Potter, a travel agent who specializes in all-inclusive resorts. She wrote on her website: "Many require men to wear long pants, collared shirts and/or close-toed shoes. Without the proper attire you may be stuck eating at the buffet every night."
However, many travelers believe these dress codes are a secret way to keep overserved guests from disrupting the "upscale" atmosphere.
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"Somehow making guys wear pants is enough of a deterrent to the aggressive day drinkers who are still too inebriated to not be disruptive at a seated dinner. For whatever reason, it is some kind of natural barrier and keeps the upscale dinner experience better for everyone else," one person theorized in a Reddit thread.
"I was amazed at some of the clothes dudes were trying to wear... sleeveless shirts, shirts not buttoned, shorts, swimwear," shared a traveler, who recently got back from an all-inclusive resort. "I agree with another poster that it seemed to keep the drunks away."
A strict dress code could also be a tactic to exclude pool guests. "I think it’s basically a way of keeping folks from wearing swimsuits," another user wrote in the thread.
Yet, others find the dress codes outdated.
"The archaic dress code requirements that still exist where long pants are required for men. Us dudes can look very put together with a nice pair of chino shorts and a shirt/polo along with a nice pair of shoes," argued one Redditor.
Another agreed, noting that a strict dress code "makes us have to take so much extra luggage."
One traveler recommended investing in a nice pair of linen pants, which most places consider resort-appropriate wear. But even that has its naysayers.
"I hate the pants rule for men," someone else commented. "We usually avoid that restaurant, which limits our dining options. I can buy [my husband] linen pants, but he's never going to wear them again."
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After a long day of soaking in the sun, the thought of putting on pants might make your blood boil—especially, if you’re dealing with an uncomfortable sunburn. In that case, you’re better off skipping the fancy restaurant and opting for a more casual dining experience instead.
"Many (if not most) places have optional outdoor areas where you can wear shorts if you can't manage full pants, so you're never 'forced' to dress," shared one Redditor. Alternatively, you can also bring a spare set of clothes. "In cases where it's been really warm, I put the long pants on for dinner and then change out for the rest of the evening."
Travel + Leisure also emphasizes that certain areas of the resort (i.e., the pool cabana versus the cocktail lounge) may employ different dress codes, so it’s important to pack attire that satisfies both ends of the spectrum.
"For instance, more formal restaurants might call for collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for men and sandals with a heel strap for women. The hotel also may not allow bare feet, swimsuits, or wet clothes indoors in public areas," per the outlet. Meanwhile, "a family-friendly resort may have a more relaxed dress code."
A smart choice is to reference the resort’s website, where you’ll find specific dress code and etiquette guidelines. When in doubt, you can always reach out to customer service prior to your stay.
