What to Wear in Bali: A Bali Vacation Wardrobe Guide

30 September 2026 · Ken Larasati

What to Wear in Bali: A Bali Vacation Wardrobe Guide

Bali isn't just a hot summer destination, it's also known for its high humidity. So, you're not only likely to feel the scorching sun, which can make you uncomfortable, but you'll also be sweating a lot due to high humidty. It’s really important to choose the right wardrobe for your Bali vacation, as it can make a big difference in how comfortable you feel in the heat and humidity.

Choose Lightweight Materials

The best fabrics for Bali clothing are lightweight and breathable materials like linen, cotton, and rayon. Avoid the heavy fabrics like jeans and knit as it can trap more heat on the body, unless you want to go to somewhere cooler, such as Kintamani mountain. Choose natural fabrics and avoid materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic, which absorb less moisture and can leave you feeling sticky and sweaty.

Opt for Oversized or Maxi Silhouettes

A loose-fitting like oversized shirt, midi dress, or caftan allows air circulates better around your body to release heat and dry moisture more quickly. While wearing a fitted or body-hugging pieces is absolutely beautiful and sexy, the sweat can cause them to cling to the skin, leaving you feeling sticky or uncomfortable. They're also more likely to show a visible sweat marks and ruin your outfit of the day. So, when planning to spend the day outdoors, we recommend choosing loose-fitting clothing for better airflow and comfort. Moss Kaftan Bali from our collection is a perfect example of loose fit piece, it has a drawstring details to s

Opt for Bright and Patterned Clothes

Speaking of sweat marks, we can actually make them less noticeable by wearing a patterned pieces instead of just solid plain color. Wearing a bright color and pattern pieces also compliment Bali's natural scenery beautifuly. There are plenty of pattern to choose from, such as palm trees, flowers, batik, or tie-dye which you can find on any Bali local shops. If you prefer a more subtle, abstract pattern, the Tulalara collection has you covered, from traditional batik stamp to handcrafted Bali tie-dye.

Bring a Cover-Up for Easy Layering

For a day exploring Bali beaches, besides packing a cute swimsuit or bikini, don't forget to bring a cover-up such as sarong, oversized shirt, or kimono robe. Cover-ups are perfect when you want a little more coverage after swimming, whether you're just relaxing by the beach or grabbing some snacks. They can keep your body warm while it's still wet and provide you some coverage from a direct sunlight.

The Dusk Bali Kimono is one of kimono outer pieces from our collection, featuring balinese tie-dye fabrics, the 'tulang' pattern drapes beautifully in the gentle Bali breeze, making it an effortless layer for your beach days.

A sarong is also a great option for a beach cover-up. It’s a large piece of lightweight fabric that can be worn as a wrap over your swimsuit. Bali sarongs often feature beach-inspired patterns, batik, or tie-dye designs. You can wear a sarong as a shoulder cover or wrap it around your waist as a skirt.

Bali is a home to many beautiful temples such as Uluwatu temple, Pura Tirta Empul, and Tanah Lot, that shows a glimpse of Balinese Hindu culture and architecture.

This sacred sites usually require visitors to wear modest clothing that cover shoulder and knees. Sometimes the temple provides sarong for visitors to borrow, but if you have a particular style and preference, I recommend to bringing your own. You can purchase a Bali sarongs at local shop or explore our sarong collections, featuring a beautiful Balinese batik stamp pattern. 

Choose Comfortable Footwear

Comfortable sandals, flip-flop or thongs are perfect for Bali beach days and exploring local shop or restaurants. For a Bali nature hike, such as exploring rice terraces or hidden jungle waterfalls, upgrade to a sturdy pair of sports sandals or hiking shoes. Avoid packing heels, as Bali can have uneven pathways, and unpredictable tropical rain. 

Choose Practical Designs

Imagine the feeling of freedom, comfort, and relaxation you've been longing for on your Bali vacation. You deserved to rest and slow down after all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Your vacation wardrobe should not only keep you comfortable on the tropical heat, but also practical and effortless to your needs, so nothing gets in the way of your peace and relaxation.

Indonesian often takes a cold shower two to three times a day to cool down and wash away sweat. This can mean they change clothes more frequently and doing more laundry. Fortunately, there are many reliable and affordable laundry service around Bali. Therefore, when packing for your trip, opt a for clothing that easy to wash in washing machine, and avoid fabrics or intricate details that require an extra care. After all, we don't want to spend our peaceful holiday worrying about laundry, right?

Those are few tips to pack your Bali holiday wardrobe. The key is choose lightweight, practical, and comfortable pieces for your tropical island getaway. A relaxing vacation and a comfortable wardrobe don't mean that you have to sacrifice you stylish and inner goddess. Tulalara has you covered with Bali inspired fashion pieces, from dress and kaftan to jumpsuit. We have perfect pieces to keep you both stylish and comfortable throughout your Bali stays.

Whatever your style, we hope you enjoy your time in Bali. See you there!