What To Wear In Hong Kong
To sum it up - Modest but chic
- Generally older Hong Kong people dress modestly - no short skirts, no strappy tops or generally tight or revealing clothes. The same can't be said about the young! In the full heat and humidity of summer you will see plenty of strappy vests and shorts.
- This a fashion-conscious, designer-conscious city - particularly amongst the young people.
- Dress well in a smart casual fashion and you will find you fit in.
- Hong Kong's sub-tropical climate means that you won't need winter clothes for most of the year.
- However, if you are staying in a hotel we would suggest you take light knitwear or a pashmina as the air conditioning can be fierce.
- Loose fitting, natural fabrics and layered clothes will work all year round.
- We would suggest that you favour dark colours as these are more popular and will mean you will be less conspicuous.
- Jeans are also popular but probably too uncomfortable in the hottest parts of the year.
- People seem to make more of an effort to dress smartly for dinner in the hotels, so a smart top or dress and shoes will be useful. A wrap is also very versatile, and can dress up any outfit.
- Also be warned - you may be refused entry at some up-scale restaurants if you don't look smart enough. If you've been sightseeing, aim to freshen up and change your clothes before meals.
- The humidity can play havoc with your hair too - so think about accessories or a scarf to keep it looking neat and tidy.
- Be sure to pack some comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing.
- The wet season is June/July/August, and if you visit at this time our advice would be to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket, but not to bother to pack an umbrella as you will find inexpensive ones on street stalls and in local shops everywhere.
- From mid-December, through January to mid-February it is cooler and warmer layers would be advisable. So leave your flip flops, shorts and strappy tops at home in favour of t-shirts, jeans and a jacket.
- If you are in Hong Kong on business then formal suits are the norm - for both men and women.
- Stay healthy on your trip - travellers' diarrhoea can affect as many as 50% of people travelling abroad. We've tried and recommend Bimuno Travel Aid pastilles to help support your digestive health. And WhatToWearOnHoliday readers can claim a great 10% discount using code WHBIMUA at the checkout.
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Your thoughts
Dress up! You won't get a table in the nice places if you don't look polished! No sneakers, shorts or tank tops at the Peninsula! If you're going in summer, have something to make your hair look nice in that humidity. We were turned away in the Peninsula & the Ritz because we had been walking for hours & looked frazzled. - Heather, USA
