Beach clubs in Bali aren’t just about swimming and sunbathing; they’re full-blown experiences where style matters as much as the cocktail in your hand. What you wear shifts depending on the time of day, the venue, and whether you’re there for a lazy pool session or a sunset party.
This guide breaks down exactly what to pack for clubs like Café del Mar Bali, Savaya, Potato Head, and La Brisa, so you look effortlessly right no matter when you show up.
Beach Clubs in Bali: What to Expect
Walking into a Bali beach club for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. There’s the infinity pool stretching toward the ocean, the DJ booth tucked under a bamboo canopy, the rows of daybeds with crisp white cushions, and people everywhere lounging, dancing, taking photos, ordering round after round of frozen margaritas.
During the day, swimwear is the uniform. You’ll see bikinis, one-pieces, board shorts, and the occasional sarong draped artfully over someone’s shoulders. People are barefoot or in flip-flops, moving between the pool and the bar, dripping chlorine water on sun-warmed tiles. It’s relaxed, but there’s still an awareness for instaworthy opportunities!
Once the sun starts its descent and the sky turns pink and orange, the atmosphere shifts. Music gets louder, drinks get fancier, and a new crowd often arrives complete with sundresses, linen shirts, wedge sandals, and maybe a little more jewelry. Some clubs enforce this shift with actual dress codes. Others just care that you have a good time.
What to Wear to a Bali Beach Club During the Day
Daytime at a beach club is all about being comfortable while still looking stylish. You’re going to be in and out of the water, sitting on hot surfaces, sweating under the Bali sun, and probably ordering another round of Bintangs before lunch. Your outfit needs to handle all of that without falling apart or making you feel self-conscious.
Swimwear: Bikinis & Board Shorts
For women, start with a bikini or swimsuit you genuinely feel good in. Not just something that fits, but something that makes you want to take photos. High-waisted bikinis are everywhere right now. They’re flattering, they photograph well, and they don’t ride up when you’re climbing in and out of pools. One-pieces with cut-outs or interesting straps work just as well, especially if you want something that feels a little more elegant.
Men have it a bit simpler. Swim shorts are the foundation either mid-length or slightly shorter cuts in solid colors or subtle patterns. Loud tropical prints can veer into classic tourist territory quickly, so unless that’s your thing, stick with navy, olive, or muted patterns.
Forgot to pack a swimsuit? No worries! Just stop by our boutique and swipe a classic piece you can wear all around the island, or browse through our curated list of best bikini shops in Bali.
Outerwear: Sarongs & Shirts
Over your swimwear, throw on a kaftan, sarong, or oversized linen shirt. The key is something lightweight and breezy that you can easily slip on when you’re moving from the pool to the bar, or from sunshine to sundown.
These outerwears are also great for the unpredictable shift in weather, for sudden summer showers or strong winds.
Beach Accessories
Sandals or flip-flops work fine during the day.
Sunglasses are essential, and a baseball cap is fine for sun protection, though you’ll want to lose it by evening if you’re at a dressier club.
A wide-brimmed straw hat adds instant vacation vibes and keeps the sun off your face.
Keep jewelry minimal as salt water and chlorine aren’t kind to metal, and flashy pieces are just asking to be lost or stolen.
Transitioning to Evening: What to Wear to a Bali Beach Club at Sunset
As the sun dips toward the horizon, the energy changes. People start filtering back from the pool, hair still damp, salt on their skin, ready to clean up and shift gears. If you’re staying for dinner or a DJ set, this is when you’ll want to change. Whether you’re staying since sunset or are arriving just in time to soak in that late-night beachside vibe, the dress code shifts subtly.
Resortwear: Flowy & Breezy
For women, a flowy resort dress is the easiest move. Midi or maxi length, something in cotton or linen that doesn’t cling, in colors that feel tropical. Whites, soft pinks, sage greens, and warm terracotta are very popular colors. Jumpsuits are another smart option, especially if you want something that feels polished but doesn’t require much thought.
Add a little more jewelry like gold hoops, layered necklaces, a few rings. Nothing too precious, but enough to signal you’re no longer in pool mode.
Men can swap the tank for a button-up shirt like linen or cotton in a neutral or pastel shade. Leave it untucked for a relaxed feel, or tuck it in if the club leans dressier. Pair with tailored shorts or lightweight chinos.
What Not to Wear to a Bali Beach Club
Even the most relaxed beach clubs have unspoken rules. As with most establishments in Bali, beer-branded singlets (think the classic Bintang logo from street stalls) or cut-off clothing are an instant no. They might be comfortable, but they don’t fit with the beach club vibe.
Flip-flops are okay, but consider the logistics of it when the crowd starts to filter in with heels and wedges. Better be safe than sorry!
Flashy jewelry is risky. Expensive watches and chunky gold chains make you a target in crowded spaces. Keep it simple and save the valuables for another occasion.
Dress Code by Club: Know Before You Go
Café del Mar Bali is massive, social, and welcomes laidback travelers during the day. The vibe is fun and inclusive, but casual attire is expected. Think sundresses, bikinis, and linen shirts that seamlessly transition into the cooler night air.
Savaya is a different beast entirely. Perched on a cliff with jaw-dropping ocean views, it attracts a more sophisticated crowd. During the day, stylish swimwear is fine, but once the sun starts setting, the dress code kicks in. People dress to impress here, and the staff can turn you away if you’re too casual.
Potato Head has a playful, artistic vibe with retro architecture and a creative crowd. The dress code is relaxed, but people still show up looking good. There’s more to do in Potato Head and not everyone is looking to sink their toes in the sand.
La Brisa is earthy and boho, built from driftwood and recycled materials with a barefoot-in-the-sand feel. The dress code is as chill as it gets: flowy fabrics, natural tones, woven bags, minimal makeup. It’s the kind of place where you could show up in a sarong and feel totally at home. Don’t forget to bring a tote for when their Sunday market begins!
If you’re club-hopping, aim for something versatile. A simple linen dress or a button-up shirt with tailored shorts can work at most places without making you feel over or underdressed.
FAQs
Most do. For utmost privacy, Cafe del Mar Bali also offers a VIP suite, complete with a personal pool, bathroom and other exclusive amenities.
In summary, resort wear and casual attire are a safe bet in any establishment in Bali from beachfront beach clubs to semi-fine dining restaurants. Beach clubs in Bali are more flexible, allowing bikinis and board shorts, but a more high-end club may deny entry.
It depends on what kind. For a literal beach party held on a beach, sandals and sarongs are expected since you will be in the sand. But if you’re going to a beach party at a beach club, then aim for casual resortwear.
Mainly catching the best sunsets on the island while sipping on delicious house cocktails. Splash around in the infinity pools, soak in the island ambiance, and see why people keep coming back to Bali.
For a more comfortable experience, we suggest wearing stylish sandals over loafers. Easy access for poolside or beachside moments, and still fancy enough for after-sunset. For venues like Cafe del Mar Bali, heels are a great idea since our venue is mostly flat.
At upscale clubs like Savaya and Omnia, yes. Smart-casual, no beachwear or flip-flops. Casual clubs like La Brisa are more relaxed.
Show Up in Style
A visit to a beach club in Bali is definitely a must to complete your holiday. It’s an all-inclusive day-to-night experience, combining sunsets, flavorful dining selections, house cocktails, and groovy island rhythms. Whether you’re looking for an energetic ambiance like FINNS or a more laidback situation like La Brisa, Bali has you covered. And all you have to do is show up in your best fits.
Our boutique offers a range of bikinis and sarongs to complete your looks for that picture-perfect moment, and we’ve got daybeds and VIP suites that are calling your name. See you inside!