What to Wear in Rio de Janeiro

Brazil is known for many things, but first and foremost, it is all about the body. Nowhere more so than in Rio de Janeiro does Brazil’s reputation for bombastic sensuality and beachwear culture come into play. This is the land of sand-dusted bottoms, sarong wraps, Brazilian blow-outs and perpetually oiled limbs.  

It is here that one hotel needs no introduction, as synonymous with Rio as Caipirinhas and açaí bowls: the Copacabana Palace. This hotel, opened in 1923 and positioned directly opposite the city’s most famous crescent of sand, is less like a place to stay and more like a national treasure. It was here that the Rolling Stones famously built a bridge to take them over to the history-making concert on Copacabana Beach. It is here that Brazilian supermodels Gisele Bündchen, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio come for their spa appointments. It is here that Pelé met Diego Maradona in 1979. The rest is history.

First things first: get your swimwear sorted. You will want to lounge at Copa’s legendary semi Olympic-sized pool when you’re not at the beach. Rio is not a place for statement-making designer accessories – especially if you’re planning on exploring the city. Think polished, but never precious. A pair of good sunglasses goes further than any formal dress code. However you feel about your body, one thing is for certain – in Rio, there is a joyous confidence that comes with showing skin. Less is more. Everywhere you go, shorts are shorter; bikinis are skimpier; and accessories are dialled back, letting your carefree nature do the talking. Here, rudeness is measured in modesty. Just remember to wear SPF – everywhere.