Dress
The traditional dress in Brunei is still very much alive, although some western-styled clothing has made an entrance. The dress is truly based on the people's Islamic faith, which requests conservative dress, especially among women as all women are expected to cover their hair. Both men and women are also expected to have their shoulders and knees covered at all times.
For many women the traditional dress is the baju kurang, which is similar to a dress, which is often times very colorful. The men traditionally wore the baju burung, which consists of a simple long-sleeved shirt and pants or a sampin, which is similar to a sarong worn in place of pants. While both of these traditional outfits, and others, are still commonly worn in Brunei, there is a slow movement to western-styled clothing. This shift, however, is taking place slowly and is primarily being undertaken by the younger generation.
As a visitor to Brunei, you are not expected to wear local traditional clothing, but it is required that you cover up. Everyone, including visitors, is expected to cover their knees and shoulders at a minimum. Many people will cover their elbows as well and women are encouraged to cover their hair at all times in public, but this is not required. Despite the strict dress code, few of these rules are actual laws so there is some leeway in what you can wear while in Brunei and some people do wear shorts today. However, in order to show respect to the people and their culture, it is recommended that you cover up at all times and to save your swim wear for nearby Malaysia.