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Cuba has always been a popular destination worldwide but it’s quickly becoming a hotspot for American travelers, too. Step back in time and visit this culture-rich country–keep reading to learn some packing tips on what to wear in Cuba!
Bonus tip: read this post to find out what to pack for Cuba in spring and summer!
What to Wear in Cuba
Written By:Â Christina DiPierro
leggings | sneakers | sweater
What were three items you found absolutely essential to your trip? Why?
My ADEA leggings, SUPERGA gray sneakers, and a lightweight, wool zip-up sweater from J.Crew that I got a few years ago.
When you’re planning what to wear in Cuba, keep in mind that it was cooler in Havana than normal so you want to check the weather averages and forecast in advance. I found that I was most comfortable in my leggings with a tank top or tee with the sweater for extra coverage. The sneakers came in handy and I was grateful for them when I walk around Havana.
Once you’ve researched the weather, you can focus on creating a travel capsule wardrobe, which should easily fit in a carryon suitcase with the help of packing cubes to compress your clothing.
The city itself is relatively clean but many of the streets are cobblestone or are dug up for construction work so my strappy sandals were not ideal.
There are many things to do in Havana so bring comfortable shoes and be prepared to sightsee!
Describe the ideal travel outfit for a day sightseeing in Cuba.
During the cooler months the ideal travel outfit would be a pair of leggings or lightweight pants with a tank top, sneakers and lightweight sweater or jacket.
I also brought 2 camisoles (white & black) to wear on the plane and I ended up layering with them every day under my tops because it was so cool – they were lifesavers. In the hotter, summer months swap out leggings or pants for shorts.
Are there any clothing items to avoid?
Although it’s an island with lovely beach resorts, the overall feel is more gritty and urban. Their fashion reflects that feeling. Unless you plan to stay mostly at a beach resort I wouldn’t bother adding beach-y sundresses as you plan what to wear in Cuba. They won’t work well in Havana and the surrounding countryside, especially in winter months.
Flat Sandals | Sneakers | Heeled Sandals
What was your overall impression of fashion in Havana? Do you recommend the shoes you wore on your trip? Why or why not?
I brought Superga light gray sneakers, a pair of strappy sandals and a pair of heels. I was happy I brought all 3 but you can easily avoid wearing heels in the city. Many Cuban women wore flats or sandals at night so I could’ve saved the space in my bag.
What was the weather like during your trip?
I enjoyed the blue skies and magnificent sunshine but the temperatures were cooler than normal. During the day temps were in the low-mid 70s and at night in the low 60s. There was a chilly breeze coming off the water that made it feel a few degrees colder.
What most surprised you about the fashion in Havana?
With the bright array of colors exhibited in the cars, building facades and murals all over the city I expected the clothing to be more vibrant, but it wasn’t.
There was a lot of black, gray, and jeans of all types. The Cubans, however, seemed to make up for the lack of color in their clothes with their animated and exuberant personalities. I was also surprised to see as much nail art as I did – they have embraced all kinds of nail art trends from crazy prints to nail piercings.
Is there anything you would’ve brought with you but didn’t pack?
A large scarf. I usually always travel with one and remembered why on this trip! Even when visiting tropical locations it can get chilly at night or there can be a cool breeze off the water during the day. A scarf is always practical. I’ll never make that mistake again!
How was the shopping?
The clothing shopping in Cuba is abysmal, except for crochet items and hats. If you are checking bags make sure to bring a change of clothes in your carry on because you’ll have a hard time finding much in the city.
There is a thriving art scene, however, with wonderful galleries and artists’ studios all over the city. In addition to a few photographs, I purchased a beautiful painting from a local artist in his studio.
Any additional tips?
Don’t wear clothing or jewelry that is too flashy. Most of the population is quite poor and you will look (and feel) very out of place in anything too ostentatious.
WHAT TO WEAR IN CUBA: CAPSULE WARDROBE
Blouse | Tank | Shirt | Tee | Dress | Dress | Jeans | Leggings | Jacket | Jacket | Sweater | Short | Trainers | Sandals | Shawl | Tote
Travel Outfit Ideas
Share your tips on what to wear in Cuba in the comments!
For more packing list ideas, please read:
- What to Pack for Cuba in Spring and Summer
- What to Wear in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- What to Pack for Isla Mujeres
- What to Wear in San Miguel de Allende: Escape the Winter in Mexico
Suggested Travel Resources:
I hope you enjoyed this post on what to wear in Cuba. If you found it helpful, please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
Author Bio:Â Christina DiPierro is co-owner of Adea, a luxury bodywear line for women, an avid traveler, and salsa dancer. She spent 8 years living in Florence, Italy, where she learned Italian, started her business, and developed a finer appreciation of pasta and wine. Currently a resident of NYC, she takes every opportunity to travel in the US and abroad.
I wish I had known about this site when I went off to Cuba with some bad clothing choices! Thanks for some great tips for future trips!
Thank you so much for the info. I found it very useful as if I hadn’t read your cool blog I would have brought the wrong clothing! Your blog is wonderful and I will always check in when I am traveling. Your are fantastic!
Hi Gail, thank you so much for your lovely comment, so happy to hear you have found the blog helpful!! I really appreciate your kind words!! 🙂
Two seniors going to Cuba for a week the third as of Sept. 19th. Suggestions on what clothing to pack for that time of year
Hello,
I plan to travel to Cuba in mid-July would you have any advice on clothing.
many thanks,
Maria
Hi alex,
Do you have a packing list on all inclusive vacations ?
xx
aarushi
How about one of these:
https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-wear-in-puerto-vallarta/
https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-fiji/
I think the most important thing to take to Cuba is an open mind. Things won’t always work in your hotel, the food won’t always be amazing but the people will be,
so will the music. Just go with the vibe in Cuba and the country and people will live in your heart long after you leave
Great advice Floris! Couldn’t agree more!
I’d love to know how people dressed when going out in the evenings. Thanks!
Here are a few tips: https://travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-cuba/
This article is so helpful to me as I pack for my trip!! Definitely not going to pack the heels!
Good idea!
Article was helpful except for clothing pictured…we are not all 20 something.
Hi Sarita, please read this guide: https://travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-use-the-travel-fashion-girl-packing-lists-and-guides/ it shows you how to use the images featured in this website
This article saved me. I was getting ready to pack all wrong for Cuba in January. Much thanks!
Glad to help 🙂
I would like to know the month Alex visited so that I could judge how I might find the temperatures in May.
Hi Kay! The writer of the article visited in mid Jan – mid Feb. Hope this helps!
Cuban girl here!!!
May its usually hot. Cuba is actually hot all year round. Some days are cold (in the early morning) in end of December early January, thats it.
Everybody there wears jeans, T-shirt’s, running shoes / converse. Morning and Evening. (men)
Shorts, jeans, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, sport bras, etc during the day. Short Dress, Jeans, Blouses, etc during the night (women)
I dont recommend any foreign person to wear jean clothes there, you’ll be uncomfortable for the heat. Sweaters, knit clothes, scarves, jackets, etc are worthless, you will be sweating like a pig in 30 minutes.
You can wear a long sleeved shirt over your top to protect yourself from the sun if you want.
Hi, I know you posted a long time ago but hoping you might see this. I am going to Cuba February 11 for almost 2 weeks. I read from some people that it is actually not so hot then, but you said it’s steamy year-round. So now I don’t know what to do.
Hi Barb, to get the best advice about what the weather is like there at the moment, I would highly recommended that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/
It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel advice and experiences.
Have an awesome time!
I really enjoyed your travel tips with pictures.
Well done!
Gracias
Tammy
Thanks!
At what time of year did you travel to Cuba? Thank you.