Slacks for Dinner???!!!

Can someone explain to me why men are required to wear long pants(slacks) for dinner at the resorts??? What are women required to wear? Are shorts acceptable for them? Topless maybe? I go on a vacation to get away from all the rules and regulations of normal daily living. Why must I pack slacks for a trip to a hot, sunny destination? Does anybody know if this is enforced?...or simply, why it is enforced? Perhaps its mens hairy legs. But, what about all the European women?

I think it is just one of their customs and since we visit their country I believe we should respect their rules or customs. I think the rule is also for some people who would come into one of their restaurants in a bikini or maybe a show all you can kind of swimsuit. The Dominicans respect us and I think we should show them they we respect their rules and regulations,if you can not-then you shouldn't visit their country or resort!

Wow lighten up! The actual rational is that the DR is a country who's religion is predominantly Catholic. Understandig the Catholic Religion, you would understand the lines of personal modesty better. It is polite to respect the wishes of your host though I have only heard of problems at Higher class dining, Casinos, and most certainly all churches, BUT I would not suggest you do not come as the last post did. If you choose to not dress, visit places that don't care for dinning.

Lighten up? Wow. I was mearly asking a question directed at those that have been there before to see if it was strictly enforced, while trying to add little humor to the post. I am visiting D.R. for the first time and have not encountered this before at other Carribean spots. And I don't think it has to do with religion as Bill would suggest. There are no such restrictions in Cuba or Mexico and many other Christian Countries. So, cheer up folks, have a great vacation, and rest easy in the knowledge that I will travel and always respect local customs.

I agree Garry - not related to Catholicism - you can think of any number of Catholic Cultures that are not modest in their dress. As for enforcement of the long pants for men at dinner - my experience a few years ago at a Puerto Plata resort was everyone did wear them and I don't recall anyone trying to do otherwise. I don't remember being uncomfortable as the evenings do cool off abit. I too am going back in 10 days, but this time to Punta Cana. I expect to wear long pants for dinner! Good luck, but most of all have fun.

My apologies to you Garry and Bill I did not mean to come across so harsh if I did! I love the Dominican and I have heard alot of negative comments regarding dress,customs and so on about the Dominican.Sorry guys! Jennifer

Dear Garry. You shouldn't worry to much about the long pants they expect you to wear. It is probably just a rule of the Hotel, besides your dinner will taste you better...because of seeing no "hairy legs". I have been to Mallorca (Spain) and Kenya, the same rules were used. About the women, I'm sure they have to dress decent as well. Enjoy your holidays.

I am from there and yes, we do like to see people from other countries respecting our culture. Men should wear pants because it looks decent. Would you go into a fancy french restruant an shorts and a T-shirt in your home town. Our restruants are a bit more formal than people think and therefore ask that you wear pants. As for your wife she is also asked that she wears pants or a skirt. This the things have always been. When we go to the U.S. we respect their/our/your culture so please respect ours/theirs. Thanks! Oh this is not ment to be offensive or mean.

Garry,

Yes, this restriction as you call it, may not be connected entirely to Catholicism, but rather it is something that we just do here in the DR. When we go to restaurants to dine, we tend to dress up a bit more. It is a cultural tradition that will never disappear. At the resorts, things are even a bit more relaxed since men can perfectly wear khakis, ect. You are lucky that you have only encountered this restriction in the DR. In all my travels, including 11 Caribbean islands and Mexico, I have seen this restriction all the time. Enjoy the DR!!!

Natasha

Wow, how complicated we are! And how picky! We were there and we ate at fancy and regular restaurants and YES, in the evening, I wore long loose fitting pants, semi formal to be exact. It felt good to be dressed up a little after having been in a swimsuit all day long. Kind of a nice way to finish off a great day in the DR !

If someone wants you to wear only formal wear, remember, they need your cash, they need you, not the other way around! I have not seen anyone turned away from any classy restaurants there for wearing only semi formal.

Go, have a great trip and enjoy yourself to the max!

Regards to all Rene