Yaounde - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Most wear a button down shirt with open collar, sometimes a tie. - Feb 2022
Formal dress is required for formal events, e.g. national days, the Marine Ball, etc. - Jun 2018
It varies based on your specific job but leans towards business casual. If you have a formal meeting or attend a reception, it's business dress, but some also are able to be on the casual side of business casual almost daily. Shorts aren't common in public except when exercising (many exercise in long pants, but some in shorts), but casual dress is otherwise common in public. - Apr 2017
Work is professional dress. Public: shorts, t-shirts. - Apr 2014
Cameroonians go a bit more formal people for official things. Most official events are business dressed. In public, casual is fine. Women can wear sleeveless tops, but it's a bit more racy to show leg. Longer or knee-length shorts and skirts/dresses are considered more appropriate. - Jan 2014
Casual. Women tend to overdress, sometimes inappropriately. - May 2012
Forget shorts and mini-skirts for adults. My high schooler doesn't get funny looks for her American teenage wear, though. - Sep 2011
Cameroonians tend to dress nicely wherever they go. Expats can get away with being more casual in town, but dress up at work. - Mar 2010
Formal. Cameroonians like dressing up. - Jan 2010
At work dress is fairly casual. Polos and khakis are generally acceptable. Cameroonians always try to wear their best when seen in public so we expats should do the same. - Nov 2008
Formal. - Sep 2008
Cameroonians are more formal. Regular business attire for work, and for receptions, cocktail attire will do. - Jun 2008
Usually a suit for business men, but very casual in the city. The Muslim areas up north require a more strict observance of covering up for men and women. - Jun 2008
