What Should And Shouldn’t I Wear In Egypt?

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Are you wondering what to wear and what not to wear in Egypt? What should you pack?

Whether it is for a beautiful and relaxing beach holiday or for visiting historical sights, Egypt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. However, as Egypt is a conservative Muslim country, a lot of tourists question what they should wear in Egypt.

There is no strict dress code in Egypt, however, when you are traveling to any country, you should respect the culture. Not only for respect but also for unwanted attention.

Based on my several visits to Egypt, I will help you with your packing for a beach vacation, for historical sights, when you visit a mosque, and general tips for dressing in Egypt.

What To Wear And Not To Wear In Egypt

While there is no strict dress code in Egypt, the culture is still more conservative than in some other Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, you should dress more conservatively where it is needed in order not to get unwanted attention and feel embarrassed.

At the same time, you don’t want to feel hot and uncomfortable during the hot weather. So what types of clothes to wear and not to wear in Egypt?

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Dress code for a beach holiday in Egypt

When you come to Egypt for a beach holiday and stay at hotel resorts in Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, or Aswan, you don’t have to worry about your clothes. Hotel resorts are very open to tourists.

On the beach, you can wear a bikini. When you are going inside to your room or restaurant for lunch, you need to wear something on top of your bikini, for example, a dress, skirt or shorts, and a T-shirt.

When you come for dinner, your clothes should be smarter and more appropriate for a restaurant. Here it also depends on the hotel. If you are in a luxurious 5* hotel, they may require a dress code of smart clothing.

A woman with a baby in all-inclusive resort in Hurghada, Egypt

Men should wear long trousers, a shirt or a polo T-shirt without big writings and closed shoes. Shorts, flip-flops, or any beach wear is not allowed.

Women as well should wear a smart dress, skirt, long trousers, and a blouse or shirt. When it comes to shoes you can wear elegant sandals or even high heels if you wish.

If you are going out of the hotel resort, for example, buying some souvenirs, looking around the town, or going for a desert safari, your clothes should be more respectful.

You shouldn’t wear anything above your knees, tank tops unless you put a scarf or small top over your shoulders, midriff-baring tops, low-cut v-neck t-shirts, and clothes that are see-through. Men can wear long trousers or shorts, a T-shirt or a shirt. Easy cheesy.

If you go on a desert safari, you want to wear comfortable clothes, like trousers and a T-shirt. You can even wear shorts, but not very short, close to your knees will be fine. Comfortable shoes like trainers are recommended.

In any case, choose materials like cotton and linen and loose-fitting to feel comfortable. Don’t forget to bring a scarf or you can buy one in Egypt. It will protect you from the sand if needed.

Dress code in Cairo and other cities

When you visit Cairo or other cities to visit the historical temples or wander through markets, dress more conservatively.

By this, I don’t mean that you have to wear an abaya and hijab as some local women do. Actually, not all local women wear an abaya, even though most of them cover their heads with a hijab.

A sitting woman with the Great Pyramids of Giza in the background

A lot of local women go with fashion and dress in modern stylish clothes while they don’t show their skin. This means long trousers, skirts, dresses, and long sleeves.

Therefore, if you don’t want unwanted attention, wear long trousers, a long skirt or a dress with a T-shirt or a shirt which can be short or long sleeves. If you wear a tank top, always have a scarf or light top to cover your shoulders.

Local men in Egypt dress mostly smartly, and wear long trousers, shirts, and leather shoes. However, the younger generation dresses more like Westerners. As a tourist man, you can wear long trousers or shorts and a T-shirt. Not a big deal.

And what shoes to wear for sightseeing in Cairo or other cities? In both cases, for women and men, make sure they are comfortable. Whether trainers or sandals, you should feel comfortable and not hot. You will walk a lot.

As already mentioned, choose materials like cotton and linen and rather looser clothes than tight ones as the weather is very hot and you will suffer.

Dress code for visiting Mosques

If you are planning to visit mosques in Egypt or any other Middle Eastern country, you have to have your legs and shoulders covered and this applies to men too. No shorts and no tank tops showing your shoulders.

A woman in a mosque

For women I recommend bringing a scarf as you have to cover your head when entering the mosque, otherwise, you will not be allowed to enter. Some mosques may be lending scarves, but I think it is better and easier to wear your own scarf.

Bear in mind that before entering a mosque you will have to take your shoes off. In case you don’t want to walk barefoot, take your socks with you.

What to pack for Egypt

Egypt has very hot weather and strong sun as it is predominantly a desert. However, winters can get a bit colder, especially in the evening and night can go as low as 9 degrees Celsius.

Here are some tips for what to pack when visiting Egypt.

  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and after-sun lotion, lip balm
  • Hat
  • Scarf
  • Long trousers, skirts, and dresses
  • Short and long sleeves tops
  • Bikini or other swimwear when staying at the beach resort
  • During the winter months, a warmer jumper or jacket
  • Comfortable closed shoes and sandals, flip-flops
  • Secure purse or money belt
  • Medication (for diarrhea, sickness, painkillers)
  • Don’t bring expensive and shiny jewelry and watches
  • Passport + money
  • Charger + plug convertor (Egypt uses type F which is two round pins)

Dress Code In Egypt: FAQs

Now you know what to wear and not to wear in Egypt. For more questions, check out these FAQs below.

Is it ok to wear shorts in Egypt?

For men, it is ok to wear shorts, except when visiting a mosque. Women should wear shorts only at the beach, beach resorts, and possibly longer shorts on a desert safari.

Is there a strict dress code in Egypt?

While there is not a strict dress code in Egypt, it is a Muslim country, so you should dress more conservatively to respect the culture. Especially in the cities and villages do not show much skin.

Choose clothes under your knees and avoid sleeveless tops. This doesn’t apply to beach resorts where you can wear almost anything you want.

Do female tourists have to cover up in Egypt?

Not at all. Female tourists do not need to cover up. The exception is when you visit a mosque.

People outside of the mosque in Old Cairo

Conclusion-What To Wear And Not To Wear In Egypt?

When visiting Egypt, it’s important to dress appropriately and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities. This means covering your shoulders, and knees, and avoiding revealing clothing.

I recommend loose-fitting and breathable clothing due to the hot climate, and comfortable shoes for exploring ancient sites and bustling streets. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong sun.

In the beach resort, you can wear what you wear back home. More luxurious resorts will require a smart dress code for dinner.

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