What to Wear in Egypt: Ladies Guide [packing + dress code advice]

What to bring with you to wear in Egypt – balancing culture, climate and comfort!

You’re finally embarking on that dream trip to Egypt – pyramids, the Nile, pharaonic monuments, it’s truly the trip of a lifetime (here are 30+ Egyptian bucket list places you have to visit)! Hold up though – before you can soak up all that ancient history, you have to figure out what to pack on your trip to Egypt!

Ladies, we all know that packing for any trip can be difficult (or at least fitting it all into your suitcase). If you’re travelling to a religiously conservative country for the first time, it can be daunting. Even more so if it’s your first time travelling to a Muslim country.

You may have some of these thoughts run through your head when you start to think of ‘What am I going to wear in Egypt?’ and not only that but ‘HOW to dress in Egypt and is there a dress code in Egypt?’ What is appropriate to wear as a woman?

“Should I cover my hair?”

“It’s going to be so hot, do I really have to wear long sleeves?”

“Can I wear shorts in Egypt?”

Firstly, I’ll start by saying that while Egypt is a conservative Muslim country, it’s not as conservative as you may think or as some of it’s neighbours. Even with that said though, as a tourist you’re likely already going to be turning heads. While some will argue there is no dress code for tourists, or that visitors can wear whatever they want, while true to an extent, I’d say to avoid any unwanted attention, but also to be sensitive of cultural norms, it’s best to err on the side of modesty!

I’m lucky to call Cairo my second home and I know when I was travelling to Egypt for the first time I had all the same questions you do now running through my head. Well let me put your mind at ease with this comprehensive guide which will allow you to focus less on what to wear, but rather what next to explore!

How NOT to dress in Egypt

Ok first things first, I’ll start with recommendations on what you shouldn’t wear, because thankfully it’s a short list. While on you’re trip, I’m sure you’re likely to see women wearing all forms of clothing, on a spectrum ranging from very little to very covered. Here’s what clothing items I’d recommend as the biggest no-no’s:

• No spaghetti straps or strapless tops
• No belly or crop tops
• No booty shorts
• No mini skirts or mini dresses

As much as this style of clothing may be normal attire for warm weather wherever you call home (or sound like it’s from a 90s fashion catalogue), keep in mind that in countries like Egypt, it isn’t the norm throughout.

So…How should I dress in Egypt?

While modesty can be a subjective term, my dress code advice for women in Egypt (and most other conservative Muslim nations) is:

• Cover up cleavage and shoulders
• Keep hem lengths below the knees (mid-calf ideally)
• Don’t wear anything too tight

I’ve seen some guides advise covering up to the ankles and wrists, but having spent a lot of time in Egypt, I can tell you this isn’t the case. As long as you are respectful in your choices (ie: leave that crop top and booty shorts at home) you’re fine!

How do local Egyptian women dress?

When you’re thinking what should i wear as a female in Egypt or even just what to wear in Egypt as a tourist – I think it’s often best to take a look and get inspired by the locals!

Throughout Egypt you’ll see local women wearing a variety of clothing, everything from trendy jeans and t-shirts to traditional abayas or galabeyas (long dress robes). As Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country, you’ll see that religion has a strong influence on the way women dress. While I’d estimate that over eighty percent of adult Egyptian women choose to wear a headscarf, there’s still many women (muslim or of other faiths) that leave their hair uncovered.

With that said though, particularly in more traditional areas, expect the dress code of the locals to be more traditional as well. As an example, many of the tourist hot spots in Cairo are located in and around Old Cairo (like Islamic Cairo where you’ll find the infamous Khan El Khalili market) where the women will dress more modestly.

The same can be said with other cities like Aswan and Luxor that are smaller and more traditional cities (even more so than Cairo). With this in mind, as you’ll be mingling among locals, it’s only respectful to dress conservatively. As a tourist, rest easy, you’re not expected to dress in traditional garments (though it’s likely you’ll get invited to a galabeya party).

How to prepare for the weather in Egypt?

Egypt is known for it’s warm desert climate, but what many don’t know is that temperatures can vary considerably based on time of year and location (Mediterranean, Red Sea, Sinai, Desert..etc.). For example, Alexandria tends to get a bit more rain than Cairo, and Luxor or Aswan can be much, much warmer than Cairo. The last few years in the winter some cities have even experienced heavy floods and rains, when in general it only lightly rains a handful of days a year. Otherwise I’d say it’s almost always sunny skies!

Here’s a breakdown of average temperatures you can expect by season:

• Summer in Egypt varies from 33° Celsius/93° Fahrenheit to well over 43° Celsius/110° Fahrenheit
• Fall in Egypt varies from 18 ° Celsius/63° Fahrenheit to around 28° Celsius/83° Fahrenheit
• Winter in Egypt varies from 9° Celsius/48° Fahrenheit to about 18° Celsius/64° Fahrenheit
• Spring in Egypt varies from 15° Celsius/93° Fahrenheit to 30° Celsius/86° Fahrenheit

While of course as a Canadian I laughed at the thought of “Winter in Egypt”, but I’ll tell you first hand it really does get surprisingly cold. Keep in mind that buildings and homes in Egypt are built to keep the cold in because of the extreme summer heat. If travelling in winter bring some extra layers because at night especially a light jacket and longer pants are needed.

Now with all of that said, scroll down to see the outfit inspiration, most frequently asked questions about the dress code for Egypt and don’t forget to visit the packing guide at the bottom!

What to wear in Egypt: Midi and Maxi Dresses

Both maxi and midi dresses are the most effortless travel pieces to pack. Not only will this style of dress help you feel adequately covered, but it should provide enough comfort and breeze as a relief from the sometimes unbearable heat! Just like with other styles of clothing, opt for more natural fibres, like linen or cotton when you can as they will help absorb your sweat (which if you come during the warm season, there will be a lot of!).

If I have a dress that’s more low cut, revealing or even sleeveless, I like to tie up a t-shirt or chambray shirt to add overtop for more coverage, but also to feel more comfortable.

Note: Yes, that is a monkey in a laundry machine.

I’m also obsessed with midi dresses, this black one in particular I wore every almost every day of my trip. You can also opt for midi skirts, maxi skirts or maxi dresses if you prefer. For me, dresses are great for travel because they take up less space and with one piece of clothing you’ve got an entire outfit. You just change up the shoes and you’re ready for any occasion! As a bonus they look great in photos and to offer some room for any food babies you may get from eating delicious Egyptian food!

What to wear in Egypt: Capris and Culottes

Also one of my favourite pieces of clothing (to wear in general) are my culottes. I love how versatile they are, but also how lightweight and flowy they feel. They also have the added bonus of being stylish and modest! Capris, linen pants, joggers and harem pants are also all great options! Again, as long as they go below your knees, anything goes! If they are skin tight, you’ll just find yourself uncomfortable in the heat more than anything! To pair on top, I brought a few statement tops and others that were solid and versatile themselves to help add to the outfit combinations.

What to wear in Egypt: Kimonos

Yes, kimonos deserve a section of their own. They are not only super stylish but they look great with dresses AND pants, what more can you ask for?!

I don’t care if kimonos stop being ‘on trend’ because they are in my life now, and I’m not giving them up! If you’re unfamiliar with kimonos, they are inspired by the traditional Japanese garment, but have taken a mutation of their own. Most kimonos nowadays are a light and loose piece of fabric that can be anywhere from hip to floor length and come in a variety of versions from there.

What to wear in Egypt: Tunic and Leggings

Another simple outfit combination is a longer top or tunic and some leggings (please don’t just wear leggings as pants, not just in Egypt, but anywhere!). You get the best of both worlds, comfort and style!

The denim top you see below is a dress of mine that became a little too short from the wash. I decided to put some leggings underneath and it became an easy combo and one of my go-to outfits. It was easy to add layers and transition well into the evening when it got colder and I could just add on a scarf and be cozy!

Commonly asked questions about what to wear in Egypt

Do I have to cover my hair?

Even while Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country, hijab (or headscarves) are not mandatory. Unless you’re visiting a mosque, you aren’t and won’t be expected to cover your hair. Throughout Egypt you’ll see local women with varying degrees of coverage; from niqab’s (full cover of the face except the eyes), to hijab (just covering the hair and neck) and then women without. It’s just a matter of personal choice and believes. As long as the principles mentioned here around modesty are followed, you shouldn’t expect any negative reactions and will feel more comfortable blending in.

I have seen some tourists choosing to wear scarves, but it’s usually been for fashion or for coverage from the sun. A hat or something to cover your hair will really come in handy, believe me! Message here is, unless you’d really like to, you can stop googling ‘how to wear a headscarf in Egypt‘.

Can I wear jeans in Egypt?

Yes, you do you! You’ll find many local women here wearing skinny jeans. I personally opt for a looser fit, because it helps withstand the heat better! Although if you are travelling in the winter time, you will definitely need them! It does get cooler as of mid November into early February, where a light jacket or sweater and long pants are needed. There are areas of Egypt like Aswan and Luxor that are usually a few degrees warmer than Cairo, so also keep your itinerary in mind when packing layers.

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Can I wear shorts or a bikini in Egypt?

I personally don’t wear shorts, but if they are your style, that’s not to say that you shouldn’t. You’ll see tourists wearing a variety of things in Egypt, particularly at tourist hot spots like the pyramids. However, to be respectful of the local culture, I’d caution against it. Save the shorts and bathing suit for your hotel pool, seaside resort or Nile cruise. If you’d like to wear a bathing suit that’s more modest, for a top I’d recommend a rash guard or a higher neck tankini and for bottoms either swimming shorts or skirts – although again not necessary if you plan to be in a resort town.

The dress code in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh or other Red Sea coastal resort cities is much more relaxed. The clothing standard here is in fact so skewed for Western tourists, that many hotels don’t allow burkinis in pools or even hijabi’s to enter certain restaurants. It seems shocking to think that there’s a stigma against hijab in an Islamic country, but it’s prevalent in more “high class” locations as this Canadian-Egyptian women on the BBC reports. She describes how she felt more ‘comfortable wearing hijab in London than she did in Egypt’.

What to wear in Egypt in the summer?

What is appropriate to wear in Egypt – especially in the sweltering summer? Don’t let the heat scare you (or melt you!). If you’re travelling during the Egyptian summer time, you can best prepare yourself by packing light clothing. Avoid synthetic materials and pack clothing that’s linen or cotton as it’ll help regulate your body temperature and absorb your sweat!

Even though it’s hot, dress etiquette is still to stay covered using the principles I outlined earlier. While you may be used to wearing shorts during the summer, you’d be surprised at how liberating and cooling it can be to wear a light cotton dress instead!

What should I wear on my Nile Cruise?

When on a Nile cruise, keep in mind that you’ll be both on the boat and on land. When on the boat, I’d say the dress code is more flexible. If there’s a pool feel free to wear your bathing suit of choice – but please, please avoid wearing thong bikinis or going topless. I know tan lines stress you out, but remember where you are and be respectful because there may be families and of course locals. When on site visiting temples, I’d recommend following the dress code mentioned here already. Aswan, Luxor and the cities in between will likely be much warmer than Cairo, so pack accordingly!

If you’re planning your trip to Egypt and haven’t included a Nile Cruise – I HIGHLY recommend it! I recently returned from a 4-day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor and it was truly one of the greatest trips I’ve ever been on!

Must-pack items for Egypt

Egypt packing list

With the assumption that you’re travelling for about 7-14 days throughout Egypt and visiting a variety of sites (from beaches to deserts), here’s a suggested packing guide. I tend to pack light, so feel free to add as you see fit!

• 2-3 maxi or midi dresses
• 1-2 midi or maxi skirts
• 1-2 bottoms; capris, culottes, jeans, whatever your preference!
• 5-7 tops; whether t-shirts or blouses
• 1-2 bathing suits (bikini, one-piece, or rash guard and shorts, whatever suits your style)
• 1 cover up for the beach
• 1 pair of shorts (if needed for the beach)
• 1 scarf
• 2-3 pairs of shoes (this is also my weakness, but I’d recommend one good pair of walking shoes and sandals, yes your feet will get sandy, but just wash them!)
• Add in a pair of long pants and a sweater and light jacket if travelling in the winter!

Other things to consider when packing for Egypt:

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a fabulous hat: Ok, your hat doesn’t have to be fabulous, but it’s super important to bring some sort of head cover none the less. The sun is hot and strong and you’ll need all the protection you can get! As a pale red head, I highly recommend you bring a good sunscreen, this one is my favorite for body and this one for face.

Scarf: I liked having a scarf handy in the event that we went into a mosque. Not all mosques require you to cover your hair, and oftentimes they will have a dress or hair cover that you can use if you find yourself without.

Crossbody bag: This may be a personal preference, but I prefer being hands-free when travelling. I also find it safer and easier to be more cautious in the event of pickpockets.

Comfortable shoes: Depending on how much walking we were doing that day and if we were going to be somewhere sandy, I alternated wearing sandals and sneakers.

Breathable fabrics: If you are travelling pretty much anytime of year, apart from the winter, trust me, packing clothing made of more natural fibers like cotton will make a big difference. They are more breathable, which will help with all the sweatiness.

Extra deodorant: See point above on sweatiness, the struggle is real.

Tissues: It’s likely you’ll end up in a toilet that either doesn’t offer or has run out of toilet paper, make it a habit to always have a little pack of tissues with you, they will definitely come in handy!

Coins and small bills: Small denomination bills will really come in handy for tipping (which you should expect to do a lot of) and for buying snacks or water. Many small vendors won’t accept large bills, so come prepared!

Packing tip: Pack light so you have room to bring back some incredible and unique souvenirs!

As you reach the end, I trust you’ve satisfied your curiosity around what should female tourists wear in Egypt! Hope this gives you some inspiration of the Egyptian dress code on how to dress conservatively, fashionably but most important comfortably –  all at the same time!

Are you headed to Egypt soon? Check out these photos that will make you want to book your trip TODAY (so you can wear all those maxi dresses you just bought and feel like an Egyptian Queen).

Some additional guides that may help with your trip planning:

• Tipping Etiquette in Egypt with tips from a local (my hubby!)
• Where to stay in Cairo, advice on the best neighbourhoods
• What are the most unique souvenirs to buy in Egypt
• A two-day itinerary for Alexandria Egypt
• Amazing pyramid view hotels you should consider staying at
• The best 15 spots in Cairo for instagram photos
• Vegan Food Guide to Egypt – Traditional Foods You MUST try
• Planning a honeymoon in Egypt? I share everything you need to know!

1. Printed Blouse | 2. Denim Culottes | 3. White Blouse | 4. Olive Tie-Up Culottes | 5. Burgundy Midi Dress | 6. Printed Maxi Dress | 7. Navy Printed Midi Dress | 8. Navy Kimono | 9. Black Floral Kimono | 10. Black Kimono | 11. Cactus Espadrille Slippers | 12. Sandals | 13. Crossbody Purse | 14. Scarf

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