What to Wear in Egypt as a Woman (Style Guide & Packing List)
At the end of 2022, I was going through major life changes. Divorce, moving, changing jobs, you name it! I decided I needed to do something for myself to just reset. That’s when I jumped online and booked myself a two-week trip to Egypt! I had no prior knowledge of this country; all I knew was that it was calling me waiting to be explored!
In preparation for leaving for Egypt, one of the hardest tasks was considering what to pack and how to dress for this Middle Eastern country. As a woman, it sometimes can be hard to navigate cultural norms and dress codes in other parts of the world while still feeling cute and stylish.
I found a lot of useful tips online but when I actually traveled there, I found some of the recommendations spot on and some were a bit overkill. So, if you want more updated information on what to wear in Egypt as a woman, as well as styling suggestions and packing essentials, then look no further!
Egypt is such a fascinating destination; it was without a doubt one of my favorite countries to visit! This country is steeped in ancient history and rich cultural traditions, making it a popular destination for travelers around the world.
From exploring the pyramids of Giza to cruising down the Nile River, it’s an adventure unlike any other. Word to the wise, though, how you dress can directly correlate to your experience in this country. I’ve found it’s important to dress more modestly, especially as a woman traveler.
In this post, I have provided you with a style guide and packing list to help you feel comfortable, confident, and stylish while exploring Egypt, the land of the mummies and pharaohs!
Summary
Important Style Tips for Egypt:
- Traveling in a group vs traveling solo does make a difference! When traveling solo, I advise you not to wear clothing that makes you stand out. When in doubt, erring on the side of modesty is generally a good approach. If you’re traveling with a tour or group of people, consider what your travel companions are wearing. It’s also helpful to ask your local guide what they recommend because it can vary depending on what area of Egypt you’re in!
- With that in mind, what you wear will depend on whether you are staying solely in the tourist beach resorts or exploring the wider country. Just remember that it is a Muslim country so you should always respect their conservative values.
- Local people like to dress up in the evening, so if you’re going out to dinner it’s a great opportunity to dress with more care than usual. I loved wearing cute, flowy dresses or jumpsuits in the evening during dinner or evenings out!
- It is a good idea to pack a lightweight travel jacket, particularly if traveling to Egypt in January, February, November, or December, as the weather can cool down significantly during these months. During the day it’s still pretty hot, but at night it can get chilly.
- It’s not a good idea to wear army/combat-type clothing or print. While I generally felt safe in Egypt, there is still tight security and numerous amounts of people in uniform with a gun in their hands. You don’t want to be mistaken as military or law enforcement personnel.
- It’s a good idea to shy away from dark colors like black and navy blue during the day, as these colors absorb the heat which can make you feel hot and miserable! I recommend sticking with lighter colors like whites, beiges, and greens. These colors also look nice with the sandy backdrop of Egypt!
- Wear plenty of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing.
- Don’t skip out on the insect repellent! Especially while cruising the Nile River or taking a dip in the Red Sea.
What to Wear in Egypt for Women
When it comes to dressing in Egypt, it’s important to consider the local customs and cultural norms. While Egypt is a diverse country with varying degrees of conservatism, it is generally advised to dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting religious sites, conservative areas, or rural communities.
Wearing shorts in Egypt, especially if they are very short or revealing, may be seen as inappropriate in certain settings. It’s advisable to opt for longer bottoms, such as pants or skirts that reach below the knee, particularly when visiting religious sites. Even men will be asked to cover their legs when visiting the Mosques.
At your hotel or in more touristy areas, the dress code may be more relaxed, allowing for comfortable attire like shorts, short skirts, and even bikinis.
To ensure cultural sensitivity and respect, it’s always helpful to observe the clothing choices of local people and follow their lead. By dressing respectfully, you can help foster a positive cultural exchange and avoid any potential misunderstandings or discomfort.
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Clothing Tips for Summer (low season)
Summer in Egypt can be ridiculously hot, with temperatures often reaching above 100°F (38°C). Because of this, here are some pointers to keep in mind when packing your bags for your trip to Egypt.
- Choose lightweight and breathable fabrics. Avoid heavy materials (like denim, suede, wool, flannel, etc.) and opt for lighter options like cotton, linen, silk, and rayon. Lighter fabrics allow air to circulate through and will help keep you cool throughout the day.
- Stick to loose-fitting clothing. Tight-fitting clothes can get super uncomfortable when you’re hot and sweaty! So stick to looser, flowy styles. You’ll be comfortable, and cute! Think of maxi dresses, flowy skirts, loose-fitting tops, and palazzo pants as all great options for surviving the Egyptian summer heat.
- Protect your skin. It may be tempting to wear as little clothing as possible when out in the scorching heat, but this is not a good idea for several reasons. One, because of the conservative nature of Egypt, and two, sun protection is essential! Opt for lightweight tops that cover your back and shoulders, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Don’t forget sunscreen!
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Clothing Tips for Winter (high season)
Winter in Egypt is relatively mild, with temperatures averaging around 60°F (15°C). It can get chilly in the evenings and early mornings, so layering is key. Opt for lightweight layers that you can easily remove as the day warms up.
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Jumpsuits
Dresses
Skirts
Loose-Fitting Tops
Trousers
What Not to Wear in Egypt
- Shorts. It’s rare to see people (even tourists) wear shorts outside of the resort areas so it’s best to avoid them so you don’t stand out.
- Low Cut Tops. It’s okay to show your shoulders (although you may want to cover them during peak daylight hours to avoid sunburn), but you generally want to avoid showing off your cleavage or too much of your chest.
- Offensive logos and political statements.
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Egypt is a beautiful country with so much to offer, and dressing appropriately will help you blend into the local culture and feel comfortable during your visit. By following this style guide and packing list, you’ll be able to dress with confidence, all while staying true to both local customs and your style.
reina conboy
I am a full-time traveling registered nurse, fitness enthusiast, and plant-based nutrition expert. Every morning I wake up intending to bring awareness of the importance of health and spiritual wellness, especially to the traveling community. This blog is designed to bring you travel and health advice while sprinkling in some fun life stories.
