Last year, I traveled to both Egypt and Dubai. I was so confused on what to wear in Egypt and all of the conflicting advice I came across. Thankfully, I visited Dubai first and while it was much more lax than Egypt, I was fully prepared for what I might expect and had a few outfits I could wear. Today, I’m hoping to ease your concerns with the most complete guide with everything you need to know before traveling to Egypt. I’m sharing Egypt outfit ideas, a packing list, must have items, and importantly, the wardrobe rules you can follow for simplicity!
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Egypt Packing List Essentials
All the things to add to your packing list for Egypt!
- Sunscreen
- Flowy Dresses and Maxi Skirts
- Headscarf
- Comfortable Sneakers
- Sandals
- Minimalistic Jewelry
- crossbody purse or belt bag
- comfortable shoes
- water bottle
- oil removing face wipes
- facial spray
- swimsuit
- coverup
- sun hat
- travel size deodorant
- sunglasses
Egypt Dress Code Guide
First and foremost, you are a visitor in their country so it is important to be respectful. This goes for anywhere you travel to, but in this case, your clothing should also respect their culture and beliefs. Basically, in any muslim country and many developing nations, they will dress conservatively and in a way that hides their skin.
The best advice is to simply cover your shoulders and at least your knees as a female tourist – wear modest clothing.
Unfortunately, it is typically extremely hot in these countries so it can be hard – I get it! As a result, I recommend lightweight materials like linen and light colors to best manage the heat. This is easy to do with maxi or midi dresses and skirts, flowy pants, light jackets, and sandals. On the plus side, covering your skin will protect you from sunburn in the extreme temps.
I visited Egypt in September with temps in the high 90s. The best time of year to visit (weather-wise) is probably the winter when it cools off a bit and summer crowds thin.
Main Rules to Follow for Women Tourists in Egypt:
- Cover shoulders and knees as a female
- Do not wear anything too low cut
- Choose breathable material to be comfortable in the heat
- Crossbody purse or belt bag – better for safety
- Comfortable Shoes – lots of sand so sneakers are great compared to sandals
- Headscarf – I never wore mine, but carried it everywhere just in case I felt uncomfortable. You may need it on a mosque tour. Although, many will provide clothing for tourists that you would be required to wear.
Lucky for men, they can basically wear anything. Pants and a short or long sleeve top is perfect for them.
What Local Women Wore in Egypt
Egypt was way more extreme than Dubai in the conservative clothing department. Almost everyone I saw was fully covered from head to toe. I saw many local girls in dresses similar to my own, but with a long sleeve shirt under and of course a head covering. You will want to have a guide in Egypt and they will be covered so you’ll feel more comfortable if you are too.
Mostly, all women wear head coverings here. The pyramids and museums are very touristy so you will not need to wear a head covering there. The only place you may want one is at Kahn el-Khalili, a mosque, or places more off the beaten path. I personally never put mine on, but we went places very early in the day before it was busy out. You will definitely at least want to carry it around so you have it.
Egypt Outfit Ideas
Flowy dresses, maxi skirts, lightweight pants and more great options for your trip to Egypt. Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees as a female tourist in Egypt.