What To Wear In Egypt
Ladies, if you’re planning a trip to Egypt anytime soon- you might find yourself standing in front of your closet feeling like you don’t know what to pack or what to wear on your trip.
Truthfully a lot of Cairo is modern, though still more conservative. And if you plan on only visiting tourist sites, much of the wardrobe you have at home could work.
But when I found myself in the market alone or in more rural parts of Egypt, I was desperately wishing I had packed more suitable clothing to blend in and cover myself.
It was very obvious I was an American tourist and I received a lot of unwanted attention my first day. I wish I had known what to wear in Egypt to avoid standing out in such a bad way. I was catcalled aggressively when alone.
Read
So that same day, I made up my mind to purchase some local clothing to feel more covered, despite the fact that I was already wearing a maxi skirt and t-shirt.
If I had packed the right clothing ahead of time, I could have avoided feeling uncomfortable that first afternoon.
As a female traveling alone through Egypt, I felt most comfortable when my arms, stomach and shoulders were covered. Depending where I was, I sometimes felt more comfortable covering my hair.
If you go with a tour group (especially one with guys) you won’t be subject to as much hassling. However, if you plan to do any solo traveling as I did or if you plan to be away from any tourist hot spots, there are some clothing considerations to take in mind.
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So if you’re also planning a trip to Egypt, do yourself a favor and pack things that will make you feel comfortable, confident AND fashionable when you wear them.
If you’re looking for a place to start shopping, I can recommend a few outfits for your trip 🙂
I get asked so frequently for clothing suggestions for Egypt, the Middle East and the Holy Lands that I’ve dedicated an entire section on my Amazon Storefront!
Just click on the images below and have fun shopping!
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses provide excellent comfort for traveling- plus they photograph well!
A variety of scarves, accessories, and a different top over the dress can make a maxi dress a very versatile item- making packing light a breeze!
Button Up Dress
3/4 Sleeve Green Maxi Dress
Peach Maxi Dress
Purple Floral Maxi Dress
Scarves
I never left the hotel without a scarf in Egypt! If I was alone and in a more rural area, I would cover my head. If I was in a tourist destination, I wore it for a pop of color with my outfit!
Bring one or two scarves with you but plan on shopping for some while you are there!
Cute scarves are for sale everywhere in Egypt and very affordable.
Two piece sets
I packed several two piece sets for Egypt because they provide such versatility! I obviously love the sets together, but it’s easy to mix and match the pieces for more outfit options when packing light.
When relaxing on our Nile river cruise or exploring tourist destinations, I felt more comfortable with my arms bare. But I always kept a scarf in my in my bag to toss on and cover up!
Shoes
I absolutely love these sandals by Minnetonka Moccasins and they’re a Minnesota brand! My home state!
I wore these shoes every single day in Egypt. They are comfortable, easy to walk in and looked great with every outfit.
If I wasn’t wearing my sandals, I wore my tan combat boots around Egypt. These were the only two shoes I packed and it was plenty!
The sandals can be dressed up for a nice dinner and the combat boots can be worn if it gets chilly in the evening. You’ll be doing a lot of walking so you want to make sure you’re comfortable!
Otherwise, my go to travel shoe is usually a pair of birkenstocks! They are comfortable, durable and can be dressed up or down. They pair well with everything from locally bought outfits to denim shorts to sun dresses.
Khaki Tops and Pants
The khaki top I packed for Egypt was one of my essentials! I would tie it at the waist over a maxi dress or pair it with my two piece sets when I didn’t want to have my shoulders bare.
Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly chilly in Egypt so it’s a good idea to dress in layers! The khaki is stylish and goes with anything!
Accessories
I purchased scarves and two purses locally but the rest of my accessories, I shopped for before I left!
Instead of the same jewelry I wear at home, I came to Egypt with a few cute head pieces and I wore them all the time!
You can’t go wrong with a classic tan hat for your travels! They photograph well and help to complete any outfit. (Or hide any messy traveler’s hair!) This particular hat is my favorite that I’ve ever owned.
Purses
I purchased one of these tan, wicker bags while I was in Bali (they are everywhere there!) but you can also find them on Amazon now and they make the perfect travel bag for Egypt!
I love the look of the round bags but they don’t hold as much. If you like to pack a lot in your purse every day, try this one!
Books
Leading up to any trip, I enjoy reading books, watching movies and listening to music about a destination. Before you go to Egypt, you should definitely consider reading The Alchemist.
A brilliant, life changing book full of life lessons.
Without giving too much away, it’s tells the story a young shepherd boy who sells his sheep and sets off on a great adventure to the Pyramids of Egypt.
It’s the most profound book I’ve ever read. It’s a quick read – I read it cover to cover for the second time on my flight to Egypt. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
Camera
If you haven’t already upgraded from cell phone photography to a DSLR camera, you might want to consider it before your trip to Egypt!
I personally shoot with the Canon 80D.
While it is definitely an investment to make a camera purchase, if you’re serious about travel photography- you won’t regret it!
Shop Local
It’s important to go prepared with the right clothing so you feel comfortable and confident on your trip but as always, I suggest leaving a little room in your suitcase to shop locally!
Be sure to check out the market Khan el-Khalili in Cairo for some great local finds!
Haggling
Egypt is particularly affordable and it’s a great way to support merchants there as well. While hassling happens a lot in the markets, haggling can be quite fun!
Typically whatever price they set, offer half then go from there!
Have fun haggling 🙂
If you used any of my shopping tips for your trip- send me a picture through email or Instagram and I’ll feature it on my account!
Have fun traveling 🙂
Want more on Egypt? Keep reading:
- EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- HOW TO TRAVEL EGYPT ON A BUDGET – 8 DAY GUIDED TOUR
- VISITING EGYPT’S NUBIAN VILLAGE
- 17 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOUR VISIT TO CAIRO, EGYPT
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This was SO helpful!! Thank you!!! I leave for Egypt next month- just ordered that red maxi dress you recommended! I love it!!!
I’m so glad you found it helpful!! Enjoy your trip to Egypt 🙂 You’ll have a blast!! And I’m sure you’ll look amazing in your new maxi dress 🙂
This is so helpful, thank you!
Did you have any issues wearing sandals with the sand and dirt? They are my preferred walking shoe, but I’ve read a lot about sandals not being the ideal footwear for Egypt. That being said, I’m struggling to find cute options to wear with my planned maxi skirts!
Hey Kate!! I’m so glad you found this helpful 🙂
I always wear Birkenstock’s everywhere- I live in those sandals so I’m with you! Your feet will definitely get sandy and dusty but at least with sandals- you can dump the sand out, unlike with sneakers or boots. You might step in camel poop as well haha. But I wore sandals and didn’t have any issues!
What time of year did you go?
My girlfriend and I are going at the end of December for a week, and it seems like it’ll be chilly – but not sure if that’s considered chilly to a westerner! What do you think?
Hi Jan! You’ll have a wonderful time with your girlfriend 🙂 I also went in December and it was perfect!! The summer can be unbearably hot. Since you’ll be dressed more modestly anyway, December is a great time to avoid the extreme heat. It was still lovely weather! Although late nights and early mornings will be chilly! I went and watched the sunrise over the pyramids and didn’t anticipate how cold the desert would be in the early morning. Just pack layers if you plan to go out early or stay out late!
Enjoy your trip!!
This was so helpful; bought a few items that you recommended. My husband and I are leaving 2/15/20. Can’t wait! Thanks again!!
I am so happy to hear you found this helpful!! Enjoy your trip 🙂
I love the dress you have on at the Khan el-Khalili market – im sure its still not avail, but could you tell me where you got it?
Thank you so much!! I got it several years ago at a boutique store in Minnesota.