What to Wear in Egypt: A Practical Dress Code Guide for Tourists

What to wear in Egypt comes down to three things: staying cool in the heat, feeling comfortable while walking, and dressing modestly in public spaces. In most cities and cultural sites, covered shoulders and knees are the safest, simplest choice—while resort areas are more relaxed.

Use this guide to plan outfits for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, the desert, and the Red Sea without overpacking.

What to Wear in Egypt in General

For most travelers, what to wear in Egypt is lightweight and modest:

• Cover shoulders and knees in public (especially cities, villages, and religious sites)

• Avoid very tight or revealing outfits outside resort zones

• Choose breathable fabrics (cotton, linen, light blends)

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven stones, sand, and steps

What Women Should Wear in Egypt

If you’re deciding what to wear in Egypt as a woman, aim for modest, breathable, and easy-to-layer pieces.

Tops

• Loose blouses, shirts, or t-shirts that cover shoulders and chest

• Light long sleeves are useful for sun protection and conservative areas

Bottoms

• Lightweight trousers, wide-leg pants, maxi skirts, or midi dresses

• Avoid short shorts in cities and local neighborhoods (fine at resorts)

Scarf (Highly Useful)

A scarf isn’t required everywhere, but it’s one of the most useful items for what to wear in Egypt:

• Cover hair when entering mosques (if needed)

• Extra modesty in conservative areas

• Sun/dust protection in desert settings

Footwear

• Sneakers or sturdy sandals for sightseeing

• Easy sandals for resorts and pools

Extra tips:

• Avoid sheer fabrics

• Choose outfits you can layer (cool mornings, cold A/C, winter evenings)

• Swimwear is fine at private beaches/pools—cover up when leaving resort areas

What Men Should Wear in Egypt

Men also benefit from modest, breathable clothing—especially at temples and religious sites.

Tops

• Cotton t-shirts, polos, or lightweight button-down shirts

• Avoid tank tops outside beach/resort zones

Bottoms

• Lightweight trousers are the most versatile

• Knee-length shorts can work in tourist areas and resorts

• Avoid very short or tight shorts in cities and villages

Footwear

• Comfortable walking shoes for ruins and sites

• Sandals for resort areas

Extra tips:

• Light colors help in strong sun

• Avoid clothing with offensive slogans or graphics

• For desert tours: long sleeves and trousers protect from sun and sand

What to Wear in Egypt by Location

Religious Sites and Mosques

The safest rule for what to wear in Egypt at religious sites:

• Covered shoulders and legs for everyone

• A scarf is helpful (especially for women)

• Skip see-through or tight clothing

Temples, Tombs, and Archaeological Sites

• Breathable long layers (sun protection + comfort)

• Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals

• Hat and sunglasses are strongly recommended

Red Sea Resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh)

Resorts are more relaxed for what to wear in Egypt:

• Swimwear is normal at pools and beaches

• Bring a cover-up for walking around hotel lobbies or outside the beach zone

• Light casual outfits for evenings

Desert Tours

• Loose long sleeves + long trousers

• Hat, sunglasses, scarf for dust

• A light jacket for cooler desert evenings (season-dependent)

Comparison Table: What to Wear in Egypt by Setting

What to Pack for Egypt

If you want a simple packing approach for what to wear in Egypt, focus on a small mix of versatile items:

• 2–3 breathable tops + 1–2 light long-sleeve options

• 2 lightweight trousers + 1 maxi/midi option (skirt or dress)

• Comfortable walking shoes + sandals

• Scarf/shawl

• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Which Outfit Is Best for You?

If you’re mostly sightseeing in Cairo + Luxor

Prioritize: breathable long pants, shoulder-covering tops, and walking shoes.

If your trip is half culture, half beach

Pack: modest day outfits + swimwear + an easy cover-up and sandals.

If you’re doing desert tours

Choose: long sleeves, long trousers, scarf, and sun gear—plus a light jacket for evenings.

Conclusion

What to wear in Egypt is easiest when you keep it modest, breathable, and practical. Covering shoulders and knees in public areas helps you feel comfortable and respectful, while resort zones allow more relaxed outfits. With light layers, good shoes, and sun protection, you’ll be ready for temples, markets, and the Red Sea.

4. FAQ Section

1) What to wear in Egypt as a tourist?

What to wear in Egypt as a tourist is usually modest, breathable clothing like cotton or linen. Covered shoulders and knees work best in cities and cultural sites, while resorts are more relaxed. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for ruins and uneven paths.

2) Can women wear shorts in Egypt?

Women can wear shorts in Egypt mainly in Red Sea resorts and some tourist-heavy areas, but longer shorts or skirts are more comfortable in cities and local neighborhoods. If you want fewer stares and easier entry to sites, choose knee-length or longer options.

3) Do I need to wear a headscarf in Egypt?

You do not need a headscarf everywhere in Egypt. However, carrying a scarf is useful when entering mosques, visiting conservative areas, or protecting yourself from sun and dust. Many travelers use it as a flexible, practical item.

4) What to wear in Egypt for temples and pyramids?

For temples and pyramids, wear lightweight layers, breathable long pants, and comfortable walking shoes. Sun protection matters, so add a hat and sunglasses. Avoid slippery shoes or heavy fabrics, since you’ll walk on stone, sand, and uneven surfaces.

5) What to wear in Egypt at the Red Sea resorts?

At Red Sea resorts, swimwear is normal at pools and beaches. Bring a cover-up for hotel lobbies, restaurants, and any trips outside the resort. Lightweight casual outfits work well for evenings, especially if there’s a breeze.

6) What should men wear in Egypt?

Men should wear breathable shirts and lightweight trousers for cities and cultural sites. Knee-length shorts are fine in resorts and some tourist areas, but very short shorts or tank tops can feel out of place in cities, markets, and religious locations.

7) What to wear in Egypt in winter?

Winter in Egypt is mild during the day but can be cool at night, especially in desert areas and with strong air conditioning. Pack a light jacket or sweater, plus layers you can add in the evening. Daytime sightseeing still suits breathable fabrics.

8) Is there a dress code for mosques in Egypt?

Yes, mosques in Egypt typically require modest clothing. Cover arms and legs, and avoid tight or sheer fabrics. Women may be asked to cover their hair, so carrying a scarf helps you enter respectfully without stress or last-minute shopping.

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