How to Dress in Egypt as a Female Traveler + Outfit Inspo

Packing for Egypt as a female traveler can feel a little tricky. You may have heard that Egypt is a country with a strong cultural identity, and you should avoid showing skin at all times. Dressing a bit more conservatively may feel more comfortable. But contrary to what you may think, you do not have to be fully covered from head to toe. So, exactly how should one dress in Egypt as a female traveler?

Here’s everything you need to know about what to wear in Egypt. Plus, I’ll provide some outfit inspo and a packing list to help you pack for your trip! Let’s get started.

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Table of Contents

Understanding Egypt’s Cultural Norms

Egypt is a place of contrasts. This country blends ancient history and modern life in the best way possible. Egypt is a dream destination for many, and it’s easy to see why. However, when visiting, it’s important to realize that Egypt is a country with deep-rooted traditions and a culture that may be vastly different from your own.

While Egyptians are generally friendly and welcoming, the country tends to lean conservative. So, when you dress, have a bit of cultural awareness to show respect for the people and places you’re visiting.

However, as a disclaimer, this is by no means saying that you should cover up wherever you go in Egypt, as you’ll soon see that this is not always the case.

How to Dress for Egypt’s Weather

Egypt is hot—really hot. The desert climate means daytime temps can be sweltering (yes, even in the winter), but nights can cool down fast. So, how should you dress for Egypt’s weather while respecting cultural norms? Our advice? Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to keep you both comfortable and covered.

For example, this button-up cotton/linen-blend top is perfect to wear in Egypt. Or this cotton t-shirt is a great way to add some color to your wardrobe while still staying classic. For the bottom, you really can’t go wrong with a classic pair of linen pants or a tiered maxi skirt.

Furthermore, it’s important to distinguish exactly when you’ll be visiting Egypt, as that’ll make a bit of a difference in terms of how you’ll dress.

If you’re visiting in summer (May to September), stick to loose-fitting and breathable clothes that keep you cool. While you can wear shorts and tank tops, we recommend covering up if you can, as it can also help with sun protection. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also non-negotiable.

On the other hand, winter (December to February) is mild, but desert nights can be chilly. So, bring a light jacket or sweater.

For shoulder season (anytime in between), bring layers. We visited in October and found that generally wearing summer clothes with a lightweight long-sleeved shirt on top for the cooler nights was perfect.

What to Wear to the Pyramids of Giza

What you wear in Egypt as a female traveler highly depends on WHERE you go. If you are heading to Egypt, you will likely see the Pyramids of Giza. So, what should you wear when you see the Pyramids?

In an ideal world, you’ll wear a breathable top with shoulders covered and loose pants or a maxi skirt in a cotton or linen fabric. You should also bring a scarf or hat for extra sun protection. And don’t forget your sunglasses as well!

And don’t discount your shoes! The terrain is sandy, rocky, and uneven, so comfy shoes are a must—think sneakers or sturdy sandals.

However, with all that said, I personally wore a tiny tank top (with basically my entire back exposed) with a pair of linen pants + a scarf and felt pretty comfortable. There were plenty of tourists wearing shorts and tank tops, so if you don’t cover up fully, you should still be able to blend in. As the Pyramids of Giza are very touristy, I wouldn’t worry too much about keeping covered up, especially if you will be taking a tour.

If you are heading to the Pyramids of Giza by yourself, without a tour, and will be walking through local streets and areas, then, in this case, I would HIGHLY recommend covering up. While Egypt is used to tourists, dressing modestly helps avoid unnecessary attention.

Psst! If you’re interested in visiting Cairo, check out our 3-day Cairo itinerary!

What to Wear to Egypt’s Religious Sites

Now, on the other hand, when you visit a religious site in Egypt, you MUST dress conservatively. Think long pants, maxi skirts, and tops that cover your shoulders, chest, and stomach. If you’re heading to a mosque, you’ll also need to cover your hair, so carrying a lightweight scarf in your bag is a smart move. But with that said, most mosques may provide some kind of covering for you if you don’t have anything.

Can You Wear Shorts in Egypt?

Again, this depends on where you are. If you’re visiting a major tourist attraction, like the Pyramids, you can wear shorts without an issue. However, as mentioned, if you’re planning to visit religious sites, shorts won’t cut it. And yes, that includes men.

To note: Of course, if you want to wear shorts, you can. However, if you will be walking around any local areas, such as if you are doing a tour of Islamic Cairo and Coptic Cairo, you will 100% feel more comfortable if you wear full pants or a maxi skirt, rather than a pair of shorts. It’s not about strict rules, but about blending in and avoiding any unnecessary attention.

Can You Wear a Bikini in Egypt?

Surprisingly, yes, you can. Now, I would never suggest walking around a local area wearing just a bikini, but if you are visiting the Red Sea, Siwa, or another destination with access to swimmable water, you can absolutely wear a bikini. We spent one month in Dahab as digital nomads, and I wore a bikini almost every day without any issues. Though, of course, I had a cover-up (like this one) when heading into town from the beach.

That said, be mindful of your surroundings. Some resort areas are more relaxed, but in places with a mix of locals and tourists, you might feel more comfortable in a one-piece or a bikini with a cover-up when you’re not swimming. And outside of beach areas? Don’t go waltzing in restaurants and cafes in just your bikini. Save the swimwear for the water. Even just an oversized t-shirt will do the trick.

What About Men? How Should Men Dress in Egypt?

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For men, the dress code is a little more relaxed. But as a general rule, cover your knees and shoulders! So, long pants and a breathable t-shirt or button-up shirt will work just about anywhere. Shorts are fine in touristy areas, as mentioned, but if you’re exploring local neighborhoods, religious sites, or even fancy restaurants, full-length pants are a better bet. Linen will be your best friend to avoid overheating in the sun!

Avoid sleeveless shirts unless you’re at a resort or the beach—walking around in a tank top in the city will definitely make you stand out.

Egypt Outfit Ideas

Here are a few Egypt outfit ideas for women if you’d like some stylish inspiration.

1. Go for Some Color

The landscape in Egypt can be pretty beige-y. So, if are planning on taking photos with the pyramids, you can’t go wrong with a brightly-colored flowy dress. Even if you’re not a professional photographer, this outfit will instantly bring each of your shots to a different level.