What to Wear in Egypt – Essential Tips for Travelers
Your Complete Guide on What to Wear in Egypt
Planning your Egypt trip and unsure what to pack? This guide covers the best clothing for women and men, mosque dress codes, city vs. resort wear, seasonal packing tips, and items to avoid—so you stay comfortable, respectful, and camera-ready.
Quick Answer – What to Wear in Egypt
- Dress for heat and modesty: airy layers, loose trousers/skirts, breathable tops.
- Sun protection: wide-brim hat, sunglasses, light scarf.
- City wear (Cairo): smart-casual outfit.
- Resorts (Red Sea): swimwear is fine on hotel property; modest clothes off-resort.
- Mosques: cover from ankles to elbows; women bring a scarf for hair.
Egypt Weather by Season (What to Wear)
Outfits change by season—plan around the weather:
| Season | What to Wear in Egypt |
|---|---|
| Summer (May–Sept) | Ultra-light linen/cotton, loose pants/skirts, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, SPF. Avoid heavy/dark fabrics—especially in Luxor & Aswan. |
| Shoulder (Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov) | Airy layers by day; light jacket at night. Great for maxi dresses, chinos, and breathable shirts. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Long sleeves, light sweater/fleece, scarf, closed shoes. Mild days; cooler evenings—more noticeable on the Nile and in the desert. |
What to Wear in Egypt (Women)
You don’t need to match local dress exactly, but modest choices help you feel comfortable and reduce attention. Aim to cover shoulders to below the knee. Looser cuts are better received than tight, form-fitting outfits.
- Maxi skirts/dresses, wide-leg pants, breathable blouses/tunics.
- Light scarf or shawl for extra coverage or sun protection.
- For conservative settings, keep necklines higher and sleeves at least short to ¾ length.
- Leggings under longer tops/dresses—especially in cooler months.
What to Wear in Egypt (Men)
- Lightweight shirts (short or long sleeve) and breathable chinos/linen trousers.
- Smart-casual looks work best in Cairo; shorts are fine at resorts but less common in cities.
- Light jacket or fleece for cool evenings (Nile cruise/desert).
Dress Code for Mosques & Religious Sites
Cover from ankles to elbows and avoid low necklines. Women should bring a scarf to cover hair. Some sites provide long gowns, but your own scarf is more comfortable and familiar.
What to Wear in Cairo, Luxor & Aswan, and the Red Sea
| Destination | Best Outfits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | Smart-casual layers, breathable shirts, chinos/long skirts, closed shoes or supportive sandals. | Urban and busy; modest city style works best for markets and museums. |
| Luxor & Aswan | Ultra-breathable linen/cotton, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, light colors. | Hotter overall; start early for temples/tombs and carry water. |
| Red Sea Resorts | Resort wear at hotels/private beaches; cover-ups for lobby/dining; casual modest clothes in town. | Beachwear is fine on property; dress modestly off-resort (old towns/markets). |
Swimwear & Resort Wear
You don’t need an expensive swimsuit. Most hotels and resorts serving international guests allow standard swimwear at pools and private beaches.
What to Wear at the Pyramids
Choose airy clothing and sturdy footwear. Loose dresses or pants with breathable tops work well. Paths can be uneven—supportive sneakers or trekking sandals beat thin fashion shoes.
Footwear & Accessories
- Comfortable walking shoes (or supportive sandals) for uneven paths.
- Wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Light scarf/shawl (sun, wind, modesty).
- Light daypack, refillable water bottle, small cash for stalls.
Clothes to Avoid in Egypt
- All-white outfits in desert areas (dust stains quickly).
- Very tight or very short items in cities/religious areas.
- Heavy/dark fabrics in peak summer (retain heat).
- Thin fashion flip-flops for long sightseeing days.
Packing Checklist: What to Pack for Egypt Tours
The essentials for what to pack for Egypt tours include:
- Loose pants/skirts, maxi dress, breathable tops (linen/cotton).
- Light jacket or fleece (Nile cruise/desert nights).
- Swimsuit (resorts/private beaches), cover-up.
- Hat, sunglasses, scarf/shawl.
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals.
Dress right for comfort and culture—then discover Egypt’s history, markets, and Red Sea beaches.
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