Islamic countries tend to have drastically different styles of dress from the west. Read on to find out how you should dress in a Muslim society and which countries enforce the strictest dress codes.
What To Wear In Public
The main thing to remember about Islamic values is that they highlight ideals such as modesty and humility. When you’re choosing what clothes to wear to be seen in public, remember that locals might find it offensive if these values are breached.
In general, there are different rules for women than there are for men. Whether individual travelers agree with the expectations or not, it’s a courtesy to respect the traditions of the country that you’re visiting.
In order to dress modestly, women are often expected to cover their shoulders and knees, wearing long, loose-fitting skirts or trousers. It’s also a good idea to cover your legs and arms, making sure that the clothes you wear aren’t tight or figure-hugging.
Leggings are generally not acceptable unless worn with a long tunic-style shirt that covers your torso and reaches your knees. Jeans are a popular choice (although they might lure stares if they are too tight).
For those female travelers who wish to blend in with the locals and avoid standing out as a tourist, it might be a good idea to cover your hair with a headscarf. This will greatly reduce your chances of getting unwanted attention from men. Bringing a lightweight scarf is a must when you’re traveling to Islamic countries as you can always throw it over your arms, legs, or hair if you feel that you’re receiving too many stares from locals.
The rules are considerably less strict for men. Men can get away with wearing t-shirts in public and shorts in some countries, although this is rarer than wearing trousers. Away from the beach, men should not be shirtless in public.
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What To Wear In Your Hotel
In a modern hotel where there are many western guests, the rules tend to be much more relaxed. Follow the vibe of your specific hotel or ask your concierge if you’re not sure, but generally, you can wear your normal clothes in the privacy of your hotel.
Regular bathing suits are usually permitted, as are shorts, singlets, and other poolside garments. But keep in mind that this may still attract attention from Arabic hotel guests, especially if there are few other western guests at the hotel.
At popular tourist beaches, you might also be able to wear a regular swimsuit. This will depend on the beach and the country so, when in doubt, check with your concierge.
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What To Wear In A Mosque Or Other Religious Building
In some Islamic countries, non-Muslims will not be permitted to enter a mosque at all. If you are allowed inside, it’s always important to follow the dress code as a sign of respect.
While women can choose to cover their hair while out in public, it’s a requirement when visiting mosques and religious buildings. It doesn’t matter what religion a woman personally identifies with if any—she must wear a headscarf when entering a mosque.
As a woman, it’s a good idea to become familiar with the traditional styles of Islamic dress in case you’d like to wear any while visiting a religious building. Many Muslim women wear a hijab, which is a veil that covers the head and chest. A pair of loose trousers and a tunic is referred to as a Kamiz. A Burka, or Burqa, is a robe that covers the entire body and head. It is often worn with a veil that covers the face.
Men should wear long pants and shirts with sleeves that are not shorter than your average t-shirt. It’s safest for men to wear long sleeves and shirts that are plain without any messages or slogans on them. Hats and sunglasses should always be removed before entering.
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Countries Where You'll Find Islamic Dress Codes
There are guidelines that apply to Islamic countries in general, but you might find that each country has specific rules and expectations. That’s why it’s always a good idea to read up on the country you’re visiting before you go!
Iran is one of the strictest nations when it comes to enforcing Islamic dress codes. Women are required to cover their heads in public, in addition to wearing a long skirt or loose trousers and a long-sleeved tunic or coat that reaches the knee.
In Saudi Arabia, it is also forbidden for women to appear in public without their heads covered. Both women and men should always dress modestly, whether in the capital of Riyadh or in rural areas.
Ensure that you’re following Islamic dress codes in Jordan as the country is an extremely conservative society. Both men and women should avoid wearing t-shirts and women should wear their hair up, although tourist sites like Petra will be less strict.
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