What to Wear in Egypt: A Complete Clothing Guide

Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime destination. To be honest, the country completely blew me away. It wasn’t top of my bucket list, but I had many travelers interested in a trip to Egypt, which led me to host a group tour there in 2023. I was excited to go, but I was quite uneducated about Egyptian culture and the history of ancient Egyptians. 

Needless to say, it was incredible. I decided before the trip to keep myself in the dark about most of what we were doing, wanting to learn in the moment & from our Egyptian guide. It was one of the best travel decisions I’ve made to date. Although Egypt gets mixed reviews, it blew me away. 

"What should I wear?" was one of the main questions I got from travelers before the trip. Egypt’s climate, cultural norms, and diverse landscapes require thoughtful packing for comfort and respect for local customs. Here’s a complete clothing guide to help you navigate your wardrobe choices for your Egyptian adventure.

What to Wear in Egypt

1. Understanding Egypt’s Climate

Egypt’s climate varies from hot desert conditions to cooler coastal breezes, depending on the season and location. Summers (June to August) can be intensely hot (often 110 degrees_, especially in the southern regions, while winters (December to February) are milder, with cooler nights. Most people opt to visit during spring and fall, when the days are hot and the nights are cool. 

For the most part, Egypt is a desert, and it gets very hot. Don’t leave for your trip with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and breathable clothing. Our trip was mid-May, and even then the daytime temperatures reached triple-digits nearly every day. There was no need even to pack a sweater. 

2. Cultural Considerations

Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and modest dress is essential to show respect for local customs. While tourist areas like resorts in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada are more relaxed, cities like Cairo and Luxor, as well as rural areas, favor a more conservative attire.

That said, many tourists in Europe were wearing crop tops, spaghetti straps, and shorts in most major tourist zones. After chatting with our guide, she mentioned that it is generally OK to wear tank tops with thicker coverings, sun dresses, midi dresses, and knee-length shorts. However, she agreed to avoid anything too revealing as it can cause unwanted attention more than anything. 

Women’s Clothing Guide

Tops: Opt for loose-fitting, long-sleeved tops made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. I love these linen pants from Etsy. I have five colors of the same pair! Tunics and blouses that cover your shoulders and cleavage are ideal. If visiting religious sites, a scarf to cover your head may also be necessary.

Bottoms: Long skirts, maxi dresses, and loose trousers are perfect for staying cool while adhering to modesty norms. Avoid tight-fitting clothing like leggings unless worn under a dress or tunic.

Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring ancient sites. Sandals with good arch support are great for casual wear, but bring closed-toe shoes for rougher terrain or when visiting mosques.

Accessories: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a light scarf are essential to protect against the sun. The scarf can double as a head covering when needed.

Men’s Clothing Guide

Tops: Short or long-sleeved shirts made from light, breathable materials work well in the Egyptian heat. Polo shirts and button-ups are versatile options that can be dressed up or down.

Bottoms: Lightweight trousers or chinos are the best choices. While knee-length shorts are acceptable in some tourist areas, long pants are recommended for city visits and religious sites.

Footwear: Like women, men should opt for comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good support. Flip-flops are fine for the beach but not suitable for long days of exploring.

Accessories: A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection. A light scarf can also be useful, especially in dusty areas or for modesty in certain settings.

What to Pack for Egypt

• Layers: Egypt’s temperature can vary significantly between day and night, so bring layers to stay comfortable.
• Sun Protection: The Egyptian sun is strong, so high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are non-negotiables.
• Laundry: If you’re traveling for an extended period, consider packing clothing that is easy to wash and dry, as laundromats may be scarce in some areas.
• Respect Local Norms: Always be mindful of local customs, especially in more conservative areas. When in doubt, err on the side of modesty.
• Bathroom Resources: Many bathrooms in Europe do not have soap or sanitizer, and it is common for toilet paper to cost a small amount of money. Bringing things like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and your own toilet paper can make bathroom experiences better.

My Complete Packing List for Europe: 

• Linen pants (3) (I own 5 pairs of these)
• Breathable long sleeve (2) 
• Tops (5) 
• Long skirt (2) (Two women had these skirts, and they loved them!)
• Lightweight scarf (2) (this is the one I bought from Amazon)
• Walking sandals (1) 
• Walking shoes/sneakers (1) 
• Hat 
• Sunscreen 
• Sleepwear
• Hand sanitizer 
• Kleenex 
• Sunglasses (2)
• Immodium 
• Credit card & debit card 
• Bathing suit
• Travel adapter 
• Toiletries 
• LARQ water bottle (with filter) 

With the right clothing choices, you can stay comfortable in the heat, respect local customs, and fully enjoy everything this incredible country has to offer. Whether you’re wandering through ancient temples, cruising the Nile, or relaxing on the Red Sea coast, this guide will help ensure you’re dressed perfectly for every occasion. Safe travels!