What to Wear in Egypt: A Woman’s Guide

Written by the Egypt Day Tours team and reviewed by our licensed Egyptologist guides. Last updated July 2026.

TL;DR: In Egypt, women are most comfortable and most respected in modest, lightweight clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. You do not need to cover completely, except inside mosques, where a headscarf is required. Dressing thoughtfully keeps you cool, shows respect, and reduces unwanted attention. Here is the practical breakdown.

What you pack for Egypt makes a real difference to how comfortable and at ease you feel. The good news is that the ideal Egypt wardrobe, modest but light and loose, is also the most practical for the heat. Here is exactly what to wear, where.

The general guideline is modest and lightweight: cover your shoulders and knees with loose, breathable clothing. Egypt is a conservative, mostly Muslim country, and dressing modestly shows respect and reduces unwanted attention, while keeping you cool.

You do not need to cover your hair in everyday settings or wear anything restrictive. Think flowing trousers, maxi skirts and dresses, and tops that cover the shoulders, in natural fabrics like cotton and linen.

At temples and historic sites, wear comfortable, modest clothing and good walking shoes, with shoulders and knees covered and a hat and sunglasses for the strong sun. The ground is often uneven and shade is scarce.

A light scarf is endlessly useful here, for extra sun cover or to drape over your shoulders. Comfortable closed shoes beat sandals on dusty, rocky ground.

In cities, modest everyday clothing works best: loose trousers or long skirts and tops that cover the shoulders. Cairo is cosmopolitan and you will see a range of styles, but covering up keeps you comfortable and draws less attention.

Save shorts, short skirts, and strappy or tight tops for resort areas. In the city, looser and longer is both more respectful and, honestly, easier.

At Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, normal swimwear is fine within the resort and on the beach, since these are international tourist zones. Cover up when leaving the resort or visiting local towns.

These resorts are far more relaxed than the cities and historic sites. A bikini by the pool is no problem; a cover-up for the walk to lunch is a courteous touch.

To enter a mosque, women must cover their hair with a headscarf and wear clothing that covers the arms and legs; shoes are removed at the entrance. Some mosques provide a robe to borrow.

Always carry a scarf in your bag so you are ready to step inside a mosque whenever the chance arises. It doubles as sun protection the rest of the time.

Pack light, loose, and covering, add a scarf and comfortable shoes, and you will be cool, respected, and at ease across Egypt. Dressing thoughtfully is not about hiding; it is about comfort, courtesy, and a smoother trip.

For the wider picture, see our honest is Egypt safe for solo female travelers page and our solo female travel in Egypt guide. When you are ready to go, our women-only Egypt tours take care of the rest.