What to Wear in Egypt for Women: 12 Cute Outfit Ideas
Packing for a trip to Egypt can feel like a high-stakes game of “What Will Make Me Regret My Wardrobe Choices the Least?” Trust me, I’ve been there, frantically Googling “what to wear in Egypt for women” while packing my suitcase. Egypt’s blend of blazing sun and conservative culture can make it tricky to find outfits that are both practical and respectful. But fear not…I’ve cracked the code, and I’m here to share all my top tips and outfit ideas.
The key is striking a balance between comfort, modesty, and not melting into a puddle under the desert sun. My goal was to feel cool and comfortable while blending in as much as possible (or as much as a blonde in Egypt can hope to blend in), all without sacrificing a sense of style. I’ll break down my packing list, the best fabrics, and what you can get away with in different parts of Egypt. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of what to wear in Egypt for women!
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1. What to Wear in Egypt for Women: Packing List
I’ll give you a quick packing list on what to wear in Egypt for women and then give you plenty of tips and outfit inspiration below! Here are some essentials to include on your packing list:
- Maxi dresses & skirts
- Lightweight Pants
- Long-sleeve tops (or short-sleeve tops that cover your shoulders)
- Sturdy sandals and/or trail runners
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Lightweight Scarf
- Bathing suit & cover-up
- Sweater or jean jacket (for evenings)
2. Considerations
When figuring out what to wear in Egypt for women, consider two main things: the weather and local customs. Egypt’s hot, dry desert climate means you’ll want breathable clothes that don’t weigh you down, especially if you’re visiting during peak temps. I was there in January, and even then, it was hot during the day. However, I did get surprisingly chilly in the evening, which I didn’t expect.
The other consideration? Egypt is a conservative country, so modesty is key. Just think of it as an excuse to try out that flowy dress you’ve been eyeing.
3. Pick Lightweight Fabrics
In Egypt, you’ll quickly become best friends with natural, lightweight fabrics. These fabrics are breathable, quick-drying, and won’t cling to you when the temperature rises. Think airy maxi skirts and loose tops that won’t trap heat. You’ll also want to consider your color scheme for getting the best photos. At the Temple of Edfu (pictured below), I opted for a solid red maxi skirt paired with a simple lightweight top.
4. Opt for Loose-Fitting Clothing
If you’re wondering what to wear in Egypt for women, remember this golden rule: looser is usually better. Loose clothing helps you blend in with the locals who also opt for relaxed fits. Plus, how cute are these flowy skirts? I packed a mix of patterns and solids to give some variety to my photos.
5. Cover your Shoulders & Knees
If there’s one rule of thumb for dressing in Egypt, it’s to keep those shoulders and knees covered, especially outside touristy areas. It’s not that you’ll get in trouble, but it is a sign of respect. A loose blouse over a sundress or a longer-sleeve top with your favorite maxi skirt does the trick.
During my time in Luxor, I did see one tourist in short jean shorts, and you could see all the locals looking as she walked by. I definitely got plenty of looks as a tall blonde, but it was nothing like that level of attention, and I felt comfortable in my outfit choices.
6. What to Expect in Cairo
Cairo is a bit of a style wildcard—it’s more modern and Westernized, so I saw women in jeans and trendy tops, but they still tended to keep it modest. While in Cairo, I stuck to a maxi dress with a lightweight shirt over the top and felt good about my decision.
7. Layer Up for Evenings
Evenings in Egypt can get surprisingly chilly, especially if you’re visiting in winter. Bring a light sweater or a denim jacket to throw over your daytime outfit when the temperature drops. The photo below was taken at Luxor Temple just after sunset, and a long-sleeve sweater with a maxi skirt was perfect for that time of day.
It got even chillier on our dahabiya Nile cruise with the breeze coming off the water. I actually reached for a fleece most nights, which I definitely hadn’t planned on when packing. The only reason I had it was for the airport, so take note and make sure you pack something heavy enough!
8. Bring a Hat & Sunglasses
The Egyptian sun is intense, making a hat and sunglasses non-negotiable. They’ll protect you from the sun’s wrath and make you look effortlessly stylish. You can see in my photo at Abu Simbel below that there is quite literally no shade. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not squinting in every photo.
9. Choose Comfy Shoes
Leave the stilettos at home, folks. Egypt is no place for fancy footwear. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must for wandering dusty streets, scrambling over ruins, and surviving endless ancient temples. Think sturdy sandals or cute hiking sneakers that you don’t mind getting a little dusty. Your feet (and your sanity) will thank you.
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10. Bring a Scarf
A scarf in Egypt is absolutely essential: it’s lightweight, versatile, and takes up virtually no space. Use it to cover your shoulders or protect yourself from the sun. I carried mine everywhere and was forever grateful when the breeze kicked up a cloud of desert dust. Plus, it’s an easy way to add a pop of color to neutral outfits! At the Pyramids, I threw on a striped scarf over my outfit to add a bit of spice to the photo.
11. Bring Beachwear & Cover-ups
If you’re heading to the Red Sea, you’ll want some beachwear. Swimsuits are totally fine at the beach or hotel pools, but pack a lightweight cover-up for moving between the pool and your room.
12. What to Expect at Western Hotels
Some hotels in Egypt, especially those in tourist-heavy areas that catered to a Western crowd, were a bit more modern when it comes to dress code. I felt comfortable wearing sleeveless tops at a few places we stayed, though I still paired it with a long skirt. The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (pictured below) was my favorite spot we stayed in all of Egypt and I didn’t feel weird with my shoulders uncovered at the hotel.
However, I still stuck with more coverage for anything beyond hotel grounds to avoid attracting unwanted attention. It’s all about reading the room and knowing what’s appropriate based on your surroundings.
13. What to Wear on a Camel Ride
A camel ride may look Instagram-worthy, but it’s also a recipe for sand in all the wrong places. Stick with lightweight pants, a loose top, and definitely avoid dresses unless you want some serious chafing on your thighs. I learned this lesson the hard way.
Recommended Tour: Camel Ride at the Pyramids
Bring a scarf to wrap around your face if the wind kicks up—blowing sand really does get everywhere! I’ve ridden a camel a few times now, and one of the times, it was so windy that I could feel the gritty sand in my ears and between my teeth for hours after!
14. What to Wear on a Nile Expedition
For our adventure into a village on the banks of the Nile from our dahabiya, I opted for an outfit that was practical and conservative. You’ll likely be traipsing through fields and potentially mud, so sturdy trail shoes are a must.
Recommended Activity: Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Lightweight pants will keep you covered from bugs while allowing you to stay cool in the heat. Stick to modest clothing—pants and a dri-fit top are perfect for staying comfortable and respecting local customs while you take in the sights along the river. I repurposed the pants I wore on safari in Tanzania, and they were the perfect option for exploring Egypt!
15. How to Look Cute in Egypt
Yes, you can dress modestly and still look cute in Egypt. When considering what to wear in Egypt for women, think colorful prints, cute accessories, and breezy outfits to keep things stylish. Layering scarves, jewelry, and a fun hat can add some personality to your look without sacrificing comfort. It’s all about embracing those effortlessly chic vibes that make you look like you’re not trying too hard (even if you totally are).
Figuring out what to wear in Egypt for women doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow these tips, and you’ll be feeling cool, confident, and ready to explore Egypt in style!
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