What to Wear in Egypt: My Packing Guide for Women

The easiest answer is to pack lightweight, loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, plus a scarf you can throw over your head or shoulders when needed. I wore plenty of linen, flowy skirts, T-shirts and breathable trousers. Hurghada and Dahab were much more relaxed, while Cairo, markets, temples and Siwa felt better with a little more coverage.

You do not need to completely change your style. I wanted to feel respectful, comfortable in the heat and still like myself in photos. The best pieces did all three.

Best fabricLinenLight and breathable

Most useful itemA large scarfFor shoulders, sun and mosques

City ruleShoulders & kneesThe easiest respectful baseline

Red SeaMore relaxedCover up away from the beach

What should women wear in Egypt?

In Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Siwa and religious sites, I would use shoulders and knees covered as a simple baseline. Loose clothing was also much cooler than anything tight once we were walking around exposed archaeological sites.

Egypt is predominantly Muslim and local dress is generally conservative. The UK government's current Egypt guidance advises dressing modestly, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs. That matched how I felt on the ground.

Sunlit carved walls inside the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor

My Egypt packing list for women

Two or three loose T-shirts
One long-sleeve linen shirt
Two pairs of breathable trousers
One or two midi or maxi skirts
A loose dress that covers the knees
A large lightweight scarf
Comfortable trainers or supportive sandals
Swimmers and a cover-up for the Red Sea
Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
A light layer for air-conditioned transport and cooler evenings

I bought an Egyptian cotton scarf during the trip and used it constantly. It covered my shoulders at temples, protected me from the sun and made simple outfits feel different without packing more clothes.

What I wore at the pyramids and in Cairo

At the pyramids I wore a white T-shirt and a long dark skirt. It was simple, comfortable and still looked good in photos. I would avoid very short skirts, anything difficult to climb steps in and shoes you do not want covered in dust.

In Cairo and at Khan el-Khalili, loose trousers or a long skirt with a T-shirt felt right. You will be walking through busy streets and markets, so a crossbody bag and comfortable shoes matter more than a complicated outfit.

Ellen wearing a white T-shirt and long skirt in front of the Pyramids of Giza

What I wore at temples and tombs in Luxor

Luxor was hot even in October, and some tombs felt humid once we were inside. I wore breathable trousers, a tank top and carried a scarf to cover my shoulders. That combination worked because I could adjust it rather than feel trapped in a heavy long-sleeve top all day.

Wear shoes with grip. Temple floors, uneven paths and tomb steps are not the place for delicate sandals. Our Valley of the Kings guide explains the heat, tomb access and what we wish we knew before visiting.

What to wear in Siwa Oasis

Siwa felt more conservative than the Red Sea, so I wore loose trousers, longer skirts and covered my shoulders around town. At the salt lakes we wore swimwear, but changed or covered up before returning to the village.

This is where a big scarf and an easy cover-up were most useful. Our Siwa Oasis itinerary shows how the salt lakes, springs and town fitted into the same day.

Ellen and friends floating in the turquoise salt lakes of Siwa Oasis

What to wear in Hurghada and Dahab

Hurghada and Dahab were more relaxed around resorts, beaches and the waterfront. Swimwear was completely normal at the beach, on our boat day and at the Blue Hole. I still packed a shirt, dress or sarong to throw over it when walking through town or sitting down for food.

Do not assume beachwear works everywhere just because you are on the coast. The simple rule is swimwear beside the water, then cover up when you leave it.

Do you need to cover your hair in Egypt?

I did not cover my hair day to day. I carried a scarf for religious sites and used it over my head or shoulders when appropriate. Requirements can vary by mosque, so follow the signs and instructions at the entrance.

You may also be asked to remove your shoes. Socks are useful if you do not want to walk barefoot.

What not to pack

Heavy denim for full sightseeing days
Shoes that cannot handle dust or uneven ground
Only cropped or low-cut tops
A wardrobe that needs ironing every morning
One bank card in the same bag as everything else

The last one is not clothing, but our ATM swallowed a card in Siwa. Carry a backup separately. Our full Egypt travel tips covers money, eSIMs, transport and the other practical lessons from the trip.

My honest outfit formula

For most days I would repeat: breathable trousers or a long skirt, a simple top, comfortable shoes and a large scarf in my bag. It worked in the heat, felt respectful and meant I never had to overthink what to wear.

Frequently asked questions

Can women wear shorts in Egypt?

You will see shorts at Red Sea resorts, but I felt more comfortable in longer clothing in Cairo, Luxor, Siwa, markets and historic sites. Lightweight trousers or a skirt are also better sun protection.

Can you wear a tank top in Egypt?

I wore tank tops with a scarf or loose shirt over my shoulders. At beach resorts they felt normal, but I covered up in cities and at temples.

Do female tourists need a headscarf in Egypt?

Not for everyday sightseeing. Carry one for mosques or when you want extra coverage from the sun and follow local instructions.

What shoes should you wear in Egypt?

Wear comfortable trainers or supportive sandals with grip. The pyramids, temples and tombs involve dust, uneven ground and plenty of walking.

What should you wear in Egypt in October?

October was still warm for us. Pack breathable summer clothes, sun protection and one light layer for air-conditioned transport or cooler evenings.