What to wear in Egypt - Page 2

One thing you need to know is that shorts are not considered proper attire there. They are considered to be underwear, and you will not see any locals wearing them. They are also considered borderline offensive at the major historic sites. You will see a lot of tourists wearing them, and the locals tolerate it, because they understand the importance of the tourism industry. But if you truly want to dress appropriately, no shorts. If you do insist on wearing shorts, they should be long, reaching to almost your knees. Yes, it's hot there in June; but that's what they wear. I'm not as sure about sneakers; I think you can get by, but not recommended either. Your desire to not be walking around in shorts and a t-shirt will be appreciated there.

HIGHLY blown out of proportion!

The length of the shorts and the locals finding it intolerable is in regards to the religion of Islam. The religion says that shorts must be under the kneecap i.e. 3/4 Lengths. But seen as though you are i assume a non-muslim, it wont be a problem. In regards to sneakers, I know of no restriction.

"Cairo. City of the living. A paradise on earth."

I respectfully disagree. I apologize if the tone sounded a little heavy handed; I merely meant it to be informative. No one is going to point fingers at you or deny you entry anywhere. But at the same time, if you want to be culturally sensitive, you will recognize that shorts are not considered proper attire. But it is also true that many foreigners wear shorts, so you would not stand out. Perhaps I misinterpreted the OP's question as being about what is considered polite, as opposed to what to wear to be comfortable.

I agree with you

Pretty much this. Probably want to wear some kind of hat, especially if your outside all day and are fair skinned. Shoes can pretty much be whatever you'd normally wear that are comfortable when walking around all day long and wont fall apart on you. Long pants can be just as comfortable as shorts as long as they are light enough.

I have a pair of these in khaki and the indigo. They would probably be ideal if your a fan of white pants: http://canvas.landsend.com/pp/BeachP...86725-_-387309

Back in 2008 I did a summer semester of design in Egypt- Cairo, Luxor, Aswan.
Yes it is hot there in the summer months, however it is a dry heat. Your not going to sweat just standing in the sun that said, my studio had a lot of trips (almost every day) traveling by car, overnight train, camel, boats - feluccas, and walking to various places of architectural importance. Big this is wear antiperspirant (I normally opt for deodorant myself) vs deodorant so you do get that wetness protection for those days when you know your going to have to walk. Bring a good solid pair of sunglasses, ones that do not break easily and be prepared to wear them for hours so make sure comfortable.


As for clothing chinos were perfect. Light enough were you can just roll them up at the calves of your legs when you seem fit. Shirts I wore long sleeve button downs, the casual thin flannel pattern; the ones you see every hipster wear. Again can be rolled up at the fore arms when the occasion calls for it. No under shirts lose the top few buttons for air. I did not wear any hats or head protection but I found it fun to just buy a Keffiyeh from the locals on those hot camel riding days.

Footware, something light. Timberlands are unnecessary and just plain to heavy to walk long distances in. I wore basic converse allstars (light enough where you can bring multiple colors in your luggage with out taking up much space). They are thin so you feel everything when you walk so just put in those Dr scholls soles inside and your good to go. Opt for no socks. Look like you belong.

And if you smoke its heaven over there. I mean smoke at the table during your meal at a restaurant kind of heaven.

linen shirt with a kevlar vest underneath.