UPDATED FEB 2020. When you travel to a conservative country, it’s important to take a few more considerations when it comes to what you wear. It’s a way to show respect for the culture you are visiting as well as limit negative attention. In my experience, if you make an effort to show respect, you are likely to have a better vacation. Here’s my guide on what to wear in conservative countries if you are a female traveler. I traveled to the places I mentioned solo, but the same guidelines apply to non-solo travelers as well. If you have any questions, just let me know.
What To Wear In Conservative Countries If You Are A Female Traveler
Disclaimer
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Always research the dress guidelines before traveling
Before you travel anywhere, do a Google search to check if there are any recommendations for how to dress.
In some cases, it might seem obvious that you would be dressing conservatively. For example, when I was planning to go to Egypt and Morocco, I knew that I would need to cover up more than usual.
However, there were some places that I didn’t know about.
For example, Sri Lanka and Tonga. Even though they weren’t as strict for day to day outings – you could show your shoulders and wear shorts, it was still important to cover up at times.
After my last swim in Sri Lanka, I was about to get in a Tuk-Tuk in a swimsuit and towel for the quick trip back to the hotel. Someone told me it wasn’t appropriate and I was so glad that they did.
Now I always check beforehand just in case so I know how to dress appropriately.
Always check for any dress codes before traveling
The golden rule
When you are deciding what to wear, the golden rule is to cover your shoulders to knees and everything in between.
No tank tops, no midriff showing, and no short shorts, and find loose-fitting outfits with generous coverage for your chest. You don’t need a turtle neck but just make sure your not flaunting cleavage.
Generally, you should also be covered up in this way at any temples, mosques and other religious sites as well, no matter where you travel to.
Make sure that being respectful, and consequently staying safe, is your number one priority and looking fashionable is the second priority.
Avoid form-fitting outfits
I know you probably have a gorgeous, feminine shape but now is not the time to show it off.
You don’t want to be wearing anything too form-fitting or shapely, so it is best to keep your outfits loose and flowy. It’s a great time for maxi dresses, flowy tops, and roomy pants.
What to wear in a hot climate
Even if the weather is really hot, you still have to cover up.
The best way to do this without feeling like you’re overheating every day is to keep the fabric breathable, flowy, and light. Just be careful that it’s not see-through.
You’re going to be a little uncomfortable no matter what, and you just need to accept that as part of the travel experience. Having light, breathable fabrics will help keep you comfortable so it doesn’t tarnish the holiday experience.
Light fabrics are great for exploring conservative countries with hot climates
Packing guide
Here are some ideas of what to pack. Many of these things you might already have in your wardrobe or would be easy to get at a store near you. I have also added links to where you can find them on Amazon.
Full disclosure, as with all Amazon links on my website, these are affiliate links.
Flowy dress – I packed this flowy dress for Morocco
and have one similar to this one
that I have worn just about everywhere.
Loose pants – Some light pants like these
are great for pairing with a long sleeve top. Light color fabrics will be slightly cooler but if you are going somewhere dusty, like the Atlas Mountains in Morocco or Egypt, it might be better to choose a darker color.
Maxi skirt – A maxi skirt
is another good pairing with a long sleeve shirt or t-shirt. To be able to keep it clean as long as possible during your trip, it’s best if it doesn’t drag along the ground.
Loose long sleeve top – Long sleeve tops in a light fabric
are my favorite to own because they are so versatile. I wear them everywhere and have them in flannel patterns, white, and light denim
! I usually pack a couple of them to pair with light pants.
Kaftan – Pop one of these
over a pair of leggings. If you are wearing leggings, make sure the kaftan is long enough to comfortably cover your butt.
Kimono – Kimonos are light and give a lot of coverage, so if you have a fav dress or top that shows your shoulders, an easy fix is popping a kimono over the top. Wear a long
or short one
depending on what goes with your outfits.
T-shirts – Another easy way to cover up is to pair a basic t-shirt
with some loose pants and a kimono.
When it comes to what to wear in conservative countries as a female traveler, a long, flowy dress is a great option
Swimwear
Always check if it is appropriate to wear a bikini or swimwear before going to the beach. I ask at the hotel to be sure.
For example, when I went to a local island in The Maldives, the hotel manager let me know which areas of the beach I could wear a bikini and which areas I couldn’t.
One-piece – I usually lean towards a one-piece swimsuit
in conservative areas. That’s just my preference though, and it’s not usually necessary. If you’re able to swim, it’s most likely a place where bikinis are accepted.
Beach cover-up – A long cover-up
is a great option for wandering around the beach or resort. If it is a bit see-through, I wouldn’t walk to and from the beach in it if you have to walk through the streets. Wear whatever is most appropriate for the destination. Since I usually pack carry-on only, I use my maxi dress to double up as a cover-up.
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Wear sunglasses
In some of the conservative countries, you will experience more street hassle, especially if you are a solo female traveler.
Wearing a pair of sunglasses while you are out is a simple trick to help to avoid eye contact with the hasslers. Sometimes eye contact is viewed as an invitation so it just creates a barrier for that.
It can also help you keep a poker face if you get lost.
Wear a wedding ring
This is another tip more suited for solo female travelers, but wearing a wedding ring can help reduce street hassle. It also gives you something to say to help get rid of them.
It’s unfortunate that sometimes men respect another man more than a woman, but it is what it is.
A simple t-shirt and long pants to wear while exploring the mountains in Turkey
Do you need to wear a scarf in conservative countries?
Covering your head with a scarf is not always required but it’s a good idea to pack on just in case.
They can help if you feel like you are getting a lot of street hassle. Keep one in your day bag and throw over your head or over your shoulders if need be.
Infinity scarf with zipper pocket – Hide a couple of your smaller valuables in this infinity scarf
with a hidden pocket.
Regular scarf – You can pick up light scarves
from just about anywhere and they are not too expensive. If you keep your clothes to solid, plain colors, then you can use the scarf to mix and match between outfits and dress them up.
I hope that this post helps to give you an idea of what to wear in conservative countries.
As long as you make an effort to be covered up, you can still have an extraordinary travel experience – and that’s what we are traveling for right?
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