Wondering what to wear in Jordan? I did too as it was my first time traveling to the Middle East and I felt a little intimidated about what to wear. I had all kinds of questions: “Should I cover up? If so, how much? Can I wear jeans or leggings? Are short sleeves okay? What should I pack?”
As it turns out, I had nothing to really worry about and was over thinking it. What Jordanian women wear is pretty diverse and stylish. There were a few things to take into consideration, though.
Based on what I packed, what I left at home, and what I wish I had brought with me, here are some packing tips to help you plan what to wear in Jordan. I also included lots of candid pics to give you an example of what I wore during my trip there.
What To Wear In Jordan – 7 Packing Tips For Women
1 – Modest Clothes Are More For Hiding Skin Than Shape
I had originally packed some leggings to wear with long shirts, but then unpacked them at the last minute and ended up regretting it later. I saw lots of women wearing leggings, from plain black to leopard print. Jordanian women are pretty fashionable and wear just about everything we do with one exception, they’re more modest and conservative. So when it comes to packing for Jordan, Leggings are a YES! But short shorts or low cut tops, not so much.
Read This: Ultimate Packing Guide
2 – Err On The Side Of Dressing Conservatively
While Jordanians respect our culture and choice of what to wear, but as a traveler please have respect for their culture too. You won’t get into trouble for wearing a tank top and short shorts, but you’d definitely get noticed.
As a frequent traveler, I think it’s better to blend in then to stand out like a tourist. You won’t get judgmental looks as much as glares of curiosity and surprise. Skin is just not shown as much in Jordan’s media, advertising, and television like it is the United States. To be honest, it was kind of refreshing.
Read This: Best Travel Make-up To Pack
3 – Pants, Capri’s, and Long Skirts
When you’re packing, think of what you’d wear in the fall or spring time. Long pants, capri’s, and long skirts are great. Layer them with three quarter length sleeved tops and t-shirts. Even conservative shorts are okay in hot places in the desert like Petra.
4 – Pack Clothes To Layer
I had the benefit of traveling to Jordan in the fall when it’s a bit cool, especially in cities like Amman. So, I had no problem layering up since it was chilly. However, it does get pretty hot in the dessert. But keep this in mind, while it’s blazing warm in the sun, it’s also chilly in the shade.
Linen shirts work great since they protect you from the sun but are also breathable. While in Petra, I found people pretty much wore what they wanted, from tank tops to shorts. The desert is also a lot like the beach, just without water. So, don’t forget your hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and even a fan.
5 – Coverup Cleavage
When I read about this, I thought I had to practically wear turtle necks up to my chin to not offend anyone. Turns out, your neck and décolletage are quite alright with seeing a little air. Scoop neck or boat neck shirts? No problem. It’s just the cleavage you gotta cover.
6 – The Big Question – Can Women Wear shorts?
The answer is, yes. But only in resort or tourist areas. I wore a bathing suit and shorts to go snorkeling in Aqaba and I also wore shorts and bathing suit while at the Dead Sea. It’s completely appropriate and accepted. Just have some resort wear to cover up as it’s not cool to walk through the lobby of a hotel wearing just your bathing suit and flip flops. But honestly, that’s not really classy to do in the United States either.
7 – Let’s Talk Shoes
You’ll want to pack some stylish sandals for warm days, hiking boots or shoes for adventurous days in the dessert, and a dressy pair of shoes for the city. If you have those three, you’ll be set to go. Maybe throw in a pair of flip flops too if you’re visiting the coast or the Dead Sea.
More Articles For Planning Travel To Jordan
- Jordan Itinerary: A Culinary Adventure
- Tented Desert Camp In Wadi Rum
- Is It Safe To Travel To Jordan?
- 3 Simple Ways To Survive A Long Flight
- Jordanian Spices You Must Try
- Homemade Hummus – A Recipe From Jordan
And here are more candid pics to give you more ideas about what to wear in Jordan:
This post was brought to you as a result of the #GoJordan blog trip, created and managed by iAmbassador in partnership with Visit Jordan. The Travel Bite maintains full editorial control of the content published on this site.
Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2020.
This is great info to take in easily and quickly. I actually didn’t know that Jordan even got cool..learned something new!
I did a study abroad in the Middle East for a few months and we had a pretty strict dress code – same as you mentioned, the emphasis was covering the skin in order to respect the culture. I had such a blast over there. LOVED the spice shops and Petra was one of the most amazing experiences ever!
Scarves are ALWAYS useful. In the example above, a blue scarf covered the hole I managed to rip in my trousers. You’d never guess, right? Right?!!
These are great tips not only for travelers, but just for those of us (like me) that could use an education! I didn’t really understand what was acceptable dress for women in Jordan at all. Interesting info and definitely helpful for anyone traveling to that country. Great post!
I’m embarrassed to say that I would never have even considered Jordan to be a desirable travel destination but these pictures look amazing! What a great trip. Love the pictures from Petra and the spice market. So cool!!! Definitely going to check out!
Such a useful post. I often find myself looking for outfit inspiration when packing, especially when you want to make sure you’re dressing appropriate. Jordan looks amazing! You’ve convinced me I need to go!
Thank you for such an informative post!
This is SO helpful!! As ever Rachelle, you save the day. Thank you!!
Fantastic post! I love Jordan. I was there 2 years ago. I packed so much clothes that I had 2 suitcases instead of one. I thought that it was appropriate to take everything and to decide when I am there. It was bad bad idea. I hope you don`t do my mistake. Best regards!
Thanks so much, this is great article for women travelling to the middle east for the first time. A novice myself, this is an invaluable guide that covers a difficult topic – brilliant!
Happy to help! Are you traveling to the middle east soon? Let me know if you have any questions. 🙂
Hey hi. I am traveling to Jordan with my family……as you have written about the dress code, so I can carry my swimwear, jeans, scarf and some tops to go along my pants. For a weak how many pants and blouses do I need to carry. Pls help me in my packing
Hi Vani!
Are you traveling soon? At minimum — I’d recommend packing pants and a blouse for each day. Since it’s summertime, you’ll probably sweat a little and will not want to re-wear anything. Linen pants and long sleeved shirts will keep you cool and also protect you from getting sunburned if you’re outside a lot. I’d also pack one or two long dresses or skirts for dressing up to go to dinner in the evening. I think I have a picture/example of one of the long skirts I wore above (black and tan striped.) Enjoy your trip! Jordan is beautiful.
My family is leaving for Middle East in a week. We will visit Jordan, Egypt and UAE. I appreciate your packing tips – they make perfect sense, but, since I’ll be traveling with my two teenage daughters, (12 and 15), should I be aware of anything else? My girls are well traveled and respectful, so I’m not worried, but is any “teenage” behavior considered inappropriate, for example: wearing headphones and listening to music?
Hello! Your girls will be fine and I think listening to music with headphones is something teens do all over the world. 😉 Just as long as they’re aware of their surroundings, as I’m sure they will be.
I just wanted to tell you I had tears in my eyes as I scrolled down to look at your scenic photos. I am currently planning a trip with National Geographic to visit Jordan, and after seeing your photos, I absolutely cannot wait.
I was stressing about what/what not to pack for my trip, but you have helped assuaged some of my fears. Thank you so very much. Have a blessed day.
Enjoy your trip! Jordan is a beautiful country, the people are so friendly, and the landscapes are epic!
Hi there! Your blog was so helpful because I really didn’t know what to wear! I’ll be spending 3 ninja in the Holy Land and I really wanted to make sure that k was prepared. One question for you, what is the name of your pants and capris and where did you get them? I was trying to research the name of loose pants that don’t show off shape so much. Any places for shipping you recommend?? Thank you again for writing this!
Hey! I’m not sure of the brand of these, but if you look for “boot cut” jeans or linen pants, they should be loose fitting. Though, I saw women there wearing leggings too.
Thank you for all your tips. I leave for jordan from Australia on the weekend for a few magical weeks. Im wondering if i hand washed cotton clothes sid you find that they were dry by morning? Current overnight temps are high 29c. Thanks Allie
Hello Allie!
Actually, linen fabrics and synthetics (like athletic clothes) will dry faster than cotton if you plan to wash and wear a lot of what you are bringing. You might also want to check and see if any of the places you are staying have a laundry facility or service, at that’s much faster for getting your closed washed and dried in time. Temps at 29c is pretty warm, so pack a hat and hand fan too to stay cool when you’re in the sun. Enjoy Jordan! It’s a beautiful country.
Hi there, thanks for your blog it’s really helpful, just wondering if 3/4 length pants are acceptable .
Perfectly acceptable!
Hi Rachelle, your blog has been really helpful. As I am planning a solo trip myself to Jordan.
Just a few basic stuff that I would wanna know:-
– I’m travelling in December close to the 9th of the month. I guess Jordan is cold then. So what sort of things would you suggest me to carry as I am going there for only 3 nights/4 day stay.
Will look to hear from you soon.
Ciao
Kaizeen
Hello Kaizeen!
Definitely layers. I traveled in October, and in the city it was a bit cooler, so I had a jacket, long pants, and a scarf. But it warms up quite a bit in the desert if you’re planning to visit Petra or Wadi Rum.
Can I wear tight yoga pants or is that a big no no even though they cover my skin?
I think skin is the biggest concern. I remember thinking I wish I had brought leggings. Just wear a shirt long enough to cover your butt. 😉
Rachelle, I really appreciate the information, the pictures were a great plus 🙂 I am traveling to Jordan in couple of days and now I Know exactly what to pack. I don’t even have to purchase any new clothes. Great!
Thank you for the info
Fantastic post! As someone considering a trip to Jordan, this is super helpful!
Enjoy Jordan! It’s a beautiful country. 🙂
A great piece of information. I think this is what I was exactly looking for. All tips in a single click. I would definitely try to follow these suggestions. Thanks for sharing.
Your smile is very beautiful in all the photos.
When I look at these pictures, I myself have to smile. 🙂
Hi Rachelle,
Thanks for sharing your experience in Jordan and the important part of what is appropriate to wear.
I will be visiting Israel next year and I am also clueless what to wear there.
What you posted was indeed helpful for me .
Enjoy your trip! I’m glad this was helpful. 🙂