Sharm El Sheikh Travel Forum

Hi!

Are there any restrictions on the types of clothes you can wear in Egypt?

If so were do these restrictions apply???

thanks

Maygan

Well in Sharm al Sheikh NO restrictions - I even saw topless sunbathers although they did attract quite a following of eager young men staring.

In Cairo, Alexandria and all other places there are really so many tourists now that short sleeves and shortish shorts aren't frowned upon.

That said, I did encounter a few old men who said things in Arabic (luckily I couldn't understand them) but their faces told the story ... not nice feeling. Really not nice feeling.

I felt comfortable 99% of the time in t-shirt (sleeveless) and 3/4 shorts, but everyone ensured the younger people that dress was not a problem, except of course in mosques where you're either in long everything or have to hire a robe to cover arms and legs.

Hope this helped - I was there in October 2007.

as per the previous post - that's exactly the point
It might seem that it's accepted, but it's not
The stares are not because they are loving the bodies on display it's actually disrespect and somtimes disgust at the lewdness of westerners esp women.
If you are aware of this - now it's your choice what you wish to wear or think is appropriate.
I know what I'd go for.

Well, some stares might be from Egyptian young men that will see more skin than they will see at home.

The restriction on clothing in Egypt for a Western woman is depending on how much you respect yourself (as being a Western woman).

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/5b29d/de1/a/

My dear friend Karen Philips explained exactly what effect clothing has in Egypt.