You do not have to wear baggy clothing in Egypt, but balance things out. If you wear skinny jeans or tighter pants, pair them with a looser (long) top. Layers will help in the evening, but lightweight and breathable clothing is best for the daytime.
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However, I quickly found out that jeans, even skinny jeans, are ok in Egypt; so long as you have a longer top to pair with them, like this one. Many of the young local girls paired their skinny jeans with longer sleeved tunic-type tops that covered their bums.
Pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts are acceptable as clothes to wear in Egypt. Avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts to fit in with local customs. Men do not need a head-covering scarf to enter mosques.
Women are held to a more conservative dress standard than men in Egypt. While the expectations for travellers are less strict than for local women, you will draw less attention (and have a more immersive journey) if you pack clothes that cover from at least shoulder to below the knee.
As a visitor, you are not required or pressured to wear either. If you would like to cover your head with a scarf, and some women do, that's fine. However, you will not be judged or looked down upon for leaving your head uncovered during your Egypt tours.
The ideal of beauty in Ancient Egypt was considered a tall, slender brunette with a small chest and wide shoulders; not thin, with a muscular body, narrow hips, and long legs. Ancient frescoes depict women with smooth skin without a single hair.
Go with a flowing maxi dress to stay cool during daytime events. Knee-length or longer dresses are fine to wear during the day. The flowy material of a maxi dress can help keep you cool in the desert heat, too. You could also try a midi dress or skirt.
Pants, Capris, Leggings, and ShortsBasically, as long as your knees are covered, you are good. So whether you choose pants or capris, you will feel comfortable and remain respectful. Local women wear long pants or skirts; however, I wore capris a couple of days with no issues.
If you would like to cover your head with a scarf, and some women do, that's fine. However, you will not be judged or looked down upon for leaving your head uncovered during your Egypt tours. Usually, the tourists who choose to cover their hair are the ones with very light, blonde hair.
Prohibited ItemsMedical drugs that cannot be dispensed without a prescription such as Tramadol, Xanax, Librax and other medicines. Real and toy arms, ammunition and explosives and any other substances containing explosive materials such as firearms and crackers. All kinds of artifacts. All kinds of narcotics.
But, as Egypt is an Islamic country it is to be expected. Remember, everyone is in the same boat. Wearing shorts, strappy tops, mini skirts, clothing that reveals too much flesh is a big NO. It will draw a lot of attention and, most importantly, it's seen as disrespectful to locals.
Their clothes arent really cheap, suits start at around 1000 Egyptian Pound (260 US-$), but are often better quality than what you would get for the same money, for example, in Europe. Concrete Clothes, another Egyptian brand, is a little cheaper, but also of high quality.
While the expectations for travelers are less strict than for local women, you will draw less attention (and have a more immersive journey) if you pack clothes that cover from at least shoulder to below the knee. The looser your clothes are, the better.
A shirt/t-shirt with a pair of loose pants would be ideal. Capri pants, maxi dresses, or even shorts would work too, as long as the shorts are cut long (knee length). Dresses or skirts are fine… unless you are planning on riding a horse or camel!
Egyptian women will sometimes wear either normal clothes when swimming, or a specific swimsuit that covers their hair and skin. For shoes, women often wear sandals or tennis shoes. Flip flops are worn in the home only (they are considered like a house slipper).
You'll be doing a lot of walking so you want to make sure you're comfortable! Otherwise, my go to travel shoe is usually a pair of birkenstocks! They are comfortable, durable and can be dressed up or down. They pair well with everything from locally bought outfits to denim shorts to sun dresses.
Egypt is conservative. Very conservative. You won't find couples cuddling and kissing in public, as any type of public affection is a big no-no (even handholding isn't really approved of).