Deciding on the right clothing for trips to conservative nations can be a delicate task, especially for women. Some destinations enforce strict cultural and social norms, so I prefer to dress modestly as a precaution, steering clear of unwanted attention or accidental disrespect.
Generally, nations with strong Muslim, Hindu, or Buddhist traditions require more coverage. Always honoring local and religious customs is essential, and being mindful of your actions—starting with modest attire—helps avoid offending cultural practices.
Your Conservative Country Packing Checklist
Carefully Consider Your Outfits Before Packing
Keeping your knees and shoulders covered is seen as a sign of respect, so I advise making sure your suitcase includes items that allow for that. In very conservative destinations, you might need to cover your arms (down to the wrists), hair, and feet.
Headscarves aren't always mandatory in conservative countries, but based on my time in Morocco, I noticed that whenever I attracted unwanted attention as a tourist, simply covering my head made people leave me alone.
My general guideline is to always carry something I can wrap around my shoulders and drape over my legs, just in case I need extra coverage while out and about.
Adapt My Packing Suggestions to Your Trip Based on Weather and Season
Feel free to adjust the ideas below according to the climate and time of year when visiting conservative countries like Morocco, Jordan, Turkey, Dubai, Indonesia, and others.
- Sun Hat // A wide-brimmed hat is essential for sun protection. Bring one or two to be safe, and choose lightweight materials to avoid overheating.
- Light Scarf // I always pack a scarf, but you'll want several in conservative countries. They're perfect for covering your shoulders and chest while still adding a touch of style.
- Sunglasses // Don't forget to shield your eyes from the sun.
- Sandals // You'll do a lot of walking, so invest in comfortable, supportive sandals that are also cute. Check out my new travel sandals—now available!
- Day Bag // I usually carry the ONA Prince Street Messenger because it's durable, high-quality, and easily fits all my camera gear and wallet.
- Long Sleeve Blouse // Choose thin, soft fabrics for layering; they provide coverage for your shoulders and chest.
- Short Sleeve Blouses // When arm coverage isn't needed, short sleeves are cooler—just be mindful of necklines.
- Denim Shirt // A denim shirt looks great with most bottoms and works perfectly for layering.
- Shawl // I brought one to cover my shoulders, allowing me to wear lightweight tops like tank tops while still being modest.
- Kaftans // I always travel with kaftans, shawls, and kimonos because they're easy to throw on for shoulder coverage and mix well with dresses.
- Short Tunic // I paired several tunics with white jeans or tucked them into a maxi skirt. Make sure the fabric is soft and breathable.
- Longer Tunic // Similar to the short tunic, but you can layer it with comfortable leggings while still covering your backside (tight leggings alone can be frowned upon).
- Maxi Dresses // You can't go wrong with several lightweight maxi dresses. I prefer solid colors so they match any scarf, shawl, or kimono.
- Midi Dress // A dress that falls below the knee in breathable fabric is great for exploring—and cooler than a maxi.
- Leggings // I wore white leggings frequently on my trip. They layered perfectly under tunics and shawls and stayed cooler than black pants. Choose stretchy, breathable fabric.
- Maxi Skirt // Having one or two maxi skirts makes outfit assembly easy—pair with a blouse or a short kimono.
- Flowy Pants // Who doesn't love comfortable, flowing pants? Mix and match patterns and colors.
The original post "What to Pack for a Trip to a Conservative Country" first appeared on The Blonde Abroad.
