What to wear in Jordan

Modesty is one of the main characteristics that describe Jordanian culture, which is why it is vital not to show too much. I recommend wearing clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when you are deciding what to wear in Jordan.

It is not necessary to cover everything from head to toe, but try to avoid shorts and cleavage. Some key pieces could be long-sleeved blouses, long skirts and loose pants.

When visiting religious sites in Jordan—such as mosques, churches, or sacred ruins—dressing modestly isn’t just respectful; it’s expected. These places hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, and locals greatly appreciate when travelers make the effort to adhere to conservative dress codes.

For women, this generally means covering your shoulders, chest, and knees. A loose-fitting maxi dress or long skirt paired with a lightweight blouse or long-sleeved shirt is a great option. Carrying a scarf or shawl is also highly recommended. In many mosques, you’ll be asked to cover your hair before entering, and a scarf will allow you to do so easily. Some mosques may even provide robes and head coverings for visitors, but it’s always better to be prepared.

Shoes wont be relevant at Mosques, as you are required to remove these when entering. If you do not like to be barefoot, consider bringing some socks.

As for footwear, it’s best to opt for comfortable shoes, as the country presents many opportunities for exploring and walking. Another good option is sandals, especially in summer and for short walks or the beach. Take in consideration both freshness and comfort.

When it comes to colors and fabrics to wear in Jordan, I would recommend light and breathable color and fabrics, such as cotton or linen, especially in summer time, as the temperatures tend to rise.

Although some of these rules can be overlook when it touristic places (like Petra or the dead sea, for example), I would highly recommend following them when you are walking among locals or especially when visiting religious places.

First, avoid clothing that shows too much skin, such as plunging necklines, sleeveless tops, shorts, and mini skirts. They can be seen as disrespectful and attract unwanted glances. Instead, opt for clothing that adequately covers your body.

Also, avoid clothing with messages or images that could be offensive or misinterpreted. It is better to opt for simple clothing without provocative prints.

I added images of some of the outfits I used in Jordan, just so you can get an idea. For some places, I decided to use a scarf to help cover myself, but in places like Petra, where I had to walk for hours under the sun, I opted for a short sleeve shirt, as all the tourist were in similar outfits if not more revealing. When in doubt, just carry something you can wear on top.