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Wondering what to wear in Jordan?
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What to Wear in Jordan as a Female Tourist
As a female tourist in Jordan, you actually have more options on what to wear than one may expect. Most already have items in their wardrobe that would work just fine.
When you think about what to pack, think of the entire outfit, not just one particular item. Because it depends on how you wear said item and what you accompany with it. For example, you could wear a fitted shirt like a bodysuit, but you would want to ensure it has sleeves or accompany a tank style with a light coverup or scarf. Similarly, you should wear a more loose-fitting bottom with a bodysuit.
So before you rush out and purchase more clothing, take inventory of what you already have and determine how you can coordinate different items so that you can be respectful to the culture and comfortable in your own style.
Traveling to Jordan is an adventure like none other with its unique history, culture, and natural beauty. From the breathtaking city of Petra to the unbelievably gorgeous landscape of Wadi Rum, you are sure to have a wonderful time exploring this beautiful and diverse Muslim country with an epic Jordan itinerary. But as a female traveler, you have to strike the delicate balance between respecting cultural standards and embracing your own personal style.
Striking this delicate balance may not be as challenging as one may think. Although Jordan is rooted in tradition, they do embrace modern influence. Therefore, as long as you put some thought into your Jordan packing list with clothes that lean on the modest side, you will be able to respect the cultural norms and wear clothes that fit your personal fashion sense.
This blog will take you through the principles I used when choosing what to wear in Jordan as a solo female traveler. It will break down how the local clothing customs change by destination within Jordan, as some are more accustomed to tourists. As well as how to ensure you stay cool under the Jordan sun while remaining respectful to the culture and fashionable at the same time.
What to Wear in Jordan- Cover 3 Main Body Parts
Putting a little thought into your Jordan packing list is essential to ensure that you respect the local culture while being comfortable and embracing your personal style. Modesty is highly valued in Jordan and is seen as a sign of respect to the locals. It will also help avoid any unwanted attention.
This does not mean that you have to be covered from head to toe. The general guideline I used while traveling in Jordan as a female traveler was to cover 3 main body parts: shoulders, knees, and butt.
You may be thinking, butt, what do you mean? Of course, my butt won’t be out. This pertains more to the fit of clothing. Lean towards more loose-fitting clothing. If you do choose to wear something more fitted, like leggings, accompany it with a loose-fitting top that covers your butt.
As you continue to read you will see these rules are not set in stone as some areas of Jordan are more accustomed to tourists and less conservative.
Tops and Blouses
The general guideline for tops and blouses in Jordan is to cover your shoulders. That means you’d want to leave the spaghetti strap tops at home or accompany them with a light coverup or scarf.
Similarly, if you know you’ll be wearing a fitted bottom, like leggings, be sure that your top is long enough to cover your butt. You will notice local women wearing leggings and even jeans, but their tops are always long. In fact, my driver pointed this out to me as a way he determines locals vs. tourists, by the length of their shirts.
Scarves and Shawls
Scarves and shawls are a surefire way to turn something that may be on the less conservative side to appropriate for the local culture. I recommend that you bring a lightweight shawl or kimono. It’s also a great way to make a basic outfit more stylish.
Similarly, a scarf can be multi-purposeful. You can use it while on the plane to stay warm and also cover your head to stay cool in the Jordanian sun or keep your hair out of your face on a Jeep tour in Wadi Rum.
Skirts and Dresses
Wearing a skirt or dress while in Jordan can be an easy way to choose appropriate and more comfortable clothing, for some. To ensure optimal comfort (think air circulation/breeze), be sure that your skirt or dress is loose-fitting, at least at the bottom, and falls below the knee.
Midi A-line skirts and dresses are a great option as they cover the knees and are normally loose and flowy at the bottom- offering additional comfort.
If you’re worrying about thigh chaffing, try an anti-chafe stick or underwear boxer shorts.
Pants and Shorts
Pants are another good option when considering your Jordan packing list. Be sure to keep two things in mind: the fit and the material. The fit is important to keep in mind as you want to avoid skin-tight bottoms, including leggings unless you accompany them with a long shirt that covers your butt.
For the material, it’s more about choosing comfortable materials for the Jordan heat. Personally, I would avoid jeans, unless it’s lightweight denim because jeans can become very uncomfortable in the heat. Consider lightweight pants, especially if traveling to Jordan when it’s hot.
Wearing shorts in Jordan is not necessarily inappropriate. You need to consider 3 things: 1) the length of the shorts 2) what you accompany with the shorts and 3) location- where you’re wearing the shorts.
Yes, please leave your booty shorts at home, unless you’re wearing them in the privacy of your hotel room or vacation rental. As there aren’t any public locations where this amount of exposure is considered appropriate in Jordan.
If you do choose to wear shorts, lean towards shorts that are mid-thigh or longer. Consider pairing them with a longer shawl or kimono as well. That way you can ensure your butt is covered, and potentially more of your legs.
Lastly, you want to truly think about where you are wearing shorts. If you’re at your hotel or a tourist-centered location (not Petra as many locals go there as well), you can get away with wearing shorts- make sure they are an appropriate length, and consider accompanying them with a longer shawl.
What Not to Wear in Jordan
Technically, there is not anything you can’t wear in Jordan, as in legally forbidden or a formal dress code. However, there are things that go against their local culture and are deemed disrespectful. And that’s basically anything that exposes too much skin or is too tight-fitting, i.e. short shorts, tank or strapless tops without a scarf or shawl, leggings without a long top, etc.
What to Wear in Jordan Summer
Jordan’s summer is from June to September with temperatures from the 80s reaching 100+ degrees Fahrenheit. So you may be wondering, how do I cover my shoulders, knees, and butt, comfortably?
I visited Jordan in May when days had already started hitting the 90s. So I was very conscious of what I packed to optimize my comfort against the Jordan sun and heat. There are two things I considered when selecting what to wear in Jordan that apply specifically to the summer heat: the clothing material and color.
Materials to Wear in Jordan Summer
The materials you wear matter when trying to stay cool in Jordan’s summer. You want to lean towards more lightweight materials like chino/khaki, cotton, linen, etc. I even opted for dresses and tops with lace-like sleeves to help keep my arms both covered and cool.
Colors to Wear in Jordan Summer
Lighter colors reflect light, thus not converting the (sun) light into heat. Therefore, when creating your Jordan summer packing list, avoid darker colors. I personally opted for more neutral colors like whites, nudes, light oranges, and greens. Doing so, also makes it easier to coordinate outfits as most things will match one another.
What to Wear in Jordan- By Destination
Like most countries, the weather varies by city. Jordan is no different. While temperatures can be relatively comfortable in Amman in the high 70s, or low 80s, the weather could be reaching the 90s or higher in Wadi Rum. Thus, if you plan to visit multiple locations within Jordan, you may want to tweak what you wear by destination.
Plus, each destination offers different activities, which will also impact what you choose to wear.
What to Wear at the Dead Sea
Although the Dead Sea is less than 40 miles from Amman, the weather is significantly warmer. This is due to the Dead Sea being the lowest place on Earth. So if you plan on visiting both destinations, which you should, you should pack accordingly.
What Type of Bathing Suit can I Wear in Jordan?
Why go to the Dead Sea without actually trying your hand at floating in its waters?
When it comes to packing a bathing suit for Jordan, you actually can wear more or less anything you desire, while at the beach and pool. Now I would leave your most skimpy swimwear at home, but it’s okay to wear a tasteful 2-piece swimsuit.
However, please have an appropriate coverup in hand (leave the sheer/mesh at home) when going to/from the beach or pool as you need to be covered in public areas, even in a hotel lobby.
What to Wear in Amman?
Amman is Jordan’s major metropolitos. Although they are used to tourists, being Jordan’s largest city and home to the international airport, it’s also home to over 4 million locals. Thus, I would recommend being as conservative as possible here.
Ensuring your shoulders, knees, and butt are covered in Amman not only shows respect to the locals but helps limit any unwanted attention. This is the destination to wear your midi, A-line dress, or lightweight, loose-fitting pants.
What to Wear to Petra?
I’ll be honest. I was completely unaware that there was so much walking involved when visiting Petra, especially if you want to see the entire thing (see the monastery). During my time at Petra, I walked almost 25,000 steps within the 4-5 hours I was there.
I was so glad that I wore what I did to Petra, Jordan, a midi, loose-fitting green dress with lace sleeves. It was both respectful to the culture with my shoulders, knees, and butt covered and comfortable walking in the 80+ degree weather. The material was also lightweight, helping me remain cool while exploring.
My recommendation is that you wear something similar while in Petra. Something lightweight that covers your shoulders, knees, and butt. As you want to be respectful to the local culture.
Yes, Petra is a wonder of the world; thus, a lot of tourists visit. However, it’s also very popular amongst locals. Therefore, you want to ensure that you are respectful. Remember you are visiting their country so you want to be as respectful as possible.
What to Wear in Wadi Rum?
Wadi Rum, Valley of the Moon, is Jordan’s dessert made up of sandstone and granite rock. It can be both hot and windy when visiting, so you want to pack accordingly.
I went directly from Petra to Wadi Rum. So when I packed for Jordan, I had only prepared one outfit for the entire day. However, after walking 25,000 steps in Petra, which also has sand, my dress was filthy and I couldn’t continue to wear it in Wadi Rum.
So I changed to something pretty modern, a romper. The shorts came to about mid-thigh. To make it less revealing, I accompanied it with a loose-fitting button-down shirt that was longer than the romper.
The reason that I felt comfortable wearing this modern outfit is due to everyone I witnessed was a tourist, excluding the workers. Therefore they were very accustomed to seeing more modern apparel (especially compared to some of the things other tourists had on).
This was also true with the Jeep tour. Each Jeep consists of 1 party, no matter the size. Therefore, since I was traveling solo, I had the Jeep to myself.
I did encounter others along the 4 stops that we made. But from what I could tell, everyone was a tourist, outside of the workers. Thus, I felt very comfortable with my modern outfit and didn’t get any unwanted or negative stares/attention.
What to Wear to Wadi Mujib Adventure Center
Wadi al Mujib is a river in Jordan that empties into the Dead Sea. The al Mujib Adventure Center is about a 30-minute drive from many of the Dead Sea hotels, making it a great activity for those looking to add some adventure to their Jordan itinerary.
Wadi Mujib Adventure Center offers a canyoning experience through this breathtaking river and canyon. You will have to wade and swim through water, as well as climb over various-sized rocks and boulders, so you want to pack accordingly.
It’s recommended to wear something you’ll remain comfortable in when wet at Wadi Mujib. A bathing suit can work but you will want to wear a shirt or something that can cover your chest. That’s because you will be canyoning and the water current can be strong when climbing the boulders, causing a bikini top to come down.
I personally wore the sports romper that I had on during the Wadi Rum Jeep tour ( I initially packed the sports romper to wear at Wadi Mujib).
If you would like to bring your phone to take pictures, bring a sturdy waterproof bag. I actually recommend you double-proof your phone as I ripped my waterproof bag when I rubbed it against a boulder while climbing it. Most people used a waterproof phone case or pouch, as well as a sturdy waterproof bag.
Likewise, since it can be rather slippery climbing the larger boulders with wet shoes, I recommend wearing water shoes with good traction or quick dry hiking shoes.
What to Wear in Jordan: Men’s Clothes
When visiting Jordan, men should avoid wearing shorts as it can be seen as disrespectful. Therefore, opt for long, lightweight pants. Also, be sure that your top has sleeves and covers your shoulders and upper arms. Wearing a T-Shirt is find, just make sure it’s not skin tight.
While at the beach or resort, it’s not uncommon to see men wearing shorts. Just make sure they are knee-length and loose-fitting.
What Shoes to Wear in Jordan?
There aren’t any limitations on what type of shoes you can wear in Jordan. For the warmer months, you can opt for sandals or flip-flops.
I do recommend you take the destination and activity in mind. If you are going to Petra, you will be walking- a lot! So opt for comfy tennis shoes as you will be walking on an incline, especially towards the monastery.
For locations like Wadi Rum, sandals can do. However, if you do a Jeep Tour you may be walking up some sand dunes, making it more challenging to do in sandals. But you can always take your shoes off and do it barefoot if the sand isn’t too hot.
Essential Packing List for Jordan
Depending on your location in Jordan, you can easily find drug or grocery stores (like Amman). But in other destinations, it will be a challenge (like Wadi Rum). Thus, it’s recommended to bring what you need with you.
Plus the Jordan Dollar (JD) value is almost 40% higher than the United States Dollar (USD), so everything costs significantly more. This list will ensure you pack all of the essentials for having a good time in Jordan.
Travel Insurance
When traveling anywhere out of your home country, travel insurance is a must! You never know if/when something may happen. Many countries make non-citizens pay full price for medical expenses, and those costs must be paid before leaving the country.
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Essential Toiletries for Jordan
✔️ Deet-Free Bug Spray
Be sure to pack deet-free bug spray because the mosquitos can be out in Jordan. One mosquito unfortunately got into my tent in Wadi Rum and I became his dinner. I only wish I had brought bug spray.
✔️ Sunscreen
One thing is for certain, you’re going to want sunscreen to protect your skin from the Jordanian sun.
✔️Aloe Vera
For any areas where you may get sunburn.
✔️Baby Powder
Baby Powder helps easily remove sand from your body- perfect when visiting the beach or even in Wadi Rum.
✔️Facial/Body Wipes
It can get HOT in Jordan. Facial and body wipes can help you feel fresh while exploring Jordan.
Essential Electronics for Jordan
✔️Power Bank
If you’re planning to travel outside of Amman, be prepared to be in a car for a while (especially if going to Petra). A power bank can help ensure your electronics remain powered up while out and about exploring Jordan. I’m a fan of this small, but powerful power bank.
✔️Adapter
Jordan typically uses a type C plug- the one with 2 round pins. If traveling from the US, you want to make sure that you have an adapter for your electronics. If you plan on using your own curling irons or blow dryer, be sure to get a voltage converter.
✔️Stable Tripod
You’re going to want to capture beautiful pictures while visiting Jordan. Thus, having a stable tripod that can stand up against sand or a bit of wind is necessary. This tripod is my favorite as it extends to 5 feet, has a Bluetooth remote, and most importantly, is super stable.
✔️FlipStick Pro
The FlipStick Pro, a gadget that attaches to your phone, is a game changer for me. It quickly turns your phone into a tripod!
Use it by sticking it to basically any surface or with the PRO stand for flat surfaces. I used it in Wadi Rum and sand got all over it. With a simple clean with a wipe, I was able to stick it to surfaces again.
What Should I Pack for a Week in Jordan?
With having to wear more conservative clothing, you may be thinking “How do I avoid overpacking?” Luckily, lightweight materials are normally easy to pack since they’re not as bulky. Below is my suggested Jordan packing list for a week.
- Clothing & Shoes
- 3 lightweight dresses
- 3-4 pairs of lightweight pants/midi-skirts
- 4-5 tops
- 1-3 scarves/shawls- depending on how covered
- Undergarments
- Active sandals/sneakers for activities
- Fanny pack or small bag
- Beach/Active Wear (if going to the Dead Sea or Wadi Mujib)
- 1-3 appropriate bathing suits (depending on how often you plan to go to the beach)
- 1-2 non-traditional cover-ups (i.e Kafton or oversized shirt that can be worn with an outfit)
- Day to Night Beach Bag
- Rollable Sun Hat or scarf
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof Bag
- Flip Flops/Pool Sandals
- Quick dry water shoes (if going to Wadi Mujib or hiking)
- Toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Aloe
- Baby Powder
- Deet-free Insect Repellent
- Facial Wipes
- Natural Deodorant for sensitive skin
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Makeup & Remover
- Shaving Supplies
- Lotion
- Face Cleaning Supplies
- Electronics
- Phone + Charger
- Dive, Waterproof Phone Case
- Waterproof Bag
- Phone Bank
- Bluetooth Headphones
- Small, Waterproof, Bluetooth Speaker (if going to the beach)
- Small & Stable Tripod
Be sure to download the complete packing list.
What to Wear in Jordan FAQ
Can Females Wear Shorts in Jordan?
It’s preferable not to wear shorts in Jordan. The main exceptions would be at the beach, resort/hotel, or destination made up of Western tourists (not Petra). If you do decide to wear shorts, leave the short shorts at home and consider accompanying the shorts with a shawl or kimono.
Is it Okay to Wear Leggings in Jordan?
Similar to shorts, leggings should be limited to the beach, resort/hotel, or destination made up of Western tourists (not Petra). One way to make leggings more appropriate is by wearing a long shirt that covers your butt (the longer and more loose-fitted, the better).
Can Females Wear Jeans in Jordan?
Yes, females can wear jeans in Jordan. It’s recommended that if you choose to wear jeans in Jordan that they are loose-fitting. My local, Jordanian driver did mention that a sure sign of a local female is a long shirt that covers the butt when wearing jeans. Thus, if you want to fit in more as a local, be sure to wear a long shirt.
If you’re planning to visit Jordan in the summer, you may want to leave the jeans at home, unless it’s a thinner denim material as jeans can be hot and uncomfortable in the heat.
Can Females Wear Short Sleeves in Jordan?
Yes, women can wear short sleeves in Jordan. The general guideline in regard to appropriate tops for females is to cover your shoulders, at the minimum. Although, the longer the sleeve the better as they appreciate more covered skin.
Do Women Need to Wear Head Coverings in Jordan?
No, women do not need to wear head coverings in Jordan. You will notice both locals and tourists not wearing head coverings. Although many local Jordanian women do wear hijabs (head coverings).
I do recommend that you try wearing the keffiyeh, a red and white square checkered scarf. It’s historically worn by Bedouins as it represents the colors of the red Arabian deserts. I really enjoyed embracing the culture and it was a great way to protect me from the sun, wind, and heat.
Is there a Dress Code for Women in Jordan?
No, there is not a specific dress code for women in Jordan. However, there are guidelines on how to be respectful to the local culture, specifically covering your shoulders, knees, and butt. In regards to covering your butt- be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing and if you decide to wear a fitted bottom, accompany it with a long shirt or shawl.
Is Jordan friendly to tourists?
Yes, Jordan is friendly to tourists, especially when dressed appropriately for the culture. During my time in Jordan, everyone was kind, helpful, and respectful. I didn’t notice any weird looks or made to feel uncomfortable.
Is Jordan Safe for Female Travelers?
Yes, Jordan is safe for female travelers. It is important when traveling as a solo female that you dress appropriately for the local culture in order to avoid negative attention.
Where to Stay in Jordan
Where you stay in Jordan truly impacts what you can wear. If you are around locals, please be respectful of the local culture and dress appropriately. In Western hotels and resorts, you can wear more modern clothing.
Where to Stay in Petra
Petra Marriott Hotel is a nice, modern hotel in Wadi Musa (Petra) that offers amazing views of the mountain and valley. The food is phenomenal (try the Bedouin dinner), and the staff is very friendly and helpful.
✔️ Learn more about Petra hotel options ✔️
Where to Stay in Wadi Rum
When staying in Wadi Rum, it’s a must to try a Bedouin campsite. It’s an experience like non-other in the Jordan desert. Most campsites feature a Martian dome tent that gives you a panoramic view of the gorgeous landscape. Others also include panoramic tents, which aren’t as large as the Martian dome tent but the view is just as gorgeous.
If you’re looking for a glass-style Martian dome or a panoramic luxury suite, be sure to look into Memories Aicha Luxury Camp. Their suites are drop-dead gorgeous! And the buffet is delicious.
A lower-cost campsite option is Luxury Rum Magic. Due to a mix-up in booking dates, I stayed here in one of their panoramic tents. It included a beautiful view, a private bathroom, and a nice breakfast and dinner buffet. For half the price of my initial booking, it was worth the money.
Where to Stay in the Dead Sea
Hands down, I recommend staying at the Hilton Dead Sea. Not only is the Dead Sea literally its backyard/beach area, but they also offer a complimentary Dead Sea scrub. We had a similar mud bath experience in Cartagena, Colombia. It’s a must-try experience as it leaves your skin soft as a baby’s bottom.
The hotel’s accommodations are modern, to date and offer a variety of pool options.
For those traveling with kids, their kid’s club and pool area is excellent. So much so, I’m prioritizing bringing my family to Jordan so my boys can experience this hotel. Likewise, they have an additional family pool area for bigger kids and an adult-only pool area. There’s literally an area for everyone!
✔️ Learn more and get pricing for Hilton Dead Sea ✔️
Where to Stay in Amman
Amman is Jordan’s metropolitan filled with over 4 million people and hundreds if not thousands of hotels. I personally stayed at Amman Marriott and it was an excellent stay.
The hotel has contemporary decor and is very well cared for. Similarly, the staff is top tier, giving excellent and attentive service. And the 4 on-site restaurants offer a variety of delicious cuisine. When I return to Amman, I most definitely will stay at Amman Marriott.
Conclusion: What to Wear in Jordan as a Female Traveler
As a female traveling to Jordan, you must put some thought into what’s on your packing list so that you can wear attire that is both respectful to the local culture and comfortable for your personal style and needs. These 3 simple guidelines will help you do just that.
Be sure to cover your 1) shoulders 2) knees and 3) butt.
The first 2 are pretty self-explanatory whereas the third is in reference to the fit of your clothing. You want to wear loose-fitting clothes. If you happen to have something more form-fitting or does not cover the three body parts listed above, be sure to accompany the outfit with a shawl or kimono. This can easily make a modern outfit more conservative.
Thus, don’t overthink what you’re going to wear when visiting Jordan. Put a little thought into what to pack and keep the three guidelines in mind, and you’ll be set to have a wonderful time exploring Jordan without worrying about what you are wearing.
