Coming from a Middle Eastern country, I know that a common concern for a lot of solo female travelers is how to dress – be it to respect the local culture or not to draw unnecessary attention. And since there are a lot of misconceptions out there, I thought I’d put this blog post together because it’s really not a one-size-fits-all kind of topic. Having traveled to Jordan recently, and because it’s one of the destinations in the region that’s growing in popularity, I thought I’d start with it. So, if you’re a solo female traveler wondering what to wear in Jordan, you’ve come to the right place.

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Common Questions Solo Female Travelers Ask About What to Wear in Jordan

Given that Middle Eastern countries are on the more conservative spectrum, one of the top concerns for female travelers, especially western ones and those traveling solo, is what they can or cannot wear. Here are some of the frequently asked questions I often get when I tell others I’ve been to Jordan.

• What should girls wear in Jordan?
• Can I wear a dress to Petra?
• Can I wear short sleeves in Jordan?
• Can I wear shorts in Petra/Jordan?

But what can you really wear in Jordan?

Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country; however, there is no strict or formal dress code. So, even though it is a conservative country, as long as you dress moderately, you should be fine. If you take a closer look at local women, you’ll find that some may choose to cover, while others may choose to dress modestly. Other women and girls also dress in a more liberal way in certain social settings. It all comes down to a woman’s background and the environment she grew up in. And in your case as a visitor, it’s about what you’re wearing and where you’re wearing it. Some things may be completely off the table all over the country, but other things can actually be socially acceptable in more relaxed destinations or areas.

So, let’s break it down by destination.

What to wear in Amman

Amman is the capital city of Jordan, meaning you’ll be interacting with locals from different backgrounds. The general rule of thumb is to keep your knees and arms covered and try to avoid showing cleavage. That doesn’t mean that you can’t wear sleeveless tops or ripped jeans, or even dresses and skirts. You definitely can, but in nicer neighborhoods like Al Weibdeh or Rainbow street, or in more private, fancier venues, rather than Downtown, for instance.

What to wear in Petra

As Petra is probably the most touristy attraction in Jordan, it can be a more relaxed destination when it comes to dress code. Especially because there are lots of travel influencers and content creators posing in dresses, or even gowns, in front of the treasury, even though I’d recommend you’d wear something comfortable and more suitable for the location. However, Wadi Musa, the town where Petra is located, is actually a bit of a conservative place, so you need to watch out for what you wear walking around the town itself.

Like I said, Petra itself is not as strict – I personally wore biker shorts (but I wouldn’t have worn anything shorter though). You’ll be mostly hiking, and even if you take the easiest trail, the main one, it’s still better to wear something that is hiking-friendly. I talk more about what to wear and pack to Petra here.

What to wear in Aqaba

I didn’t stay in Aqaba but I made a pit stop there for a couple of hours, so I don’t have any pictures of myself on one of the beaches there, but I can assure you that your bathing suit and pair of shorts are just fine. After all, Aqaba is a beach town, so what are you expected to wear on the beach rather than beachwear?

What to wear in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum is a desert, so rather than focusing on what to wear in that sense, you want to see what’s desert weather-friendly. In the desert, light colors and breathable fabrics, like linen, are your best friends. If you’re at your luxury camp, you can wear all loose breathable outfits during the day, but if you’re hiking, you want to wear something comfortable that also protects your skin from the sun. And in the evening or super early in the morning, you’ll need to wear stuff that keeps you warm. You can read more on what exactly you should bring on your trip to Wadi Rum here.

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The Ultimate Packing List for Your Trip to Jordan

Your packing list will vary according to which destinations you’ll be visiting exactly, the season in which you’re traveling, and the number of days, of course. So, I’ll assume that you’re traveling in the spring or fall (which are the best times to visit Jordan) and that you’ll be going to the main destinations mentioned before. As for the count, I’ll leave that for you.

Clothes

Toiletries

• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Comb/brush
• Hair products (shampoo, conditioner, hair creams, etc..)
• Skincare products
• Sunscreen

Electronics & Miscellaneous items

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You might also like:

• Is the Jordan Pass Worth It? Here’s a Breakdown
• Underrated Things to Do in Amman – Full City Guide

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