Hi PDE

I havent been to Sharm yet but going in July, from reading previous posts i think Sharm is a bit more relaxed with the dress code and you can wear bikinis its the toples thing thats been an issue on here as its a muslim country . I would suggest however in Cairo and Luxor you wear something a wee bit more less revealing at night as its supposed to be not as relaxed as Sharm . I myself went to Cairo and Luxor before and wore a bikini no problem and also i did wear sun dresses knee length and knee lenth skirts but i didnt wear minis i was with my boyfriend and still attracted attention on a friendly term though i would imagine if you walked through Cairo in a short mini you would get pesterd alot but again that was 9 years ago mabe someone else would better advise thats been more recently . Certainly now i dont go for minis but i do like nice little sun tops which i hope to wear in sharm .

Debs

Hiya puppy dog eyes

I was in Cairo a couple of months ago and the folks on this site really helped me out before I went. As a woman travelling alone I felt I had to be extra careful, I wore linen shirts and hippy kaftan type tops over full or 3/4 length trousers, a long linen skirt was a godsend. People do stare when you go out and that made me glad I was covered, but I got no hassle at all, only friendly attention and youngsters wanting to practice their english.

I sunbathed on the hotel roof where there was a pool and there were no locals about...the staff were very friendly and helpful but I never got hassled.

My taxi driver kept telling me I could wear whatever I wanted " You are free my friend!" - unless entering a mosque, but I was much more comfortable covered up. Imagine painting yourself bright purple and walking down your local high street....thats what walking through Cairo as a Brit woman alone was like, and that was enough attention for me without disrespecting them by wearing revealing clothing!

I think things at the coast are a bit more relaxed, but I think you'll want to cover up in Cairo centre. Around the pyramids etc there were lots of tourists in vest tops and shorts...they'd arrived on buses though and not walked through Giza like I had!

Hope this helps a bit. Above all enjoy it, its a fab place and I had the best time

Nicky

Im sure that nikki will agree, that wearing the looser cotton stuff also helps to keep the sun off keeping you a lot cooler! I looked like i was walking about in my pjs when i was there! all in white baggy stuff! Another tip for cairo, or indeed anywhere crowded - a small back pack - but worn on your front if you get my meaning, you can get your bits and pieces in it, but its harder for anyone to steal from.(not saying its unsafe, but its better to be safe than sorry!) Cairo is a very busy place and you do get bustled about a lot if youre in enclosed spaces.

Caroline & Kirsten

Have just returned from the Red Sear (Sharm El Sheikh) and cannot comment on Cairo etc but practically anything goes in this resort. I wore short skirts and strappy tops in the evening, yes you got some interest from the Egyptian local men but only admiring glances, I had no unwanted attention that i couldn't handle, although my boyfriend got told he was a lucky man a few times! Just take it in good holiday spirit! As far as the day is concerned, I walked around in shorts and bikini top but always took a T-shirt with me if i got too uncomfortable and to wear in the restaurants at lunch time. I even saw one lady walking around the shops wearing nothing but a t-shirt and a THONG!!!!!! You just have to respect their religion as the Egyptian women swim in the sea fully clothed in their traditional dress including head scarves which is a sight to see.

Is it true that it is not wise for women to wear shorts & T shirts in Egypt ? Help what shall I wear

This is not true, what ever you wear in egypt you will gain attention. you just have to be firm with them. if you feel intimidated by the egyptians attention then maybe cover up. most of the time they just want to sell something to you and will use flattering as a way of getting your attension.

shorts and tshirt/vest tops are fine -well they were in sharm!

How about around Giza at the pyramids & in Luxor ?

Hi Sue,

This is a personal opinion, shared by my wife, but we would argue that what you wear in Luxor or Giza would be different from what you would wear in Sharm or the other Red Sea resorts.

In Luxor, where you may be visiting temples etc., and bearing in mind the religious significance of the pyramids, I would suggest it is more respectful to keep your shoulders and legs covered.

Sharm is a cosmopolitan "seaside" resort where shorts and strappy tops are perfectly acceptable.

Having said that, you will see tourists dressed in all sorts of ways so it is very much a personal decision.

Regards,

Roger.

Thanks thats a big help. What about my husband ? Is it considered disrespectful for him to wear shorts as well around these areas ?

For some reason Sue, no! Mind you if my wife wears trousers she wont let me wear shorts!!!!!!!

Cairo and Luxor: Shorts & cap sleeved tee shirts for me (not skimpy shorts), shorts and tee shirts for husband - but not in mosques, there he wore lightweight long trousers and I wore the 3/4 length ones.

Most men who wear vest tops look atrocious if only they could see themselves through others eyes - fat shoulders and hairy armpits (and some of the women too). Sorry everyone!

At Luxor temple we saw a young girl in a strappy top, Kylie Minogue shorts (literally) and ankle strap wedge sandals - looked more than a trifle silly in that environment, was being leered at and it serves her right.

Locals are a bit of a pain pestering you to buy things, in Luxor not quite as good naturedly as in Cairo but a firm 'no thank you' was sufficient. Bit frustrating that you cannot just look at anything without having 50 styles and colours stuck in your face, I'm sure they lose more sales by doing that then gain any.

Your trip will be fantastic, I'd return to Egypt in a heartbeat, first time there this year and we LOVED it.

Thanks everyone. This has been a great help. As for me going dressed like Kylie, don't think so. I am well past that

One other question. I have been told not to go around Egypt wearing T shirts with Disney characters on as you get the pee taken out of you by the locals. Is that right.?

Sue, if my guess is correct and you are 54 I might have a bit of a laugh at you myself if you're wearing a Donald Duck tee shirt!
Have a fabulous time.

Or even 51! That'll teach me to read before I type

Sue,

I have never ever seen anyone have the mickey taken for wearing a Disney character shirt in Egypt. They're more likely to try and sell you another one!

Thanks & no I am not 54 thats the year I was born

When we go to nam bay area. my girl is reasonablly big chested and very pretty ( lucky me) what are the men like there. i mean they say things to her or try be over possive etc. and whats recommened she wore on the in the dat shopping?

Regards
lee

we went into naam bay with our children the eldst a teenager she wore a skimpy top and got a lot of attention she did not like so on our next visit she wore a football shirt to cover up and it was a lot more pleasent for her...