What to Wear in Jordan

General Style Tips

  • Jordan is a Muslim country and you will cause offence if you expose too much flesh.
  • In nightclubs you will see the same fashions as in the West and they are surprisingly revealing – but this is only inside; once outside you will be expected to cover up or hop in a taxi to get back to your hotel.
  • During the day it is hot, so our advice is to pack lightweight loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as linen, bamboo and cotton that will keep you cool and are easier to wash and dry.
  • Long-sleeved tops and long pants will cover you from the harsh sun and protect against mosquitoes at night.
  • We suggest keeping to light, neutral colors e.g. khaki, green and brown – although not white as it will get dirty and dusty very quickly.
  • Ensure you bring a versatile travel jacket. We love the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket because it has over 23 pockets, removable sleeves and RFID protection.
  • But note it is inadvisable to wear army/combat type clothing or print.
  • Wear plenty of sunscreen (we love the Riemann P20 range for 10 hour protection), sunglasses and a sunhat – and remember your insect/mosquito repellent too.

 

What Shoes To Pack

  • If you plan to do much walking then lightweight walking shoes or sneakers are fine. We love Hotter shoes, for total comfort along with style.
  • Or try the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range of footwear – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look from day to evening in an instant whilst still packing light.

Clothing Tips for Women

  • Jordan is a Muslim country; whilst its cities are modern and local women may wear make-up now, they always dress conservatively. Local women will ensure they cover their legs, arms and hair in public.
  • A skirt or loose-fitting pants are good in the heat and will protect you from the sun.
  • It is inappropriate to reveal even the slightest amount of stomach or hips – so short tops, short skirts / shorts, or tight clothes should be avoided completely, with the possible exception of your hotel pool area.
  • No topless sunbathing even at your resort hotel – it is illegal. Our advice would be to keep swimwear to the beach and pool, and cover up with a kaftan or sarong when walking around public areas. We suggest taking a one piece swimsuit.
  • If you're going to visit any religious sites then use a pashmina or sarong to cover your shoulders, stomach and bare legs.
  • Although the dress code is more relaxed in hotels and nightclubs, you will find that you get more respect if you dress modestly – a pashmina can be useful for times when you need to cover up.

Clothing Tips for Men

  • For men, keep your shorts for the beach and resort areas. Elsewhere long pants and a shirt are best. We love the Madda Fella range of vacation wear – it's comfortable, stylish and versatile.
  • For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

Pack for the Weather

  • In the summer; June, July and August, it can be as hot as a furnace, so natural breathable fabrics are best. Evenings can still be cool, so pack a pashmina or sweater.
  • In the winter – December, January and February – wear layers that can be taken off during the heat of the day and put back on for cool evenings. Add in a warm waterproof raincoat.
  • Spring (March, April and May) and Fall (September, October and November) are cooler and dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes.
  • We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you're planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you've been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂 Download for iPad/iPhone or Android

Regions of Jordan

  • If heading to Petra in February this can be colder than you might expect… perhaps even with snow.

Other Things To Pack

  • Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.
  • A lightweight day sack or shoulder bag will come in handy to carry your daytime essentials.
  • Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage.
  • To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V).
  • If you're aiming to travel with just carry-on baggage, try the CabinMax soft-sided rucksack – it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized. You can use packing cubes to compress the volume too.
  • Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Bottles of decorated sand patterns are a popular buy, but don't go for anything too large as they are heavy.