Saudi Arabian Women's Clothing: Tips For Locals And Travelers

Despite recent reforms in the legislation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, abbreviated as KSA, is an exceedingly conservative country with a strict dress code. If you intend to travel or relocate there with your family, you had better learn how to dress correctly.

This article details Saudi Arabian women's clothing code, whether for migrating or merely visiting.

1. How do women dress in Saudi Arabia?

The way Saudi Arabian women's clothing is changing is fast, owing to the new government's emphasis on the importance of cultural and social changes.

Until recently, all Saudi women, Muslim or not, were required to wear an abaya (length flowy garment) and a headscarf.

The Abaya is typically black, but other colors were permitted. The new guideline states that women are not required to wear the Abaya as long as they wear something modest that covers most of their body. However, the headscarf is no longer required.

Foreign ladies are now more at ease thanks to the revised dress code. However, for most local women, the Abaya and headscarf reflect who they are and their religion rather than a compulsory clothing restriction. That is why the majority of Saudi women still wear the abaya.

If you travel to different cities in Saudi Arabia, you may observe that Saudi Arabian women's clothing style varies. Modern styles and colorful Abayas may be found in cities like Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh. Some ladies would rather not wear an Abaya or a headscarf at all.

In some cities, ladies still wear a complete face veil that exposes just their eyes.

What exactly is an abaya?

Abaya is a loose-fitting robe for women that covers the entire body except for the face, hands, and feet.

How do women dress in Saudi Arabia?

2. What are Saudi Arabia women dress code? 

The Government of Saudi Arabia has announced the following dress code requirements that all female visitors to the country must follow:

• Although Saudi women are required to wear the traditional black, long robe known as the abaya in public, foreigners are exempt. For Saudi women and visitors, both the hijab and the niqab are optional.
• Women must always dress modestly, covering their knees and shoulders.
• Although the abaya is optional, it is required when visiting mosques in order to respect Muslim culture. You may be compelled to wear a headscarf in some areas, such as Riyadh.
• Short dresses, sleeveless shirts, baggy tops, short bottoms, crop tops, and miniskirts are strictly forbidden.
• Avoid wearing nightwear, undergarments, or anything else that should not be worn in public.
• Even on beaches, bikinis, which are popular among Westerners, are outlawed in Saudi Arabia.
• You can wear any shoes you like, including trainers, sandals, heels, and open-toed footwear. There are no restrictions on this. However, while entering religious institutions, you must remove your shoes.
• Check that your items' fabric is not see-through and is not excessively tight.
• If you wear jewelry representing a faith other than Islam, you must tuck it into your clothes. Ensure that it is not visible.
• Finally, natural make-up over bright colors on the face is favored.

What are Saudi Arabia women dress code?

3. How to dress in Saudi Arabia as a female?

Even if Saudi clothing restrictions have altered, Saudi Arabian women must still wear modestly. What you dress in Saudi Arabia will have a significant influence on how your vacation goes.

In Saudi Arabia, travelers are not required to wear an Abaya and head covering, but they should cover as much flesh as possible to avoid drawing unwelcome attention. Cardigans may be a terrific alternative to Abayas, but make sure you don't wear anything too tight or exposing underneath them. Wearing short skirts, tight pants, and exposing shirts in public places will make quite a show. Especially a loose suit or dress that covers the shoulders, breasts, and legs is preferred.

Foreign women can also walk out in public without a scarf, save at religious locations such as mosques. However, carrying a light scarf is strongly suggested, just in case. Travelers should check the weather forecast when preparing for their vacation to Saudi Arabia. The weather gets pretty hot in the summer, so wearing clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton and linen can help ease your discomfort and frustration.

Another factor to consider when choosing clothes for Saudi Arabia is to choose only opaque fabrics. You should not be able to see your underpants through your clothing. If you don't want to wear black, avoid bright colors like red, yellow, and green, which might draw unwelcome attention. Instead, choose earthy and neutral tones.

How to dress in Saudi Arabia as a female?

Essential tips about clothing in Saudi Arabia

• Whatever you do, don't forget to wear sunscreen and sunglasses.
• Always keep a lightweight scarf on hand (for women).
• The key to following the Saudi clothing code is modesty. You will be OK as long as you dress modestly.

4. More commonly asked clothing questions in Saudi Arabia

What kind of footwear is required in Saudi Arabia?

The type of footwear you require depends on the activities you intend to engage in; for example, if you plan to hike in the desert or visit any of the country's spectacular ancient sites, we recommend cotton socks and durable, close-toed walking shoes.

When visiting holy locations, you'll need shoes that are easy to remove while being comfortable and supportive. Strappy sandals, court shoes, and heels may be ideal for girls attending weddings, formal parties, or shopping sprees, while flip-flops are always a good choice.

It is critical to remember that footwear must always be worn while entering any commercial establishment.

Are there any rules for makeup in Saudi Arabia?

In Saudi Arabia, women are not prohibited from wearing cosmetics. Women (not males) are free to wear cosmetics anywhere they like. However, it may get some strange eyes.

How about bikinis in Saudi Arabia?

Many private beaches, western complexes, and villas with private pools now permit bikinis and other types of beachwear. Every place has its own restrictions, so be sure you understand the dress code.

Choose modest swimwear and a coverup dress to wear when you're not in the water. Saudi Arabia is modernizing, but it is still a conservative Islamic country whose culture should be honored to the greatest extent feasible.

Can women from other countries wear bikinis on Saudi Arabian beaches?

Foreign women can wear bikinis on the beach in numerous Red Sea private resorts, but they must cover up while not in the water.

Is it necessary to wear coats and jackets in Saudi Arabia?

If you are traveling between April and November, you will likely not need a jacket. You should bring a lightweight fleece or cardigan with you because malls and restaurants occasionally overcompensate with air conditioning, and inside temperatures can be very cold.

Will an umbrella be necessary in Saudi Arabia?

Although it is rare that you will need an umbrella between April and November, we usually recommend packing a small telescopic umbrella in your bag; they don't take up much space, can be used as a parasol, and may save you a lot of time and money if there is an unexpected deluge.

Is it permissible for me to wear jewelry in Saudi Arabia?

Men should avoid wearing excessive jewelry. A wedding band and a watch are acceptable, but anything more is deemed immodest.

Women can wear jewelry; however, men and women should avoid wearing jewelry with religious symbols from any faith other than Islam. If you feel the urge to wear a religious symbol, keep it hidden and out of sight.

Saudi Arabia is a country in transition. Nothing better exemplifies this shift than how people, especially Saudi Arabian women, express themselves via their attire. Saudi Arabia remains an Islamic kingdom whose citizens are deeply committed to their faith and culture. Besides, visitors from freestyle countries like the United States, Canada, Spain, Australia, etc., to Saudi Arabian women's clothing now also have more latitude as long as they adhere to societal standards and conventions. 

If you follow the wardrobe recommendations mentioned below, you will have a fantastic trip to Saudi Arabia no matter where you travel. With our Saudi Arabia e-Visa service, you can effortlessly travel anywhere in Saudi Arabia. An excellent start will help you stay positive throughout the voyage. Come get it right now!