What to Wear in Jordan

The working rule for both men and women in Jordan: cover your shoulders and your knees, and avoid anything tight or low-cut. That is it. You do not need a headscarf (unless you are entering a mosque), and you will not be turned away from anywhere for wearing short sleeves — but shorts above the knee, vest tops and very sheer clothing draw attention and mark you out as unaware.

Long, loose trousers or a midi/maxi skirt, a short or long-sleeved top, and a light layer for cool evenings covers almost every situation. This is also better sun protection than bare skin — the Jordanian sun is fierce.

At mosques, women should cover their hair with a scarf and everyone should have arms and legs fully covered. Shoes come off at the entrance. The King Hussein Mosque in Amman and other major mosques welcome respectful visitors outside prayer times. At Christian sites (Madaba’s churches, Mount Nebo, the baptism site) the standard modest dress applies — no headscarf required.

Loose linen trousers, midi skirts, tunic tops and a scarf that doubles as a headscarf for mosque visits are the backbone of a Jordan wardrobe. You can buy beautiful, locally made scarves in Madaba and Amman — useful and a good souvenir. Leggings worn as trousers are not ideal; pair them under a long top or dress if you wear them.

At Dead Sea and Aqaba resort pools, swimwear is fine within the hotel. On public beaches, cover up between the water and your room. See what to pack for the full packing list.