What Islamic Clothing to Wear When Travelling Abroad

When traveling abroad, it's important to choose Islamic clothing that is both respectful of your religious values and adaptable to the local culture and climate of the destination, especially when travelling to an Islamic continent it is best to adhere to the modest attire. A lot of Islamic tourist hotspots in the far east consist of mosques and women do need to adhere to the rules and cover their heads when stepping into one. Here are just a few pointers to consider:

 

Modesty

Modesty is a key component of Islamic dress for women, you need to consider wearing long, loose-fitting clothing such as an abaya, jilbab, or loose maxi dresses. Depending on your preference and the local customs, you can also wear a hijab, niqab, or chadar. When visiting a place of worship for instance a mosque, it is compulsory for a woman to dress modestly and cover their head. A hijab can be worn depending on the individual’s preference, a niqab is not always necessary as long as the woman is not wearing tight fitted clothing. A chadar is mostly worn in the evenings when women want a stroll into the bazaars or when eating out at a restaurant but this is not always necessary.
Islamic attire for men often includes long, modest garments such as the thobe, kandura, or shalwar kameez. The thobe is most commonly worn when visiting the mosque to pray, as this is the most practical. It is very popular on the day of Jummah (Friday Prayers). A kandura is popular in Arab countries, and is everyday wear from going to a place of worship to pray or just to go to the shopping mall in and men can also wear loose trousers and a long-sleeved shirt that provides modest coverage.

Layering and Adaptability

Versatile layers are ideal for changing weather conditions, depending on the country you are in or visiting, for example, wear an open abaya over a long-sleeved tunic or shirt in a warmer climate, which is more appropriate, or carry a scarf that can serve as both a head covering and a shawl for added modesty or warmth, this type of clothing is most suitable in a place of worship.

Climate Consideration

In warm climates, light and breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon are more comfortable while still providing full coverage. Abayas and Kanduras are best suited to wear in hot weather especially in the middle east as mentioned above, they are perfect for hiding your modesty. You should avoid heavy or synthetic fabrics that trap heat and in colder climates, layering with cardigans, coats, or cloaks over your Islamic clothing is key for maintaining modesty and warmth.

Cultural Sensitivity

Be mindful of the local customs and laws of the country you're visiting, some countries mainly the Arab ones, may have specific dress codes whilst visiting the mosque or going to the shopping mall, while others may be more liberal like the UK. You always need to check whether there are any legal requirements regarding religious clothing, especially for women.

Practical Footwear

Comfortable shoes are essential when traveling, tote slip-ons or open toe sandals, you should opt for these types of shoes that are easy to remove for prayer. Lightweight trainers or loafers that offer good support for walking are best suited when going long distances to tourist hotspots. If visiting places where you might encounter rain or wet environments, waterproof shoes will keep your feet dry. Many Muslim travellers may prefer to wear socks with sandals to maintain modesty. Lightweight and breathable socks can be useful for comfort and modesty while traveling.

Travel-Friendly Hijab Options

Choose hijabs made from wrinkle-free fabrics like jersey or viscose that are easy to maintain during long trips, pre-sewn hijabs or instant scarves can also save time and effort. When traveling, especially for long trips, it's essential to choose hijabs that are both comfortable and practical and it also ensures your hijab stays in place and prevents it from slipping, which is crucial during travel. Ideal for Long days of sightseeing or active travel.

Respect Local Dress Codes

Some countries, particularly in Europe or Southeast Asia, may not have strict Islamic dress codes, while maintaining your personal standards, it’s important to adapt to the local culture to avoid standing out or facing unnecessary challenges. By dressing modestly and adapting to local cultures, you'll maintain your personal comfort and respect both Islamic values and the customs of your travel destination.