Traditional Egyptian Clothing: From Ancient Times To Modern

The traditional clothing of Egypt is a fusion of diverse elements from various cultural influences, such as Ottoman Turks, Europeans, Nubians, and other Middle Eastern countries, which have significantly shaped their heritage. The attire worn by Egyptians in the past and still cherished today reflects the nation's unique blend of ancient customs, Islamic influences, and contemporary fashion trends. In this article, Egypt Immigration Services will give you more details about traditional clothes in Egypt and what Egyptians wore in ancient times and today.

An overview of traditional clothes in Egypt from ancient times until today

Ancient Egyptian Clothing

In ancient times, the clothing of Egyptians played a crucial role in defining social status, occupation, and even religious beliefs. The staple attire for both men and women was a simple white linen garment known as the "kalasiris" or "tunic." This ankle-length, sleeveless garment was draped over the body and held in place with a belt. Men typically wore short kilts, while women's tunics were often more fitted and featured straps over the shoulders.

Additionally, the fabric's quality and the jewelry's complexity indicated one's social standing. Pharaohs and high-ranking officials adorned themselves with elaborate jewelry and accessories, such as collars, bracelets, and headdresses, symbolizing their elevated status.

Ancient Egyptian clothing

Modern Egyptian Clothing

Today, traditional Egyptian clothing continues to embrace a mix of historical influences and contemporary styles. While Western-style clothing is prevalent in urban areas, many Egyptians, especially in rural communities, still wear traditional garments.

Women's clothing has also evolved, with many choosing to wear the "abaya," a long, loose robe often paired with a headscarf. However, urban Egyptian women frequently wear Western-style clothing, blending international fashion with elements of traditional attire.

During special occasions and festivities, Egyptians often don traditional garments to celebrate their heritage. Elaborate embroidery, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns characterize these festive ensembles, contributing to a visually stunning display of cultural pride.

Ancient Egyptian men’s clothing

Egyptian traditional clothing for men

With the spread of Islam in the 7th century, traditional Egyptian clothing underwent a transformation. The influence of Islamic dress codes became apparent, particularly in the modesty and simplicity of attire. The "galabeya," a loose-fitting, ankle-length robe, became a popular choice for men.

The gallibaya holds a deep-rooted tradition in Egypt and is the Egyptian national costume worn across the country. It is commonly layered with a kaftan, serving as a longer coat with extended sleeves. This kaftan is often crafted from various materials like silk, cotton, or brocade and adorned with stripes, which protect Egyptians during cooler evenings or colder months.

In addition to its popularity in Egypt, the gallibaya is also a favored garment in neighboring Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. Compared to the Arabic thawb, the gallibaya lacks a collar and typically lacks buttons, featuring a slightly broader cut and wider sleeves. This design accommodates the comfort and ease of movement as gallibaya is commonly worn by farmers.

Summer gallibayas are predominantly white, offering a lighter option, while thicker fabrics are used for winter wear, with darker hues like grey, dark olive, or blue. In colder seasons, men often accessorize with scarves featuring darker patterns that contribute to a stylish and functional winter ensemble.

The pants worn underneath the gallibaya by men are called sserual. Depending on the season and region, Egyptian men may wear additional outer garments over the kaftan and gallibaya. Options include a binish, a dark fabric overcoat with wide sleeves, or a djubbeh, another overcoat with long sleeves featuring intricate patterns.

Traditional men's headdresses are worn for protection from both the sun and sand, which prove to be quite useful depending on the location within Egypt. Various styles of headdresses are observed, such as the taqiyah, a skullcap often worn under the tarboosh or turban in winter. The tarboosh resembles a fez, while the turban is a lengthy piece of fabric intricately twisted around the head. Each headdress variety adds its unique touch to the traditional attire worn by men in different parts of the country.

Egyptian Traditional Clothing for Women

Egyptian traditional clothing for women

Egyptian women commonly prefer layered and loose-fitting attire, influenced partly by their predominantly Muslim faith and partly by the climate of the region. Similar to men, Egyptian women cover most of their bodies and often drape their heads according to Islamic traditions.

Traditional Egyptian wear for ladies includes the gallibaya, albeit with slight variations from the men's version. Women's gallibayas are loose, long shirts paired with baggy trousers, layered outerwear varying with the season and region, and a headdress. The trousers, known as tshalvar or shintijan, typically reach the ankle or are slightly longer in winter.

In summer, women's gallibayas are made from cotton, making them lightweight to wear, while winter versions are made of thicker cotton or wool for added warmth. A notable distinction between men's and women's gallibayas lies in the color. Women's gallibayas are generally more vibrant, featuring brightly designed fabrics and occasional embellishments. However, not all women opt for colorful variations, as many in Egypt prefer the simplicity of plain black gallibayas.

Moreover, there are also differences in the way women wear the gallibaya in Egypt, which emerge based on the region they're living in. In rural areas, women consider gallibaya their primary garment, while city-dwelling women often use it as indoor wear or as an undergarment, layering it with various outerwear pieces. Another popular top garment for urban women is the tob sebleh, a wide, cotton, full-length dress.

Traditionally, women in Egypt incorporate some form of headscarf into their attire, with the hijab, a Muslim headscarf. Although not obligatory, most Egyptian women cover at least half of their hair with the hijab when in public. As there are no specific laws in Egypt regarding the hijab, variations of hijab are widely showcased there. Some women wear a face veil, while others opt for a loose headscarf or a scarf wrapped around the back of their hair.

In terms of jewelry, women often adorn themselves with a jakid necklace - a longer necklace featuring six flat discs made of gold - or earrings, especially during festivals and weddings.

Advice on how to wear when traveling to Egypt: Travelers should note

What to wear when traveling to Egypt

While there are no requirements that foreign visitors wear traditional Egyptian clothing when visiting the country, it's essential to dress modestly. Especially considering the hot weather in Egypt, you should wear appropriate clothing for your comfort during your trip. Women, in particular, are advised to cover up a bit more. That modesty is well-received, especially when shoulders and knees are covered.

Travelers are highly recommended to wear longer, loose-fitting trousers and dresses made from breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. These clothes enable visitors to enjoy optimal comfort in the heat of Egypt. Carrying a scarf to cover your head is also advisable, especially when visiting mosques.

Despite the summer heat, evenings in Egypt can be a bit chilly, so packing an extra layer is a wise decision. Additionally, you should avoid white clothing, as the desert dust accumulates quickly, especially during explorations of pyramids and tombs. Generally, keeping these considerations in mind will ensure a comfortable and culturally respectful experience during your visit to Egypt. Learn more about the average temperature in Egypt.

Read about 'Egypt Travel Outfits: What to Wear for Adventurers'.

We hope the above article about traditional clothes in Egypt has provided you with the comprehensive information you are looking for. If you're interested in picturesque landscapes and ancient architecture, Egypt should be a must-visit destination on your travel bucket list. Let's check out the Best Things To Do In Egypt - Exploring The Treasures Of Ancient Wonders. Moreover, don't forget to secure a visa for a seamless trip to this mysterious country. With just a few simple steps, travelers can apply for an Egypt visa online, opening the door to a world where ancient traditions and modern convenience seamlessly coexist.

Register now for the Egypt eVisa service.