I am planning a group trip for an organization. They will be in both Luxor and Cairo in May. Please advise on proper dress for women in those cities.

I have heard mixed things, with some saying shorts and sleeveless is fine and others saying you can't wear those things and have to have pants and a minimum of a short sleeve. If you have been there please let me know what you would advise for women.

I traveled in loose-fitting pants and longish sleeves (like this) and had no problems.

I did a quick Google search for "proper dress for women traveling to egypt" and came up with lots of sites such as here.

Hope you have a magical trip.

I haven't been myself, but a friend has just come back from a trip with her sister-in-law.

They chose to wear things they would normally wear in hot countries: Her SIL is tall and graceful and wore loose cotton trousers and cotton tunic, kaftan style, tops - my friend is quite short and felt she would have looked a little 'dumpy' in that and opted to wear short sleeved t-shirts/ blouses with loose calf length skirts.

They both felt comfortable and appropriate and had no hostile or inappropriate attention and had a wonderful time!

This is an interesting and important question.

I've been to Egypt several times, and in general, in the tourist areas the locals will be fairly tolerant and you won't get too much grief from wearing shorts or sleeveless tops.

Having said that, in Muslim countries the locals value conservative dress, and some will get very offended at women who show too much skin, wear clothes that are too tight, or don't wear a bra.

I always suggest to people that they try and respect the locals views, which for Egypt would suggest that women cover their legs, wear loose-fitting clothing, and wear at least short sleeves. Doing so may make it a bit easier for you, and may make it a bit easier for other travelers who follow.

Enjoy your trip!

Bob
www.fatpassport.com

Thanks for all the info. The trip is a group of museum donors and they are all concerned with what to pack for heat and comfort without being offensive. This definitely helps.