What to Wear When Traveling: A Complete Dress Code Guide

Sometimes you go on holiday to a country with a very different culture and way of life than we are used to. Connecting with the locals and embracing their lifestyle is a much more important part of traveling. Every destination has its own set of values, especially when it comes to clothing. Whether you’re visiting a sacred site or strolling through a local market, what you wear can affect how you’re received. Always check the dress code before you travel to make sure you’re dressed appropriately and respectfully.

An Experience with Dress Code Culture in Thailand

During a family trip to Thailand, the historic city of Sukothai was also visited.

By bike we visited the ruins in this ancient city, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It was, as always in the tropics, a hot and humid day. Despite that, there are different dress codes in Thailand than ours, which we also have to abide by. That’s why I was always very clear about wearing covering clothes during the trip. Especially when visiting temples, the dress code was essential. That didn’t stop an 18-year-old boy from the group from taking his shirt off while exploring the ruins in Sukothai. When I spoke to him about it, he thought it was his own business, what he was wearing and what he wasn’t wearing. And we weren’t visiting temples, were we, we were visiting ruins? Later I heard from the group that he was approached by the park authorities about the dress code and that he eventually put on his shirt.

General Dress Code Guidelines for Travel

• In Islamic and other distant countries, never sunbathe topless and put on some more clothes when you go to a local market.
• Holy sites such as temples and mosques are off-limits in scarce clothing; So, cover your arms and legs. Respect other cultures and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting any sacred site.
• If you take into account the values of the local population, they will also treat you with more respect. See what the dress code is of the country you’re going to visit.
• Wearing traditional clothes from the country you visit certainly makes your holiday experience more intense and enjoyable. A chat with the locals is made so easier. They will certainly appreciate it!
• Avoid clothing with sporting, religious, or military symbols, swear words, national flags, and any words written in a language you cannot translate.
• Beachwear belongs on the beach and should only be worn there.
• Baggy clothing and open footwear can be perceived as disrespectful and offensive.
• It is advised to remove hats or caps
• Find out beforehand what rules and advice apply to the region you are visiting.

Clothes You Should Never Wear While Traveling

In many countries, talking about politics, religion, money, or sports rivalries isn’t just frowned upon—it can actually be offensive. Wearing clothes with bold statements or opinions could make you stand out for the wrong reasons.

Specific guidelines for religious sites

These travel tips for visiting religious sites can be useful for any traveler

Churches and Cathedrals

Churches, particularly in Europe, often require covered shoulders and knees. Bringing a scarf or shawl can be handy if you need to cover up quickly.

Dress Codes in Mosques

Mosques typically require women to cover their hair with a scarf or hijab and both men and women to wear long pants or skirts. Some mosques provide appropriate attire at the entrance.

Typical Dress Code for Temples and Shrines

In Hindu and Buddhist temples, it is respectful to wear long sleeves and long skirts or pants. Removing shoes is often mandatory, and wearing socks might be required in some places.

Vatican dress code

The Vatican has dress regulations throughout the city because it is a religious state. They advocate modest clothing and skin covering as a religious institution, similar to how other religions have tenets dictating appropriate attire. The guards have the right to refuse you access into the city and its attractions if you do not follow the dress code and are dressed immodestly.

• Your shoulders should be covered at all times during the visit
• Clothes that expose your knees, including shorts, skirts, and dresses, are not allowed
• Any offensive tattoo or religious symbol should not be visible
• You’ll need to remove any hats or caps
• Ripped jeans and t-shirts and see-through clothing is also discouraged

What to not wear at the Vatican

• Sleeveless or low-cut tops: As a religious state, the Vatican is quite strict about the dress code that visitors should follow. Both men and women need to cover their knees and upper arms. Visitors are prohibited from wearing sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts.
• Shorts or bottoms that end above the knee: Women, If you are wearing a skirt, dress, or pair of shorts then make sure they end below the knee at least. Men can wear shorts, as long as they level at the knee.
• Offensive tattoos: Tattoos are allowed. However, the Vatican dress code does not allow entry to those who have tattoos that may be considered offensive to Catholic morality, the Catholic religion, or to common decency. This applies to jewelry, symbols, and slogans on your clothing, as well.
• Hats: You will be expected to remove your hat before entering the Vatican Museums. Wearing a hat indoors is deemed to be bad manners.

Dress modestly at Pyramids of Giza

there is no particular dress code that you must adhere to when visiting the Giza Necropolis, it is best to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

If you’re unsure about local customs or rules, do some research or ask a travel expert for guidance.

Sometimes the persuasion of a tour guide is not enough, and you need some help from outsiders.

We are guests in the country we visit and therefore it is only natural to adapt to the standards and values that apply there.