If you are wondering what to wear in Kuwait as a woman, you have come to the right place. This post will cover exactly what to pack and how to dress in Kuwait as a woman visitor.
Visiting Kuwait as a tourist, especially if you are coming from the Western world, can leave even the savviest travelers wondering how to pack. An Islamic country, Kuwait carries a stricter standard of dress than some other parts of the Gulf. Luckily, I am here to help you navigate it.
I’ve been regularly traveling the Gulf countries for over ten years now, so I consider myself an expert on what to wear, how to act, and how to prepare.
From a bullet-point list of the exact items I personally use to the overall “rules” to consider, this article will highlight exactly how women should dress in Kuwait. Let’s dive right in.
A Kuwait Packing List for Women: The Basics
Here is a quick list outlining exactly how to dress in Kuwait as a woman, with links to some of the exact items I own. This “what to wear in Kuwait” packing list highlights flowy and breezy materials, an emphasis on covering the shoulders and knees, and – lastly – sun protection.
- Light, thin scarves – you will need these for entering mosques as well as general use around town as you see fit. This exact scarf (in several colors, I might add) has been to every single Gulf country with me and I love it because of how breathable the fabric is in hot weather. I also brought this plain scarf to match any outfit.
- Loose T-shirts and tops – pack what you already have, but avoid skin-tight or revealing choices.
- A flowy kimono – an absolute must to throw on over the T-shirts and to provide a loose flowy fabric around your curves. I own many but this is one of my faves.
- A maxi skirt – it’s good to have one of these handy, particularly if you are traveling outside of the winter months. A flowy skirt keeps your skin cool.
- Maxi dress – A maxi dress is an equally great choice. Just be sure to wear a flowy kimono on top of it if yours is sleeveless.
- Leggings – I wear leggings in just about every country, but when in the Middle East, be sure to pair them with long flowy tops and kimonos. You want to avoid accentuating your curves as much as possible. If you need a recommendation, these ones are a god non-see-through choice.
- Palazzo pants – another staple in not only my travel wardrobe, but my general-life wardrobe are loose and comfy palazzo pants. A pair like this is light, breezy, and loose on the legs.
- Cardigan – the cooler months in Kuwait may require long sleeves, and even some air conditioned spaces will have you wishing for a cardigan in summer.
- Comfortable sandals – Pack a pair that you can walk in for hours without issue. I wore these exact sandals all over Kuwait, and they’ve seen many other countries, too. They never fail!
- Sunscreen – I have two sunscreen recommendations for women in Kuwait. First, your basic all-over sunscreen because you will be seeing sun here. Additionally, I love this tiny travel sun-spray for reapplying your face sunscreen throughout the day.
- A wide brim hat – I bring a hat on over 90% of my travels just to block the sun off of my face and neck. My favorite wide brim hat is particularly useful in a sunny place like Kuwait.
What To Wear in Kuwait: The “Rules”
Though a small country, there are so many things to do in Kuwait.
Whether you visit outdoor attractions like the lively Souq Al Mubarakiya and history-rich Failaka Island, or you are mostly indoors exploring museums and mosques, these “rules” will apply.
I traveled through Kuwait as a solo female, and these general tips on what to wear as a woman kept me from getting awkward stares or attention.
1. The clothing you already own is likely okay to pack.
You may need to be crafty about what to pair together, but rest assured you likely don’t need an entirely new wardrobe for Kuwait.
My rule of thumb for most Middle Eastern countries is to wear loose and flowy clothing, and to always pair a long loose top over any tighter pants like leggings. The photos on this page will give you a great idea on how I dressed.
2. A scarf is non-negotiable.
If you want to visit mosques, you will need a scarf to cover your head. I always had one on hand, typically around my neck or in my bag, for just such occasions.
But, take note that you do not need a head covering or an abaya to walk around town.
3. Loose and flowy is key.
The Kuwait dress code felt a bit more relaxed than Saudi Arabia, but not as relaxed as Dubai. The main things I would recommend focusing on are looser clothing items that don’t accentuate your curves, and that let your skin breathe in hot weather.
It’s okay to wear tight leggings as pants, but pair it with a long shirt or kimono.
Visiting Kuwait on a short trip?
See more in less time by joining this Kuwait Highlights tour. You’ll see the best of Kuwait City, as well as a taste of the desert and sea. I personally booked this day tour and cannot recommend it enough!
What Not to Wear in Kuwait
- No head to toe skin-tight clothing
- No bare shoulders or knees
- No shorts or short skirts
- No low-cut tops or cleavage showing
- No crop tops
What Do Local Women Wear in Kuwait?
For local women in Kuwait, traditional dress consists of a floor-length long sleeve abaya. This completely covers a woman’s clothing underneath. Their hair is also covered with a hijab or scarf.
I did see some women wearing the black niqab which covers the face (but not the eyes), although they may have been visiting from Saudi Arabia, where the niqab is more commonly worn.
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And that will do it! Now you know exactly what to wear in Kuwait as a woman. Conservative, flowy, and comfortable clothing is key.
Do you have additional questions about how to dress in Kuwait? Drop them below!
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