Trying to pack for a brand new destination can be daunting and deciding what to wear in Iraq can be a challenge. While you may have to dress more modestly than your usual attire, most places you will go in countries like Iraq are not as strict as you may initially think. This guide has all you need to know about what to wear in Iraq for men and women!
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Understanding the differences in Iraqi Conservativeness – By City and Region
Iraq is still yet to have floods of tourists visit, mainly because of the devastation caused by the Civil War last decade and the ISIS caliphate which presided over a large territory of Iraq, including Mosul for a number of years. However Iraq is a fantastic place to visit, one of the reasons why is because of the sheer diversity it offers – in terms of places and people.
Iraqi Kurdistan
To the north, in the Kurdistan Regional Government controlled area (KRG) or better known as Iraqi Kurdistan, is perhaps one of the least strict areas in terms of clothing. Simultaneously, you shouldn’t walk outside in shirts and a singlet top (men or women). However loose jeans, flowy pants, a t- shirt, knee length skirt or ¾ pants are sufficient.
Iraqi Kurdistan is home to many different ethno-religious groups – Sunni Arabs, Sunni Kurdish, Yazidis, Assyrians, Turkmen and now also Syrians, which may be behind the reason for a more relaxed dress code.
Baghdad
In the capital city, Baghdad, your choice of clothing can be modest, but relaxed. You will see people walking around in western style clothes, as well as women and men in traditional wear. It is essentially a spectrum of all clothing styles and traditions in Iraq melted into one city – so it is fairly relaxed!
Basra
In the south in Basra, the ethno-religious makeup is predominantly Sunni Arabs. You will see many women in abayas and men wearing traditional clothes or plain western clothing. Many women here are dressed up along the corniche as it is a great way to spend a night with family and friends.
Najaf and Karbala
When entering the cities of Najaf and Karbala, men should wear long pants and preferably have their shoulders covered, while women should wear a chador – either black or white with small patterns on them. A Chador is a religious dress that is worn by most Shias who visit the Shrines of Imam Ali and Imam Hussein. Wearing these, while maybe something completely new, is a sign of respect in a city that is very sensitive for the pilgrims who visit.
Regional Federal Iraq
As with traveling to any regional area, usually people are a little more conservative than big cities in terms of clothing. We recommend wearing modest clothing, having your forearms and legs covered in an attempt not to draw attention!
What To Wear in Iraq:
For both men and women you should bring: long and loose pants, loose t-shirts, shirts/blouses, socks, good walking shoes, clothes to swim in (covering the shoulders and knees at least).
For women: abaya (you can buy in Iraq), a scarf or hijab, long skirts.
What To Leave At Home:
For both men and women: singlet tops, short shorts, blue clothing (just for Lalish!)
For women: bikinis, short skirts, crop tops.
Best (and bizarre) tips on what to wear in Iraq:
- In many areas of Southern Iraq such as Basra and Baghdad, women love colorful dresses and patterns! You will see these available in most souqs. Many women wear them at home but also sometimes outside the house.
- You should always carry a scarf that is long enough to cover your hair – you never know when you might find an interesting mosque or maybe you are walking somewhere where all the women are covered, and it might make you feel more comfortable!
- In the town of Lalish in Northern Iraq/ Iraqi Kurdistan, you should not wear the color blue. This color is seen to be a negative color in the Yazidi faith because the name for it sounds like the work ‘Shaytan’ Satan and it is best to avoid it!
- Before taking a photo of any woman, it is best to ask her permission before pointing your camera or phone in her direction. While this is true for both genders, it is especially important for men to be aware of.
- If you are not sure what to wear or if something is appropriate or not, you can always check with your local guide and YPT guide who will give you the best advice on what to where in Iraq.
Visiting Iraq in 2025:
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