I've Been Going to the Middle East for Years — Here Are the 13 Clothing Items and Accessories I Never Travel Without

The Middle East is packed with wonders, from ancient pyramids and historic walled cities to the wildly photogenic tile work found from Morocco to Iran. And after my first visit in 2016, I knew that I had fallen in love. I’m a freelance travel writer and the former Lonely Planet editor for the Middle East and North Africa, and I’ve been traveling to and writing about this gorgeous part of our planet in the years since. One of the questions that I’m asked most often is what to wear on a trip to the Middle East, and the answer might be simpler than you think.

While some items of clothing are better left at home (like your strappy tank tops and short shorts), you don’t need to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe before you visit the Middle East and North Africa. The general rule of thumb is to cover from your shoulders to your knees — that goes for women and men — so you'll want to have plenty of blouses with sleeves and ankle-length pants handy. You’re certain to see other travelers wearing less than this, and Arabs are generally too polite to make a fuss about it. But I tend to err on the modest side out of respect — I’m a stranger and a visitor in someone else’s home, after all. 

Need help putting the finishing touches on your packing list? Here’s what to bring and wear on your trip to the Middle East, no matter where your adventures take you. These travel writer-approved picks are all available at Amazon, Nordstrom, Zappos, and REI, and they're starting at $22. 

Dibaolong Yoga Joggers

Staying cool is a high priority in one of the hottest regions of the world, and these joggers are the perfect fit. The material is lightweight, but not so thin that they're see-through. They are stretchy and comfy enough to get you through a dusty day of crawling around in a pyramid, riding a camel, or curled up on an overnight flight. But, what makes them a suitcase essential is that they're versatile enough to be a little more dressed up for a twinkling evening on a Nile cruise or dinner at a Moroccan riad. 

This brand’s joggers come in a huge variety of colors, sizes, and waistband and hem options, and I often buy several pairs at once and pack them all. The flowy fabric also means that they'll take up less space in your suitcase than heavier and more rigid materials like linen.

Merrell Antora3 Trail Running Shoes

In many people’s minds, sun and sand mean sandals, but in the Middle East, closed-toe shoes are often a better option. Cities can be extremely busy, have poor sidewalk infrastructure, and have working animals such as horses and donkeys on the streets, so there are plenty of places that you don’t want to step. Feeling the sand between your toes is great when you’re at the beach, but less so when you have a busy itinerary of exploring ancient tombs, meandering around medinas and shopping in the souks.

I love the burst of color that the Merrell’s Anita 3 Rainbow Shoes bring to my day, but if the bold colors aren’t your style, you have many other options to pick from. These shoes are technically trail runners, but they don’t come off as overly athletic. They are casual, lightweight, and designed for all-day wear. And though they have laces, they are easy enough to slip off when visiting a mosque. For equally sleek, grippy, and comfy sneakers with slightly lower price tags, you can also check out the Adidas Outdoor Terrex Trailriders and New Balance Fresh Foam Garoés, which are starting at $75. 

Kavu Rope Sling Bag

This gem from Kavu reminds me a little of Mary Poppins’ bag: it doesn’t look that big, but it’s amazing how much can fit inside. The largest vertical pocket is long enough to fit my Macbook Pro laptop and charger if I’m out working at a coffee shop in Dahab or Jeddah, but the bag is slim enough to squeeze through tight spaces, alleyways, and shops. 

I prefer crossbody bags everywhere I go, but especially in busy places, and it’s super easy to shift this bag from your back to your front to keep a closer eye on it when needed. Plus, certain colors are on sale starting at $45. 

Teema Turkish Towel

Teema’s Turkish Towel is a jack of all trades. I’ve used it as a towel at the beaches on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, as well as a bath towel when I’m staying at hostels that charge for them and a blanket on a chilly flight and for cool nights of camping in the desert. In fact, it can also make a quality headscarf when visiting mosques. It dries better than microfiber travel towels and is also a piece that you can wear and use easily at home.

Amazon shoppers also recommend the WetCat Oversized Turkish Beach Towel, which delivers the same versatility and quick-drying capabilities at a lower price tag. 

LifeStraw Water Filter Bottle

While single-use plastics are becoming more frowned upon in North America and Europe, in the Middle East, where the tap water is often not safe to drink, plastic water bottles are everywhere; they're offered at hotels, restaurants, and shops as standard. But that doesn’t mean that you have to partake, and LifeStraw’s filtered water bottle has served me well on my travels. You can fill it with tap water and drink straight through the straw, which is attached to a filter. And, it's incredibly lightweight and compact, so you don't have to worry about it taking up too much space in your carry-on or personal bag. 

Nic+Zoe Lightweight Long Boc Cardigan

It might seem like an oxymoron to wear additional layers in a hot climate, but I’m nearly always in a lightweight cardigan in the Middle East — mainly because it feels like wearing a superhero cape. It offers more protection from the sun than your standard T-shirt, and you'll definitely need the long sleeves if you plan on visiting a mosque. It's a good way to cover up and can easily be packed in your bag. Plus, you can use it as a makeshift pillow or blanket if you're headed on a long travel day. 

Looking for other cardigan styles? Check out these top-rated picks from Amazon-favorite brands Merokeety, Styleword, and Hiyiyezi that are starting at $19. 

Baleaf Women's UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Shirt

In the same vein, a lightweight long-sleeve top is also good to pack for extra coverage. For instance, this one from Amazon-favorite activewear brand Baleaf offers UPF 50+ sun protection and is versatile enough to match the dress code of wherever you're going on your trip. And, since it's technically a workout top, the long-sleeve shirt is incredibly stretchy, quick-drying, and breathable. You'll find that its relaxed fit and dolphin hem adds extra comfort. 

Fraiche by J Flutter Sleeve Jersey Maxi Dress

A flowy maxi dress adds a touch of glam for nights out in Middle Eastern cities, whether you’re sipping a cocktail in a Dubai bar or having a rooftop drink at a classy riad in Morocco. Maxi dresses are a great option for an elevated modest look without compromising on comfort. Opt for a maxi dress with sleeves (unless you’re pairing it with a cardigan) and a higher neckline like this fluttery pick from Fraiche by J, which is also made with a breathable and soft jersey fabric. 

For other stylish finds, check out this stunning tiered maxi dress from PrettyGarden that's starting at $46 at Amazon. There's also the Zattcas Flutter Sleeve Dress, which comes in dozens of colors and is priced at $40. 

Osprey Fairview 40L Backpack

Once you’ve got everything ready to go for your Middle East trip, you'll need something to pack it all in. While a roller suitcase might serve you fine if you’re on a tour, a rucksack is a better choice if you’re striking out on your own, even if you don’t consider yourself a backpacker. Uneven, stony, and sandy streets destroy suitcase wheels, and this Osprey backpack is surprisingly roomy but still meets carry-on requirements for one-bag travelers.

If you need the extra packing help, this on-sale travel backpack from Bange comes with a trio of packing cubes to keep you organized on-the-go. And, the waterproof 40-liter hiking backpack from Fengdong has a convenient belt feature for extra peace of mind (and weight distribution), and is perfect for week-long trips, according to reviewers. 

J.Crew Wide-Brim Packable Straw Hat 

The sun shines fiercely in the Middle East, so make sure that you have a good hat in your arsenal, along with high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses. This J.Crew hat makes a nice middle ground between floppy and practical, and it packs well into a crammed suitcase. Even better, it's on sale for up to 30 percent off thanks to the special promo code SHOPNOW. So, don't forget to add that when you're checking out. 

For the same level of packability and stylishness, you can also opt for the roll-up Lanzom Wide-Brim UPF 50+ Sun Hat or the reversible Coolibar UPF 50+ Pool Hat, which are starting at $26 at Amazon. 

Haeof Maxi Skirt

This lightweight flowy maxi skirt is a great choice for the heat, and it can be dressed up or down no matter what your travel itinerary entails. It's perfect for everything from an upscale dinner out to visiting historic mosques and archaeological sites. Versatility aside, you'll also love its elastic, high-rise waistband, which has an adjustable drawstring for extra comfort. Plus, its tiered design just screams vacation. 

Aday Easy Days Pants

These quick-drying pants kick it up a notch from standard athleisure wear with their harem-style drape and fashionable self-tie belt. They're also made with high-quality, recycled fabric, so they're just as good for the planet as they are for your trip. You'll also love that they are breathable in hot temps and have a high hem and elastic waistband, each of which are perfect for sightseeing-packed days or evenings out.

If you want to elevate your travel style without breaking the bank, check out the Febriajuce Wide-Leg Pants at Amazon, which are on sale for $29. For a slightly more tailored look, these $30 Heymoments trousers will fit the bill. 

Land’s End One-Piece Swimsuit

Picking a bathing suit to pack for a trip to the Middle East can feel tricky. While there’s generally not an issue with wearing a bikini to the pool at a resort or to swim on a Nile cruiser, a one-piece suit might make you feel more comfortable. Even if it seems like you’re far from civilization swimming in the wadis of Oman and Jordan or gliding past rural areas of the Nile, you’re still likely to see and encounter local people. I love the bold colors of this Lands End one-piece suit, and it’s far from frumpy (use the code COAST to get it on sale for 40 percent off).

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