Kilting in Jordan/Egypt during Ramadan

[Bruce Scott]

What Should Men Wear in Jordan?

In keeping with the respectable clothing policy, men should wear trousers when visiting Jordan. Whether you are in the city of Amman, exploring Petra or trekking the desert men should refrain from wearing shorts as it is seen as disrespectful. Even in warm weather, light linen or cotton trousers can keep you feeling cool and comfortable so just make sure to pack trousers with materials that suit the weather.

In Jordan tops that do not cover the shoulders are classed as underwear. This rule applies to both men and women so always wear shirts and t-shirts that cover the top of the arms. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that being topless in public is completely unacceptable no matter how hot the weather is.

Women Travelling in Jordan

Similarly to most neighboring countries, the dress codes for women are stricter than men. Women should refrain from showing flesh as much as possible to respect the Jordanian culture and way of life. To avoid negative attention, female travelers should wear loose clothing which covers the arms, legs, chest and the nape of the neck.

Avoid wearing T-shirts, shorts, and leggings as this can be regarded as sexual clothing. Many female residents in Jordan wear a headscarf and those who choose not to usually keep their hair tied up. Female tourists should also try to follow this etiquette and tie their hair back.

All in all – what to wear in Jordan

When planning what to wear in Jordan, the general rule is to keep shoulders, arms, and legs covered as much as possible. Men have slightly more flexibility when it comes to clothing but women should be sure to cover up and keep hair tied back.

Not only does this follow local customs, it shows that you care about Jordanian culture and local people will respect you for doing so. Don’t worry about getting too hot because there are plenty of loose-fitting, light materials out there that will keep you comfortable.

Wearing trousers and long sleeves also help to prevent visitors from insect bites, sunburn and general cuts and bruises from outdoor activities.

From: https://www.touristjordan.com/what-to-wear-in-jordan/

[Kylahullu]

I do not know about Ramadan or Egypt but in October 2018 I made a two weeks trip to Jordan wearing a kilt all the time. We visited several ancient sites including Petra and stayed a couple of days in Amman.

I was a bit hesitant to do so but then asked advice from our expert guide to the ancient sites, an elderly professor who had been there for years doing excavations and research on burnt papyruses in Petra. He thought it would be OK to wear the kilt. He thought that the Jordanians have long connections to the British including the Scotts, so there should not be any harm. He was right. I did not feel any insecurities even when walking without the group.

A couple of pictures from Jordania to have some colour in the post:





There were some bagpipers playing.

And no, I do not have any pictures of me in the kilt there. So you just have to have my word or find someone of that group who certainly has a picture of the kilt in Jordan.

[Jock Scot]

I do not know about Ramadan or Egypt but in October 2018 I made a two weeks trip to Jordan wearing a kilt all the time. We visited several ancient sites including Petra and stayed a couple of days in Amman.

I was a bit hesitant to do so but then asked advice from our expert guide to the ancient sites, an elderly professor who had been there for years doing excavations and research on burnt papyruses in Petra. He thought it would be OK to wear the kilt. He thought that the Jordanians have long connections to the British including the Scotts, so there should not be any harm. He was right. I did not feel any insecurities even when walking without the group.

A couple of pictures from Jordania to have some colour in the post:





There were some bagpipers playing.

And no, I do not have any pictures of me in the kilt there. So you just have to have my word or find someone of that group who certainly has a picture of the kilt in Jordan.

I here what you say, but! BUT----------- and I say this with great respect to all, the average Jordanian may or may not understand the Scots wearing the kilt ------------but an American/ or a person fromFinland/or France/wherever other than the UK. ? That is what your passport will say presumably, if push comes to shove. Think on chaps, if I were you.

[Kylahullu]

I here what you say, but! BUT----------- and I say this with great respect to all, the average Jordanian may or may not understand the Scots wearing the kilt ------------but an American/ or a person fromFinland/or France/wherever other than the UK. ? That is what your passport will say presumably, if push comes to shove. Think on chaps, if I were you.

I may add (actually I had this in the text, but stumbled with the pictures and had to rewrite it...)
We were a group of Finnish people. "Our professor" was known to many locals at the sites we visited and well respected. This may or may not make any difference.

About the passport: Some years earlier I was the sole passenger in an Egyptian long-distance couch on Sinai (not kilted then). There were pretty many check-points where they checked my passport, sometimes just asking the driver who I am. On one occasion the official misheard the driver saying me an American. All smiles disappeared... well, the tension helped immediately and everyone smiled widely again when they saw my Finnish passport.
Well, if you travel with an American passport in any Arab country, I would be very careful.

[EagleJCS]

I was a bit hesitant to do so but then asked advice from our expert guide to the ancient sites, an elderly professor who had been there for years doing excavations and research on burnt papyruses in Petra. He thought it would be OK to wear the kilt. He thought that the Jordanians have long connections to the British including the Scotts (emphasis mine - JCS), so there should not be any harm. He was right. I did not feel any insecurities even when walking without the group.

Probably not just the Scotts, but other Scottish clans serving in the British military as well. (A bit tongue-in-cheek from a member of Clan Scott).