Men in Egypt should wear light, loose trousers or knee-length shorts, a T-shirt or shirt with sleeves, and comfortable closed shoes for sites. Shorts are fine at temples and resorts; long trousers are the respectful choice for mosques, churches, local neighbourhoods and rural areas. Sleeveless vests and swimwear belong at the pool or beach only.
Key takeaways
- The UK Foreign Office advises modest dress, especially in rural areas, mosques and souqs (markets).
- Mosques expect covered knees and shoulders, and you remove your shoes before entering.
- Resort dress norms at Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh do not carry over to Cairo or Luxor.
- Standards matter more during Ramadan, when conservative dress is noticed more.
What to wear, by place
| Where | Fine | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramids and temples | Shorts or light trousers, T-shirt, hat, closed shoes | Flip-flops on sand and uneven stone |
| Mosques and churches | Long trousers, sleeves covering shoulders, socks | Shorts and vests |
| Cairo streets, Khan el-Khalili | Trousers or long shorts, T-shirt or shirt | Sleeveless tops, going shirtless |
| Nile cruise | Casual by day; trousers and a collared shirt for dinner | Swimwear away from the sun deck |
| Red Sea resorts | Swimwear at the pool and beach | Swimwear in the lobby, town or restaurants |
| Desert trips | Long sleeves against sun, a warm layer for night | Assuming the desert stays hot after dark |
Shorts: the honest answer
Knee-length shorts are common among male visitors at archaeological sites and in tourist areas, and nobody will stop you. Short running shorts draw attention in cities. If a day includes a mosque, wear trousers from the start — changing on the street is awkward.
Fabrics and footwear
- Cotton and linen breathe better than synthetics in dry heat.
- A hat and sunglasses are not optional at Luxor's West Bank or Abu Simbel.
- Walking shoes or trail sandals with a heel strap for temple floors, tomb steps and sand.
- A light jumper for air-conditioned coaches, early balloon flights and winter evenings.
The full list, for both men and women, is in our Egypt packing list. Women's guidance differs in a few important ways, covered in what women should wear in Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
Can men wear shorts in Egypt?
Yes, at tourist sites, on cruises and at resorts. Wear trousers for mosques, churches and conservative neighbourhoods.
What should men wear to visit a mosque?
Long trousers, a top that covers the shoulders, and socks, since shoes come off at the door. Our guide to Egypt's most beautiful mosques covers visiting etiquette.
Is there a dress code on Nile cruises?
Daytime is casual. Many ships have a smarter evening, so pack one pair of long trousers and a collared shirt.
Reviewed September 2026.