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Here we look at the dress code in Oman and tell you what constitutes as appropriate attire and what does not.
18 July 2013
| Last updated on 29 October 2019
Find out what clothes to pack to Oman
Oman has a dress code based on respect for the culture and religion of Islam. It is not hard to follow and will make your visit or stay in the country a more pleasant one and will help you avoid running into troubles nor causing offence.
In a nutshell, whilst you are out in public you should have everything from your shoulders to knees covered - which is not hard to do! You should also not wear clothing that is too tight or see-through. Cleavage should also be covered as much as possible.
The conservative Oman dress code applies for both genders. While the national Omani dress for women is a long black sirwal and hijab (headscarf), and an ankle-length collarless robe called a dishdasha for men, the local dress decency code merely suggests modesty. So expat residents, visitors, and tourists need only wear their own wardrobe that ensures decency and does not display too much skin.
Here's an explanation of what to wear and what not to wear in Oman...
Important things to note about Oman's dress code
1. Public places the dress code applies to includes malls, markets, cinemas, on the street, on the road in your car, supermarkets, public areas of hotels, etc.
2. You can wear whatever you want in the privacy of your home.
3. It is advisable to cover up at the public beach or swimming pool. No bikinis or short revealing swimming outfits. However, if you are at a private beach or pool (a resort or hotel) than normal swimwear can be worn. Ensure that thongs, Brazilian bikinis, and speedos (for men) should not be work. Topless swimming/tanning is not allowed at all.
5. Ensure that you are covered appropriately when working out. Regardless if you are at the gym or jogging on the road. If you have to run errands after the gym, have an oversized sweater or pashmina at the ready as all the shops are equipped with blasting air-conditioning so the chances that you will be too warm are minimal.
6. Underwear should be covered at all times - no briefs, g- strings, bras, or other undergarments on show or viewable through the fabric.
Oman wardrobe staples
These are the clothes you'll need in your luggage or wardrobe in Oman.
- Pashminas - these are great and handy cover-ups for all sorts of circumstances- have one in your car for emergencies too.
- Capri pants - these are great as they are not full length so your lower legs still keep cool.
- Boleros - these are perfect to enable you to wear strappy tops and dresses and still keep your shoulders covered. Get ones with a cap or mid sleeve so you will still be cool and not have too much clothing weight added during the heat.
- Leggings - if you have a dress that is really a little bit too short and not covering your knees but you still want to wear it out and about, throw some lightweight leggings on underneath and voila you are ready to go out. Just ensure that the dress is not tight and that the leggings are opaque.
- Cardigans - these are great to cover shoulders too- and the AC in malls and cinemas can get a bit arctic sometimes so you will be glad of the benefit.
What not to wear in Oman
These clothes are a big no-no in Oman.
- Lycra body con dresses
- Daisy Duke shorts
- Micro minis
- Belly/ crop tops
- Tube tops/ boob tubes
- Very short playsuits
- Anything with cut out or see-through panels
- Mesh or Lace tops or dresses (these are alright if worn with something underneath)
What to do if someone approaches you about your outfit in Oman
If you are inappropriately dressed you may be approached, warned, or told off by various people - a security guard, a colleague, an Omani national, an expat, etc. You will be surprised how many people would be offended or will want to advise you.
Whatever happens, stay calm and remain polite. Apologise and depending on where you are - either say you will go home, back to the hotel to change or if you are in a mall, diffuse the situation by saying you intend to pop into a shop to buy something to cover up.
There is no point getting angry as you have caused offence somehow and the last thing you want is for the police to become involved in something that is easily fixed with an apology and a quick outfit adjustment.
Go grab or buy a pashmina quick!
Common situations where you may be stopped
"It's so hot in Oman - I want to wear as little clothes as possible."
Oman has hot weather, but most of the indoor spaces have AC. It's also recommended to cover up while outdoors to minimise the harmful UV rays and risks of skin cancer.
"I am only popping out to do the school run or do a quick errand."
It's possible you may step out of the car or the vehicle may break down on the way. Keep a cover-up material with you if so.
"I am doing sport so I am not dressing provocatively."
The gym and other sports facilities count as a public space and thus Oman's dress code still applies. You will need to cover your shoulders and knees.
"I can wear what I want."
As a visitor to Oman, it is important to respect the local culture and laws.
"Everyone else is doing it."
You are highly advised to avoid doing so, as the worst-case scenario will involve the police.
Oman dress code for men
- Bare chests are not allowed in public.
- Shorts should be to the knee.
- Swimwear should not be worn away from a pool or beach e.g. don't walk down the street in your trunks.
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