It’s crucial to strike a balance between being at ease in your travel attire and being aware of regional traditions and customs. Your specific Pakistan itinerary will have a big impact on what to wear. But you will need to have a general tolerance for conservatism since Pakistan is a conservative Islamic country.
Here is a guide for travelers who are curious about how to dress in Pakistan and, more specifically, who want to know how female tourist dress in Pakistan. It includes some suggestions on what to wear in order to be decent while still being comfortable.
Traditional Clothing for Women:
The Shalwar Kameez, a kind of long-sleeved shirt paired with a shawl for decency and loose pants tapering the ankles, makes up the traditional attire for ladies in Pakistan. These things are often colorful and perhaps even embellished with patterns and stones. The Shalwar Kameez has two benefits: first, it is modest since it covers the shoulders, chest, and typically the arms; second, the airy fabric is useful in warm temperatures. Considering that European clothes aren’t often as colorful, it’s truly a treat to wear them.

Clothing Ideas:
- Maxi dresses may be selected with long sleeves and a waist that is cinched to retain overall shape.
- It’s simple and straightforward to pair a kurta with jeans. Of course, the kurta will fall below your hips to be more modest, but you’ll still have the comfort of jeans and pockets that you’re undoubtedly accustomed to.
- Some of the regional clothing from Pakistan is quite stunning, and not only did it prove to be useful, but it was also vibrant and delightful to wear.
- A sign requiring women to dress appropriately in accordance with Islamic law is often affixed to the outside of many mosques. This requires you to cover not just your head but also your arms, legs, and shoulders as well. It is always a good idea to have a scarf with you, but if you forget to bring one, you can usually get one at the place you are visiting.
What not to wear in Pakistan as a woman?
If you are in Pakistan then please don’t wear any kind of short/revealing/seductive clothes. Instead, wear modern shalwar kameez, Kurti with jeans or trousers. You can find modern Pakistani clothes in all the small and big cities in Pakistan.
Is it mandatory to wear Burqa in Pakistan?
No, it’s not mandatory. Women are free to choose whether they do a hijab or wear Burqa or not. Women can wear any type of traditional or modern clothes that matches Pakistani cultural and religious values.
What to Wear as a Male Tourist?
In Pakistan, males may wear whatever they choose. Jeans and a t-shirt are entirely typical and appropriate in cities, but it’s important to note that during extremely hot summers, thick jeans could be a little too warm. While not offensive, shorts are not very popular to wear outside of cities and other more urban locations.
The majority of males outside of the larger cities dress in similar traditional attire, which consists of a long shirt with a collar and loose pants. Most men seem to have their traditional attire in impeccable shape and are often well-pressed, even in rural locations.
So, in simple words, male tourists can wear any type of jeans, pants, trousers, shirts, t-shirts, or shalwar kameez in both summer and winter and in both cities and villages. Shorts or sleeveless t-shirts are not very common in Pakistan.
Clothing for Cold Weather:
However, it’s a different story in the mountains when it comes to what to wear in Pakistan in the winter. Check the temperatures there before your trip to determine the appropriate degree of warm clothes to pack. In the extreme north and Balochistan, you must have waterproof boots for the snow, as well as gloves, caps, and warm clothing.
Which clothing brands are the most famous in Pakistan?
There are many popular Pakistani clothing brands for both men and women. Some of the most famous Pakistani male clothing brands (traditional + Western clothes) include:
- Junaid Jamshed (J.)
- Gul Ahmed
- Edenrobe
- DINERS
- Cougar
- Breakout
- Cambridge
- Charcoal
- Lawrencepur
- Royal Tag
- Outfitters

Some of the most famous Pakistani female clothing brands (traditional) include:
- Elan
- Sapphire
- Gul Ahmed
- Charizma
- Zara Shahjahan
- Cross Stitch
- Khaadi
- Nomi Ansari
- Alkaram Studio
- Khaadi
- Limelight
- Maria.B
- Bonanza Satrangi
- Bareeze
- Ego
- Nishatlinen
- Sobia Nazir
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other brands that are also popular in Pakistan.

Which type of shoes I can wear in Pakistan?
You can wear any type of shoes that is comfortable for you in Pakistan. For women, local Pakistani shoe brands such as Metro and Stylo are popular options. For men, local Pakistani shoe brands such as Servis, Borjan, Bata, Hush Puppies, and Ndure are popular options. Keep in mind that these are just a few examples and there are many other brands and options available as well.
If you still have questions about what to wear in Pakistan as a foreign tourist? Then ask in the comments section and get suggestions from local people. They will guide you on what to wear in Pakistan as a foreign tourist.

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