Expert: Le Anne Clausen - 4/20/2009

Question
I'm not sure if you can assist me here, but maybe you can kind of give me a clue. I'm interested in knowing more about arabic fashions I'm not sure if it varies by region but I'm really interested in finding, purchasing some outfits. I also plan on a trip to my fathers homeland of Jordan and I'm fairly certain you need to wear a certain type of clothing as a woman. I'm totally clueless here please help if you can.

Answer
Greetings Katrina, and thanks for your question.  It's a fairly common one for me to get during my speaking tours.

Unless you know your father to come from a particularly conservative small town or neighborhood, Jordan is a relatively easy place to dress for, meeting the basic standard for Arab women's dress:

--sleeves that reach at least to the elbow (nice if they can be rolled up/down to wrist).
--necklines that are close to the collarbone (no deep v-necks); button down shirts with a collar are great; or nice (not athletic style) t-shirts with crew collars that can layer under a button-down shirt are handy.
--long pants/slacks that aren't too tight.  Everyone owns a pair of black polyester-blend slacks, which are nearly indestructible.  Or you can find some beige dress slacks for summer.
--a comfortable brown or black shoe, preferably slip-on (for entering houses and worship sites), comfortable, but not athletic style (which are for children, people actually engaged in sports, and around the house only).  Closed-back clogs are quite good; if you're going in winter look for something with a quality non-slip tread for walking on wet paving stones.

In Muslim religious sites or very conservative areas, it's useful to have a headscarf or 'hijab.'  The 'pashmina' style long shawls that are popular in Western countries now work quite well, particularly if they're lighter weight. (They are also useful for shawls after sunset when it cools off).  You will want one wide enough to cover your hair from forehead to the top of your shoulders; and long enough to wrap around your face (framing it, and fastening in place under the chin) and a little drape over one shoulder.  Here's a photo:

http://www.starscarves.com/pashmina1.html (I don't have an opinion about the store, but the images give you an idea).

Catholic and some other churches may want women to wear a white or black lace scarf over their head during all or part of the service.  If you usually attend Catholic services in the West, you are probably already familiar with this custom.

There are several 'Islamic Clothing' websites, but unless you are specifically advised (say, by a relative living in the neighborhood where you plan to stay) to purchase a robe, it's probably unnecessary.  You're far better off dressing as above, and making some small purchases when there once you see what the local fashion is.

Good luck to you, and have a wonderful trip!

peace,

Le Anne