What to Wear for Umrah: A Guide to Modest and Comfortable Outfits

Planning your spiritual journey? Every year, millions of Muslims go to Umrah. It is the time when you try to be closer to Allah and think deeply about yourself and your actions. But when you start your preparation for this sacred journey, you need to know what clothes to wear. You need to dress in a simple and comfortable way. This isn't just advice; it's how you complete Umrah and show respect in holy places.

Is this your first Umrah, or do you just need a reminder? This guide will make it easy to understand what to wear. I'll focus on keeping it simple, correct, and comfortable.

Understanding the Umrah Dress Code

When you go to Umrah, your clothes should be modest and simple.

• For men: You'll wear two plain white clothes that aren't sewn together. This special outfit is called the Ihram.
• For women: You need to cover your whole body with your clothes, but you can leave your face and hands uncovered. Your clothes should not be tight or see-through.

It's really important to dress simply and avoid anything flashy, super bright, or tight. The main thing is not to be noticed. This helps you only think about praying and worshipping. So, if you are a US citizen and looking for an Umrah package from New York, before starting your preparations, keep these things in mind.

What Men Should Wear for Umrah

Ihram Clothing

If you are a man, when you make your intention (niyyah) to start your pilgrimage (Hajj or Umrah), you wear two plain white clothes. That's called Ihram.

1. Izar: Wrapped around the lower body
2. Rida: Draped over the upper body

You can't wear any sewn clothes under or over these. So, no underwear, no socks, and no regular shirts or pants. You should wear simple sandals that don't cover your ankles or the top of your feet.

Looking for an extra pair of modest thobes for before or after Ihram? Explore Sunaan’s collection of Islamic clothing for men, comfortable, clean, and designed with purpose for your spiritual journey.

Material and Comfort

If you're doing Umrah in the heat, make sure your Ihram is lightweight cotton. It'll keep you cooler and drier during all that walking.

Before and After Ihram

When you are not in Ihram, men should wear loose and comfortable clothes. Cotton pants and shirts or a shalwar kameez are good choices. It's best to avoid anything tight or made of synthetic (man-made) materials because they can irritate your skin when it's warm.

What Women Should Wear for Umrah

Now, when it comes to what women should wear during Hajj or Umrah, there is no specific Ihram outfit for ladies. They can wear any modest clothes they like as long as they follow Islamic rules. This means the clothes should cover their body, be loose, and not be see-through. Most women choose to wear an abaya and a hijab.

Colour Choices

If you are the one who thinks that women should wear white when doing Umrah, you are wrong. Most women wear black abayas, but you can also wear any dark or neutral colours. The major concept is to wear clothes that don't attract any notice. 

Footwear

Women can wear closed shoes or sandals. But try to choose shoes that are comfortable for your feet because you have to walk a lot. It is best to avoid any heels or brand-new shoes that are not comfortable yet.

Accessories

You are not allowed to wear a niqab (face veil) or wear gloves during Umrah. This is the common rule for every woman who normally wears them every day.

Packing Checklist for Umrah

For Men:

• 2–3 sets of Ihram
• Lightweight cotton shirts and pants
• Slip-on sandals
• Waist pouch (money, ID, documents)
• Small towel
• Unscented soap and deodorant

For Women:

• 2–3 abayas
• Multiple hijabs (preferably breathable)
• Undergarments (easy to wash and dry)
• Comfortable shoes or sandals
• Small crossbody bag or pouch
• Unscented toiletries

Tip: Make sure all your products for Ihram have no smell at all. So, your soap, lotions, and deodorants need to be unscented. If you use something with a scent, your Ihram might not count. So, keep this in mind while making your preparations. 

Tips for Choosing Comfortable and Modest Clothing

1. When you pick clothes for your Umrah journey, try to pick light, airy fabrics like cotton, linen, or thin blends.  Don't go for polyester or thick stuff, especially if it's summer and you're travelling.
2. Makkah is a hot place, even in the colder months. Summers are super hot, often hitting 40°C (104°F). If you are planning to travel in winter and looking for Umrah in December from the USA, you might want a light jacket for the cooler early mornings or nights.
3. You'll sweat and get dusty in Makkah, so bring extra clothes. Men should pack at least 2 or 3 extra sets of their Ihram. And if you are a woman, pack at least 2 or 3 extra abayas and hijabs (for women).
4. You'll take your shoes off many times when you go to the mosque. So, wear slip-on sandals. They're super easy to put on and take off, which saves you time and makes things much easier.

Final Words

What you wear during Umrah is not about looking good or trendy. It is all about being humble and modest and making your heart ready to pray. Pick simple clothes in which you feel comfortable, can move easily, stay cool and only focus on your ibadah (worship).

When you perform Umrah, your main goal is peace for your soul, not to look fashionable. So, when you dress properly, it helps you keep your mind on your ibadah and be respectful during your journey.