One of the things travellers to Afghanistan worry about the most is clothing.

What should you wear in Afghanistan? And, more specifically, what should you wear in Afghanistan as a woman?

Well, you’re right to be taking this topic seriously. Because it really does matter what you wear in Afghanistan.

And not just what you wear in Afghanistan but what you wear in the different areas in Afghanistan.

In this guide we go over what to wear in Afghanistan as a woman across the different provinces in Afghanistan, as well as an explainer about what each item of clothing is. You might have heard lots of words floating around. Here, we try to explain all of that!

This Afghanistan clothing guide was put together with the help of local Afghan women as well as foreign travellers to Afghanistan. The ultimate guide for what to wear in Afghanistan!

Note: this guide adopts an approach that doesn’t just do the bare minimum in terms of what you should wear in Afghanistan, but seeks to respect local culture.

At the same time, it is written by someone who is not muslim and therefore understands the cultural crossovers. We try to combine culture with comfort.

First top tip: YES, you do have to wear something underneath your abaya.

Even in 40+ degree heat, your legs or wrists shouldn’t be showing; leggings at least are needed.

Clothing in Afghanistan - An Overview (Men & Women)
Quick Answer: Women’s Clothing in Afghanistan
Understanding Dress Expectations
Climate and Seasonal Clothing
What Afghan Women Wear
Regional Clothing Advice
Packing List for Women Travelling to Afghanistan
Where to Buy Clothing in Afghanistan
Final Tips for Dressing in Afghanistan
What to Wear in Afghanistan FAQs

Clothing in Afghanistan - An Overview (Men & Women)

The country is deeply conservative, and what you wear affects not just your comfort but also your safety and the respect you receive.

Clothing truly plays a big role in how women are perceived.

Indeed, clothing in Afghanistan is important for both men and women. Firstly it acts as a signifier of identity - as you will see different ethnicities/tribes wearing very different clothing. For both men and women.

For example, Hazara men will wear flat caps whilst Pashto men will wear colourful beaded round caps. Traditionally, Hazara women wear colourful dress, although this is changing recently, and Tajik women in Herat wear a covering called a Chador, similar to how you might see in Iran. Of course, these are just a few examples.

Clothing and dress in Afghanistan varies wildly depending where you are and who you are.

For men, generally you can get away with wearing the same thing everywhere. Indeed, you’ll blend in pretty easily and it just depends on the weather of where you’ll be visiting as to how you might wish to dress.

As a man, your first stop in Afghanistan should be the local tailors. You can pick yourself up local attire for 20-30$ USD. Get yourself measured at the tailor’s then pick it up the next day.

The local Afghan dress for men consists of a long tunic and very (very) very baggy pants. These pants are tied with a string. Don’t be alarmed!

The colours vary but generally are different shades of brown, blue, green, or grey.

If you are wondering what to wear in Afghanistan as a woman, this guide explains everything: what to wear in cities and rural areas, how to dress for mosques, what to expect in different seasons, and how to blend modesty with practicality.

Quick Answer: Women’s Clothing in Afghanistan

1. Full coverage is essential.

Long sleeves, full-length trousers or skirts, and high necklines.

2. Headscarf required everywhere.

Women must cover their hair in public.

3. Long coats or abayas.

The most practical option for blending in.

4. Seasonal layers.

Lightweight cottons in summer, thick coats and shawls in winter.

Understanding Dress Expectations

Afghanistan remains one of the most conservative countries in the world when it comes to women’s clothing. For local women, requirements vary depending on the area and the group in control, but for foreign travellers, the safest approach is to dress with maximum modesty.

• Abaya = a long loose dress covering down past ankles and to wrists. There are various kinds of abayas, some are a full length complete dress (found commonly in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Syria) and others are open at the front and button up (found commonly in the gulf regions such as UAE and Qatar). The most common ones in Afghanistan are the full dresses.
• Chador = A long large bit of fabric that covers your head as well as your body. Hands and arms are wrapped inside. Often worn in Iraq. Women often dress normally underneath then put it on to go out.
• Hijab = A headscarf.
• Niqab = A face covering with an opening for eyes. Attached onto a hijab.
• Burqa = A large piece of material providing the most intense coverage. Often blue, sometimes white. Allows only for a small mesh for the eyes to see through. Covers from the head down to the toes. Often combined with gloves and socks so no skin is showing.

Abaya and hijab are two essentials for Afghanistan. Wearing a niqab is never an essential, and you do not have to wear a burqa.

In Cities (Kabul, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif)

You will see a mixture of styles depending on the neighbourhood. Some women wear a hijab with a long coat, while others wear a blue burqa. As a foreign visitor, you do not need to wear a burqa unless required by a host, but it is wise to wear the following.

• A long, loose coat or abaya reaching mid-calf or lower.
• A scarf covering all hair (darker, plain colours draw less attention).
• Loose trousers or a long skirt underneath.

In Rural Villages

Conservatism is even stronger in rural areas. Here, most women wear full burqas. As a traveller, you should prepare for stricter expectations.

A long, dark abaya or coat with a secure headscarf.

In some cases, wearing a burqa provided by your guide or host may be necessary to avoid attention.

Avoid colourful, tight, or eye-catching outfits.

Religious and Cultural Sites

When visiting mosques, shrines, or cultural centres.

• Cover hair fully and ensure no neck or chest is exposed.
• Wear long sleeves and floor-length garments.
• Bring socks, as shoes are removed at mosque entrances.

In Shi’a shrines (such as in Mazar-e-Sharif), women are often expected to wear black chadors provided at the entrance.

Climate and Seasonal Clothing

Afghanistan’s geography creates very sharp seasonal contrasts, so clothing must match the season.

Indeed, you could visit Afghanistan in the summer and still need to watch out for season changes depending on where you visit.

For example, in August in Kandahar it may be 40+ degrees, but at the same time in Bamiyan it may get down to 10 degrees or lower at night.

Generally speaking, for the main provinces;

• Kandahar and Mazar are the hottest areas (40+ in summer)..
• Kabul at 1,800m (5,900ft) altitude is a bit cooler but still very warm (35+) in summer, although it cools at night.
• Herat is also fairly warm in summer, warmer than Kabul but not as warm as Mazar or Kandahar.
• Bamiyan is much cooler, as it reaches altitudes of 3000-4000m. It gets very cool at night even in summer. In the daytime, it may still get up to 25+ degrees.

So, layers are essential when visiting Afghanistan.

Spring in Afghanistan (Mar–May)

Warm days, cool nights. Light cottons with a shawl or cardigan.

Summer in Afghanistan (Jun–Aug)

Extremely hot in cities like Kabul and Kandahar. Choose breathable fabrics, but always keep covered. Loose cotton trousers and lightweight abayas are best.

Autumn in Afghanistan (Sep–Nov)

Mild and comfortable, good for layered dressing.

Winter in Afghanistan (Dec–Feb)

Bitterly cold, especially in Kabul and the north. Bring a thick coat, warm scarf, gloves, and boots. Women often wear woollen shawls over their regular clothing.

What Afghan Women Wear

• Burqa (chadari). A long garment covering the whole body, often blue, with a mesh screen over the eyes. Still common in rural areas.
• Hijab with long coat. In cities, many women wear jeans or trousers under a long coat, with a headscarf.
• Chador. A large black or white patterned cloth that covers head to toe, often worn at Shi’a shrines.
• Traditional dresses. Colourful dresses with embroidered bodices are worn at weddings and festivals but always paired with full coverage.

Regional Clothing Advice

Kabul

More variation in style, but modesty is essential. A long coat with scarf is the safest option.

Herat

Known for its artistic culture, and generally quite liberal. You will find a big variation in how the local women dress here. They often dress in chador, or in a long skirt and shirt with loose-fitting layers.

Mazar-e-Sharif

More strict than Herat and Kabul. Recommend to wear darker more conservative clothing and make sure your hijab is on correctly.

At the Blue Mosque, strict dress codes apply. Women must be fully covered, and black chadors are often required inside the shrine.

Bamiyan

Though slightly more relaxed due to tourism history, you should still wear full coverage. Rural Bamiyan is more conservative.

Feel free to be a bit more relaxed here and take it as a chance to dress in the beautiful local clothing of Bamiyan.

Kandahar

Very traditional. Women usually wear burqas, and as a foreigner you should dress with extreme modesty. We recommend a black abaya and black headscarf, and wearing a black face mask (or niqab face covering).

Packing List for Women Travelling to Afghanistan

Essential Clothing

• 2–3 long, loose coats or abayas (dark colours).
• 3–4 scarves to cover hair (plain cotton is practical).
• Loose trousers or maxi skirts for underneath, or leggings if you’re wearing abayas.
• Long-sleeved tunics for layering.

Seasonal Extras

• Summer: lightweight cotton abaya, breathable fabrics, sun hat for private use.
• Winter: thick coat, woollen shawl, gloves, warm socks, boots.

Religious Visits

• Large black scarf or chador for shrines. (Optional)
• Socks for mosque floors.

Where to Buy Clothing in Afghanistan

Local markets in Kabul

You can find scarves, long coats, and abayas at affordable prices.

Bamiyan bazaars

Bamiyan is home to beautiful typical Hazara style dresses which certainly make a beautiful souvenir.

Furthermore, there is a great women’s craft market in Bamiyan. A great opportunity for you to support local women!

These dresses are perfect to wear to Band-e-amir. There are also some market stalls in band-e-amir selling these dresses.

Herat bazaars

Known for embroidered textiles, good for long dresses and scarves.

Mazar-e-Sharif markets

Traditional dresses and black chadors near the shrine.

Final Tips for Dressing in Afghanistan

Always keep your headscarf on in public, even in cars.

Wear loose, dark clothing to blend in and avoid attention.

Pack layers. Afghanistan’s climate changes quickly between day and night. City to city.

When in doubt, follow your guide’s advice and dress more conservatively than less.

What to Wear in Afghanistan FAQs

Should I wear something underneath my abaya?

Yes. Absolutely.

What should I wear underneath my abaya?

Depending on the climate you could wear leggings and a long-sleeve top. If it is hot, make sure to wear sporty or breathable materials. If it is cold you can do many layers both underneath and on top of your abaya.

Do I have to cover up?

Yes. It is mandatory to wear a hijab (headscarf) in Afghanistan as a woman and to dress conservatively. This means all skin down to ankles and wrists covered, hair covered, and loose clothing - at the bare minimum.

Do I have to wear a burqa?

No,

Do all local women wear a burqa?

No. Indeed, most women do not wear a burqa unless you are in Kandahar.

Do I have to cover my face?

No, it is not mandatory to cover your face. However, it is recommended in Kandahar to wear a black face mask as a face covering. You will notice most women do this and you will be able to blend in more.

Koryo Tours
Afghanistan Travel Guide