You will find local Bangladesh clothing for women explained, packing suggestions, and where to shop once you land in Bangladesh.

This guide is focused on foreigners looking to travel Bangladesh and wondering what to wear as a woman in Bangladesh. And is written by a woman who has travelled Bangladesh multiple times!

So, it’s written for a foreign audience and also by one. For me, my focus is blending in as much as possible, always voting to be over-cautious than under.

So, I have also written this guide to what to wear in Bangladesh as a woman accordingly.

Let’s get stuck in, ladies!

Quick answer: What to wear in Bangladesh as a woman

A quick packing list for the suggestions below...

• Clothing covering the shoulders, chest, and knees
• Salwar kameez
• Sari
• Breathable cotton/linen fabrics
• Light scarf for all occasions
• Loose, modest layers that cover shoulders, chest and knees are the safest everyday choice. A light scarf is useful for coverage and for visiting mosques.
• Salwar kameez (long tunic, loose trousers, matching scarf) is the easiest local outfit for comfort, heat and blending in. Saris are common for many women too.
• Fabrics: breathable cotton and linen most of the year.
  Add a light jumper or jacket for the cool, dry winter months. Bangladesh has four weather seasons: pre-monsoon Mar–May, monsoon Jun–Sep, post-monsoon Oct–Nov, winter Dec–Feb.

Note, for religious sites you should; cover hair, arms and legs; carry a scarf; remove shoes.

Understand local dress expectations

Everyday norms in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is welcoming, yet conservative in dress.

Modest clothing is recommended in public places, especially outside upscale or expat-heavy pockets like more rural areas. So, when considering what to wear in Bangladesh as a woman, modesty and conservatism are two key words.

That being said, modesty stretches generally only as far as what is covered and doesn’t extend to dull colours, too. You will find many bright colours and patterns used by locals. No need to look for dark or dull coloured dresses and headscarves.

In cities vs. small towns in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Chattogram, Sylhet

You will see everything from Western long trousers with loose tops to salwar kameez and saris. Keep shoulders and knees covered and choose looser cuts for comfort in the heat.

Smaller towns and rural areas

Expect more conservative dress around markets and villages. A tunic with loose trousers and a scarf will feel appropriate almost everywhere.

Religious sites and shrines

Women should bring a scarf to cover hair and ensure arms and legs are not exposed when entering mosques. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome at many sites if dressed respectfully, and shoes are removed before entry.

The climate: What to Wear in Bangladesh in Each Season

Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate with four seasons

• Pre-monsoon (Mar–May)

Hot and humid. Choose light, breathable fabrics, airy cuts, and sweat-friendly layers.

• Monsoon (Jun–Sep)

Humid and rainy. Pack quick-dry outfits, a light rain jacket, and sandals that won’t slip.

• Post-monsoon (Oct–Nov)

Warm days, quieter rains; stick with cottons and linens.

• Winter (Dec–Feb)

Cooler and dry; mornings and evenings can feel crisp. Add a cardigan or light jacket over your usual modest layers.

What local women wear: a quick decode of local Bangladeshi dress

Salwar kameez (shalwar kameez)

A long tunic (kameez) over loose trousers (salwar) with a scarf (dupatta/orna).

It is widely worn by women across South Asia and is the most practical set-up for heat, movement, and modesty in Bangladesh.

Dupatta / orna

A long scarf worn with salwar kameez or over a sari blouse. It is handy for coverage in crowded spaces and essential when entering mosques. In Bangla, many people say orna.

Sari (sharee)

A classic draped garment.

You will see elegant cotton jamdani and other regional weaves, especially at celebrations.

What to wear and where

Generally speaking, a rule I follow regardless of where I am is to carry a scarf or extra covering with me.

It is best to always carry around a shawl or scarf you can wrap around your head or use for extra covering at any times.

You may feel more comfortable if you wish to blend in more especially at certain more crowded places.

I’ve constantly felt very safe as a woman in Bangladesh, but the attention you receive from locals can be overwhelming. Sometimes a headscarf is useful for a bit of privacy - and trying to navigate a busy marketplace in peace.

Dhaka

Daytime exploring: loose trousers or long skirt, breathable top with sleeves, scarf in your bag.

Work or meetings: smart salwar kameez or tailored trousers with a long shirt; closed shoes look polished.

Shopping in places like Bashundhara City or New Market: comfortable shoes and a cross-body bag work well.

Old Dhaka and busy markets

Dress on the more conservative side to manage crowds comfortably. Long sleeves, longer hems, and a scarf.

Cox’s Bazar and the coast

Public beaches are conservative.

There is no formal ban on swimwear, yet bikinis will draw attention.

i.e, don’t do it. You will stick out. It is inappropriate.

Many visitors opt for leggings or swim tights with a long tunic or rash-guard, then cover up fully when walking the promenade. Seek a private hotel pool for a more relaxed feel rather than public beaches. But even then, you won’t see any locals in a bikini at the hotel pool and you will certainly stick out here, too.

Basically, if you’re looking to get a good tan, Bangladesh isn’t it. Despite it being home to the world’s longest beach.

The Sundarbans

Heat, sun and insects are the challenge.

Wear long, breathable sleeves, light trousers, a hat, and pack socks for temple or home visits where shoes come off.

Sylhet tea gardens and rural stays

Choose loose layers and comfortable walking shoes. A scarf is handy for sun and modesty when meeting families.

Chittagong Hill Tracts

Communities are traditional.

Keep clothing modest, ask before photographing people, and follow local guidance from your host or guide.

Visiting mosques in Bangladesh: A Simple Checklist

Bring a scarf to cover your hair.

Although any colour is generally acceptable, darker or patterned fabrics handle dust and city grime much better. Avoid thin, see-through materials for comfort and modesty.

What to pack for Bangladesh as a Woman: Packing List

The below largely depends on how much time you’ll be spending in Bangladesh as well as where you’ll be going, what activities you plan etc.

But it’s a good start and a good overview to help you plan what to wear in Bangladesh as a woman.

Core outfits

• 2–3 salwar kameez sets or long tunics with loose trousers. You can also buy sets locally. (A great option to support local economy!)
• 1–2 maxi dresses with sleeves, worn over leggings.
• 2–3 light scarves (orna/dupatta style) for coverage and mosques.

Layers and footwear

• Light cardigan or jacket for winter evenings.
• Comfortable trainers or walking shoes. Grippy sandals for monsoon.
• Socks for mosque floors.

Beach and boats

• Rash-guard or long-sleeve swim top / swim leggings or opaque leggings / quick-dry cover-up.
• Practical extras
• Compact umbrella/rain jacket in monsoon.
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen.
• Light sleepwear suitable for guesthouses with shared spaces.

Where to buy clothing once you arrive

• Aarong - The best one-stop for quality salwar kameez, saris, and scarves in many sizes and styles. There is a large multi-floor flagship in Bashundhara City as well as other branches.
• Jatra - Colourful, hand-woven garments and artisan crafts with an ethical focus; easy place to pick up a breathable tunic or scarf.
• Aranya - Natural-dyed textiles and elegant saris, including jamdani pieces.
• New Market, Dhaka - Huge, budget-friendly market where you can bargain for everyday clothes and have simple items altered.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear Western clothes in Bangladesh?

Yes, if they are modest. Long trousers or a long skirt with a loose, non-transparent top and a scarf will feel appropriate in most settings. Official guidance asks visitors to dress modestly and respect local customs.

Do I have to cover my hair?

Only for mosques and some religious spaces. A scarf is usually enough.

Is a bikini acceptable on the beach?

There is no clear legal restriction, but public beaches are conservative and swimwear often attracts attention. Ideally you’d wear a rash-guard and leggings or swim tights, and cover up fully when off the sand. Private hotel pools are more relaxed.

Go to any beach and you’ll see what I mean. Everyone is completely covered up.

What do local women usually wear?

Salwar kameez is widely worn in daily life. Saris remain common, especially for occasions. The dupatta or orna is a versatile scarf used for modesty and comfort.

Koryo Tours
Bangladesh Travel Guide