Thinking about travelling to Iraq and not sure what to wear as a woman?

Iraq is a country with incredible history and culture, but also with diverse religious and social traditions. Clothing is one of the first things you will notice when travelling here.

Well, there’s no simple answer for this since Iraq is big. It’s diverse. And its climate changes a lot, too.

Plus, for women, dressing appropriately in Iraq is essential. Not just for cultural respect but also for comfort and safety.

But don’t worry - there are some simple rules you can follow so you never get it wrong no matter where you are, and we’ll also break it down for you in this clothing in Iraq guide.

If you are wondering what to wear in Iraq as a woman, this guide explains everything: what to pack for Baghdad and Basra, how to dress in Kurdistan, what is expected at mosques and shrines, and how to adapt to different climates across the country.

As always, I’m writing from the perspective of a non-muslim foreign tourist, and for such an audience. What’s written in this guide is based on my own experiences of multiple trips to Iraq as well as information and research from other travellers and resources.

Quick Answer - Women’s Clothing in Iraq
Understanding Dress Expectations in Iraq
What Should I Wear as a Woman to Religious Sites in Iraq
Seasonal Women’s Clothing in Iraq
What Local Iraqi Women Wear
What to Pack for Iraq
Seasonal Women’s Clothing in Iraq

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Quick Answer - Women’s Clothing in Iraq

I did mention that there’s no quick answer when it comes to what you should wear as a woman in Iraq but in reality, there are some general rules you can follow.

Top tip: Always carry a scarf!

• Modest, loose outfits covering arms, legs, and chest.
• Headscarf required at religious sites and shrines, optional in some secular areas, recommended in some of Iraq.
• Trousers, maxi skirts, and tunics are safe everyday choices.
• Abaya or long coat is often required in Najaf, Karbala, and other religious centres.
• Seasonal fabrics: breathable cottons for summer, warm coats and shawls for winter.

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Understanding Dress Expectations in Iraq

Iraq is not uniform in its dress codes.

What is expected in Baghdad may differ from what you’ll find in Erbil or Karbala. So, we take a look at each area individually.

Generally speaking, long sleeves and long trousers, as well as using baggy non-see-through material, and not too wildly patterned or coloured clothing will help you to blend it.

You can never go wrong with layers, and bringing a headscarf or shawl wherever you go is handy for covering hair or arms when needed.

Baghdad

In the capital it is a bit more liberal as in most big cities. You can get away with shorter sleeves or more casual clothing but if you can cover up more modestly, that’s best!

• Loose trousers or long skirts.
• Tunic tops with long sleeves.
• A scarf for hair, even if not always required, to avoid unwanted attention.

Basra

It is quite conservative here in Basra. Most local women wear long dresses, abayas, or jeans with long tunics and a hijab.

Foreigners don’t need to wear a hijab - it’s certainly not expected. But will help not to draw attention if you do.

• Loose trousers or long skirts.
• Tunic tops with long sleeves.
• A scarf for hair, even if not always required, to avoid unwanted attention.

Najaf and Karbala (Shia holy cities)

Dress codes are strict in Iraq’s most important religious centres. When around the city, it is best to dress more conservatively but no special clothing like abaya is needed. However, if you wish to go into the mosques or shrines area then you must wear a full abaya and head scarf.

The authorities are very strict here and will tell you if you are not wearing something correctly, and either send you away or lend you clothing to borrow.

In the religious areas, you must wear…

• Full black abaya (cloak) that covers arms and legs completely (or chador available for borrowing).
• Headscarf covering all hair.
• In some shrines, additional coverings may be provided at the entrance.

Iraqi Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Dohuk)

Kurdistan is noticeably more relaxed. In Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and other urban areas, you may see women in jeans and stylish tops, though still modest by Western standards.

Women travelling in Iraqi Kurdistan can wear much more liberal clothing.

You will feel comfortable in…

• Loose jeans or trousers with a long top.
• Maxi dresses with sleeves.
• Scarf optional in many urban settings, though useful for shrines and villages.
• Shorter sleeves or trousers.

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What Should I Wear as a Woman to Religious Sites in Iraq

• Mosques and shrines

Headscarves are mandatory. Full abaya or chador required in Najaf and Karbala.

• Churches and monasteries

Modest dress expected; cover shoulders and knees. A scarf is useful to carry.

• Mixed holy places

Some shrines provide black cloaks for women to wear during the visit.

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Seasonal Women’s Clothing in Iraq

• Spring (Mar–May): Mild and pleasant; light layers with a scarf.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Extremely hot, especially in Baghdad and Basra. Loose cotton, linen, and long tunics are essential, but always modest.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Warm days, cooler evenings; easy layering.
• Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold in Baghdad, wet in Basra, snowy in Kurdistan. A coat, jumper, and boots are necessary.

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What Local Iraqi Women Wear

• Hijab with jeans or trousers: Common in Baghdad and Erbil.
• Abaya: Worn widely in Najaf, Karbala, and southern Iraq.
• Chador: Used in holy shrines for extra coverage.
• No headscarf: Some women in Kurdistan and more secular parts of Baghdad go without, but foreign women usually attract less attention if they cover.

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What to Pack for Iraq

As we cover, there’s a lot of variation in what you should wear as a woman in Iraq. Aside from the area you wish to visit as well as the activities you intend to do, you should also bare in mind the climate may be very hot.

Here’s a simple Iraq packing list to cover all outcomes.

Essential Clothing

• 2–3 pairs of loose trousers or maxi skirts.
• 3–4 tunic-style tops or long-sleeved blouses.
• 1–2 scarves for hair coverage (plain and darker shades are best).
• 1 black abaya or long coat for Najaf and Karbala.

Seasonal Extras

• Summer: breathable cotton, sunglasses, lightweight scarf.
• Winter: coat, jumper, warm socks, and boots.
• Rain jacket for Basra in winter.

Religious Visits

• Socks for mosque floors.
• Large scarf or chador for shrines.

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Where to Buy Clothing in Iraq

Remember, you can also shop locally to support the economy! Many big cities have great markets and it’s a great way to explore what kind of clothing locals wear.

Pack just one or two of the basics and get the rest there, if you intend to visit often or intend to spend a lot of time there.

• Baghdad markets: Everyday abayas, scarves, and tunics at affordable prices.
• Najaf and Karbala bazaars: Black abayas and shrine-appropriate clothing.
• Erbil modern malls: Contemporary modest wear, including jeans, tunics, and fashionable hijabs.
• Mosul souks: Traditional dresses, scarves, and local fabrics.

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