What To Wear in Lahore
Pakistan is a conservative Muslim country, and there is a dress code for tourists in Pakistan that must be followed, but it does not have to be as difficult as you may think, and what to wear in Lahore will vary depending on where you are in the country, who you are with, and the activities you are participating in.
For example, when touring the historic alleyways of Lahore, you must dress differently than when trekking in the north, where life is considerably more relaxed.
Dress Code in Lahore
Two words: shalwar kameez, with the latter being essentially interchangeable with what’s known as a kurta.
Khameez: a long, flowing dress-like top that normally falls below the knees and occasionally to the ankles.
Kurta: similar to kameez, but frequently shorter and concealing your buttocks.
Shalwar: super-loose, waist-cinched trousers that billow out at the legs and then come back together at the ankles.
Dupatta: a matching long scarf that comes with a customized “three-piece suit”
As a visitor in Lahore, you can wear anything you like within reason, and you are unlikely to be ‘told off’ for not covering properly, but because it is a traditional, conservative Muslim country, it is advisable to adhere to this dress code.
Women should wear attire that covers their knees (no shorts or skirts), their stomach, and their shoulders/tops of arms (no vest tops).
Men must cover their shoulders but may wear shorts that are not too short. Tourists are not required to wear traditional Pakistani attire, and in more sophisticated cities like Islamabad and Karachi, many Pakistanis will wear Western clothing, which means you may as well; nonetheless, putting on local clothing is a good thing to do.
What to Wear in Mosques in Pakistan
Except while visiting Mosques, women in Lahore are not required to wear a headscarf. When visiting Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi, it is a good idea to bring a shawl/scarf to cover your hair visiting a mosque.
You can enter a mosque as long as you respect the Pakistani dress code, which requires women to cover their legs past their knees and their shoulders. It’s preferable if your arms are covered, but as a visitor, it doesn’t matter too much, and you may use your scarf to cover your arms if you’re wearing a T-shirt.
Men are permitted to enter a mosque wearing trousers and a T-shirt. Many local males will not be wearing trousers. As a non-Muslim visitor, you can wear trousers, yet full-length pants for males inside mosques are considered more respectable in Pakistan.
What do women wear in Pakistan?
So, what do locals wear in Pakistan?
The Shalwar Kameez, a long-sleeved blouse worn with a shawl and loose slacks, is traditional Pakistani women’s apparel. It’s both modest and fashionable, and it’s ideal for hot weather.
Color, comfort, and modesty.
Traditional Pakistani women’s dress surely adds a dash of color to everyday life! It goes beyond the typical blacks, greys, and blues of Western wear, replacing them with vibrant colors and decorative elements. The Shalwar Kameez is exquisite in its whimsical expression, whether it is elaborate embroidery on the sleeve or colorful motifs that capture the eye. Not only is it visually appealing, but the lightweight material makes it ideal for warm regions.
Tips for Lahore packing list
When it comes to deciding what to dress in Lahore, it might be a bit of a struggle. On the one hand, you want to be cool in the heat. On the other hand, you should be considerate of local customs and traditions. I’ve put up a guide for anyone who is wondering how to dress in Lahore, including some suggestions on what to wear to be courteous as well as comfortable.
- Keep in mind that Pakistan is a fairly traditional country when deciding what to dress. Many outfits that expose a lot of flesh, such as short tops, short skirts, and tight garments, should be avoided.
- Linen trousers are an absolute must-have piece for Pakistani outfits in the summer. They’re lightweight and breathable, so you’ll be comfortable all day while yet complying with traditional dress requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing what to bring for your trip to Lahore might be difficult, but keep in mind local customs. Although tourists are not expected to dress in the same manner as natives, covering up should not be difficult. Make sure your tops cover your shoulders and choose bottoms that fall below the knee – all while allowing air to flow!
Choose lighter garments and layer them with a scarf to be lovely, cool, and courteous. Put together the ideal capsule wardrobe of travel necessities, and you’ll be ready to visit Pakistan in style!
Traveling in Pakistan requires being sensitive to local customs and traditions, so anybody going should carefully consider what to dress and try for a mix of comfort and respect. As a country rich in variation, from its climate to its surroundings, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the dress code before you begin packing.
