Quick Answer: For Umrah, men must wear two pieces of white seamless, unstitched cloth (the Ihram garments) and open sandals while in the state of Ihram. Women wear their normal modest Islamic clothing — any colour, covering everything except the face and hands — and must not cover their face or wear gloves while in Ihram. Both men and women must avoid perfumed or scented clothing while in Ihram. Outside of Ihram — in Madinah and during free time in Makkah — men and women wear normal modest clothing appropriate for a place of worship. There is no single prescribed colour or style for women; modesty, loose fit, and breathable fabric are the practical requirements.
Clothing for Umrah is one of the most searched topics by first-time pilgrims — and one where confusion is common. The rules are specific for the Ihram state, and different for men and women. Outside of Ihram, the requirements are more flexible but still governed by the context of visiting Islam’s holiest sites.
This guide covers everything: the Ihram rules in full, what women wear and why there are common misconceptions, what to wear in Madinah, seasonal clothing considerations for UAE pilgrims travelling in different months, and the specific mistakes to avoid that can cause practical problems or violate Ihram prohibitions.
The Two Clothing Contexts of Umrah
Umrah clothing divides into two distinct contexts that have different rules and requirements:
- While in Ihram — from the moment you make your Niyyah at the Miqat until you complete Halq or Taqsir after Sa’i. Specific, mandatory rules apply.
- Outside of Ihram — in Madinah, in your hotel, during free time in Makkah after completing Umrah, and during travel. Normal modest Islamic clothing applies.
Understanding which context applies at each stage of the journey eliminates most of the confusion around Umrah clothing.
Men’s Clothing: The Ihram Garments
The Ihram garments for men are among the most distinctive and symbolically powerful aspects of the pilgrimage. Every male pilgrim — regardless of nationality, wealth, or status — wears the same two white cloths. A king and a day labourer stand at the Kaaba in identical clothing. This equality is deliberate and profound.
The Two Pieces
- The Izar — the lower cloth, wrapped around the waist and secured to cover from the navel to below the knee. Ideally it should cover to mid-calf or ankle. Secured with an Ihram belt, safety pins, or tucking.
- The Rida — the upper cloth, draped over both shoulders and the chest. During Tawaf specifically, the Rida is worn in the Idtiba’ position — passed under the right arm and over the left shoulder, leaving the right shoulder exposed. After Tawaf, the Rida returns to covering both shoulders.
The Rules: What Men Must NOT Wear in Ihram
| Prohibited Item | Rule | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Stitched or sewn garments | No trousers, shirts, underwear, or stitched robes of any kind while in Ihram | The two unsewn Ihram cloths only |
| Underwear | Not permitted under the Izar | None — the Izar is worn directly |
| Closed shoes or shoes covering the ankle and top of foot | Shoes must not cover the top of the foot or the ankle joint | Open sandals with exposed top of foot |
| Head covering that sits on the head | Nothing that directly touches or sits on the head — no kufi, cap, hat, or turban | An umbrella held above the head is permissible for shade |
| Perfumed or scented clothing | No scent on the body or clothing while in Ihram — applies to all garments | Wash clothing before Ihram if it has been perfumed |
| Gloves | Not permitted for men in Ihram | None needed |
Ihram Fabric: What Works Best
Ihram cloth comes in several fabric options. The right choice depends on the season you are travelling:
- Terry cloth (cotton loop fabric): The most popular and widely used. Soft, absorbent, and stays in place well. Best for cooler to moderate temperatures (October to March). Can feel heavy in summer heat.
- Lightweight cotton: Better for summer travel. Thinner and cooler than terry cloth, though slightly harder to keep secured. Works well in June to September.
- Micro-terry or performance fabric: A newer option combining lightweight construction with the texture of terry cloth. Increasingly popular with pilgrims who want the classic feel without the weight.
Bring two sets minimum. Ihram cloth needs to be washed during a longer stay, and having a backup set means you are never without clean Ihram if you intend to perform a second Umrah or simply need to change after a long day of worship.
Where to buy in UAE: Islamic clothing shops in Karama and Deira (Dubai), Al Wahda Street (Sharjah), and online via UAE retailers. Prices range from AED 30 for basic cotton to AED 120+ for high-quality terry cloth sets. Mid-range terry cloth sets at AED 60–90 are recommended for most pilgrims.
Sandals for Men in Ihram
The sandal requirement is specific: the top of the foot and the ankle joint must be visible and uncovered. This rules out most closed shoes and many sandal styles.
- Acceptable: Simple flip-flops (thong sandals), open-toe sandals with straps that do not cover the top of the foot, traditional Arab-style sandals (na’al)
- Not acceptable: Any sandal or shoe with a strap across the top of the foot that covers it, any sandal with an ankle strap covering the ankle joint, closed-toe shoes or trainers of any kind
Test your sandals specifically against the “top of foot visible” and “ankle joint visible” criteria before travel. Many pilgrims buy sandals they consider Ihram-appropriate only to find on the day that a strap covers the required exposed areas. When in doubt about a specific sandal style, ask a knowledgeable Islamic scholar or a well-travelled pilgrim rather than guessing.
Women’s Clothing for Umrah: What Is and Is Not Required
Women’s Umrah clothing is more flexible than men’s — but also more frequently misunderstood. The key facts:
There Is No Special Ihram Garment for Women
Women do not wear a specific Ihram garment. A woman’s Ihram is her normal modest Islamic clothing — whatever she normally wears that covers her body modestly. There is no requirement to wear white. There is no requirement to wear any particular style or cut.
What Women Must Wear in Ihram
- Clothing that covers everything except the face and hands — this is the standard requirement of modest Islamic dress (hijab) that a Muslim woman already fulfils in her daily clothing
- The clothing must be loose-fitting — tight or form-fitting clothing is not appropriate for Umrah regardless of Ihram state
- Any colour is acceptable — white, black, navy, grey, green, or any other modest colour
What Women Must NOT Do in Ihram
| Prohibited Action | Rule | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cover the face with a niqab or face veil | Women must NOT cover the face while in the state of Ihram | This applies specifically during Ihram — outside of Ihram, a woman may wear niqab as normal according to her usual practice |
| Wear gloves | Gloves are not permitted while in Ihram | If a woman normally wears gloves for modesty, she does not wear them in the Ihram state |
| Use perfumed or scented products | No scented clothing, perfume, or scented toiletries while in Ihram | Switch to unscented soap, shampoo, and deodorant for the Ihram period |
| Cut hair or nails | Prohibited for both men and women in Ihram | Attend to nails and unwanted hair before entering Ihram |
The face-uncovering requirement during Ihram is one of the most commonly misunderstood aspects of women’s Umrah clothing, particularly for women who normally wear niqab. The scholarly consensus is clear on this: the face must remain uncovered while in the state of Ihram. A woman who normally wears niqab will leave her face uncovered during the Ihram period of Umrah, and may return to wearing niqab after exiting Ihram following Halq or Taqsir.
Practical Clothing Recommendations for Women
Keeping the requirements in mind, here is what works practically for women performing Umrah from the UAE:
- Loose abaya or full-length modest sets: 4–5 sets for a 7-night trip. Light, breathable fabric — the Haram is air-conditioned but outdoor walking generates heat. Bring sets in modest colours you are comfortable wearing.
- Hijab scarves: 5–6 scarves. Lightweight and breathable. Pinned styles stay in place better during the active movement of Tawaf and Sa’i. Take more than you think you will need — they get damp from exertion and need changing.
- Underscarf / hijab cap: 3–4. Keeps the hijab secure during extended periods of walking and worship.
- Lightweight inner layer: A cotton inner layer under the abaya helps with comfort during long hours in the Haram, particularly when moving between the cold air conditioning inside and the outdoor heat.
- Jacket or cardigan: The Haram is cold inside due to air conditioning. A lightweight, modest jacket or cardigan is essential for extended time inside the mosque, particularly for night prayers.
Footwear for Umrah: Men and Women
Footwear is the most practically important clothing decision for Umrah, and the one where poor preparation causes the most problems. Umrah involves walking 3–6 kilometres daily on marble floors — more during Ramadan or for pilgrims who perform multiple Umrahs or frequent voluntary Tawaf.
Men’s Footwear
- Ihram sandals: Must meet the “top of foot and ankle exposed” requirement (see above). Bring these in your carry-on — you may need to change into them during the flight when the Miqat boundary is announced.
- Walking shoes: For Madinah and time outside of Ihram in Makkah. Comfortable, broken-in trainers or walking shoes. Do not bring new shoes — breaking in shoes on marble floors during Umrah causes severe blisters.
- Slip-on sandals: Practical for hotel use and the frequent removal of shoes at the Haram entrance.
Women’s Footwear
- Flat, comfortable shoes: Heels are completely impractical for Umrah. Any form of raised heel — even a small wedge — creates pain and instability on marble floors during extended walking. Choose flat shoes you have fully broken in before travel.
- Slip-on flats or sandals: Practical for entering and exiting the Haram, which requires removing and replacing shoes multiple times per day.
- Indoor slip-ons: For inside the hotel and hotel-adjacent areas where outdoor shoes are removed.
The blister problem: Blisters from new or uncomfortable shoes are among the most common physical complaints from Umrah pilgrims. They turn walking to the Haram into a painful ordeal and can force a pilgrim to miss prayers. Break in your footwear thoroughly at home — walk in your Umrah shoes for at least 2 weeks before travel before committing to them as your Umrah footwear.
Clothing for Madinah
Madinah is not a place where Ihram is required — you are not in a state of Ihram in Madinah unless you have entered Ihram there to travel to Makkah for Umrah (Madinah first itinerary). Normal modest Islamic clothing applies throughout the Madinah portion of the trip for both men and women.
- Men: Thobes, loose trousers and shirts, or other modest clothing. Kufi is appropriate for prayers in Masjid an-Nabawi. Perfume and cologne are permitted in Madinah.
- Women: Abaya or full-length modest clothing, hijab, and any colour or style consistent with modest dress. Women who wear niqab may wear it normally in Madinah. Modest perfume is permitted.
- Both men and women should dress respectfully throughout Madinah — not just inside Masjid an-Nabawi. The entire city is a spiritually significant environment and modest dress is expected and appropriate throughout.
Seasonal Clothing Considerations for UAE Pilgrims
Makkah and Madinah have distinct seasonal climates that should influence what you pack. UAE residents are acclimatised to heat but may underestimate how the combination of physical exertion, fasting (in Ramadan), and marble-reflected heat affects clothing requirements.
| Season | Makkah Temperature | Clothing Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | 38–46°C outdoor | Maximum breathability — lightest possible fabrics, light colours. Cooling layers for inside the air-conditioned Haram. |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | 20–35°C | Moderate layers. Light jacket or cardigan for cool mornings and evenings and for the Haram interior. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 15–25°C outdoor; cold inside Haram | Warm layer essential — the Haram air conditioning combined with outdoor cool temperatures means a fleece or warm cardigan is needed. Thermals useful for very early morning prayers. |
| Spring (Mar–May) | 25–38°C | Layering system — mornings cool, afternoons hot. Light outer layer for morning prayers. |
The Haram is heavily air-conditioned year-round. Even in summer, the interior is cold enough to require a light layer for extended periods inside. Many first-time pilgrims are surprised by this — they pack for the outdoor heat and are unprepared for the cold inside the mosque during long Tarawih prayers or extended Tawaf sessions.
Common Clothing Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing stitched underwear under the Izar (men): The Izar is worn without underwear. Many first-timers put on underwear out of habit without realising it violates the Ihram prohibition on stitched garments.
- Women wearing niqab during Ihram: The face must be uncovered during the Ihram state. This is a clear scholarly ruling that is sometimes overlooked by women who have never performed Umrah before.
- Packing fashion-oriented clothing for Umrah: Tight jeans, fitted tops, or clothing chosen for style rather than modesty and practicality is out of place and physically inappropriate for the demands of the trip.
- Wearing new shoes for the first time: Always break shoes in thoroughly before travel. Blisters during Umrah are a serious practical problem.
- Forgetting the Haram is cold: A light layer for inside the mosque is not optional — it is needed year-round.
- Applying perfume to Ihram cloth: Applying scent to the Ihram garments (rather than just to the body before Ihram) is a more serious violation than applying it to the body post-Ihram. Wash Ihram cloth before each use if it has acquired any scent.
- Not packing enough hijab scarves (women): Five or six scarves minimum for a 7-night trip. They get damp, crumpled, and need changing after extended wear. Running out of clean hijab in Makkah is an avoidable problem.
Quick Reference: Clothing Summary
| Item | Men in Ihram | Men Outside Ihram | Women in Ihram | Women Outside Ihram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper body | Rida (unsewn white cloth) | Thobe or modest shirt | Loose modest clothing any colour | Loose modest clothing any colour |
| Lower body | Izar (unsewn white cloth) | Loose trousers or thobe | Full-length coverage | Full-length coverage |
| Head | Uncovered (nothing sitting on head) | Kufi recommended for prayer | Hijab (face uncovered) | Hijab (niqab permitted) |
| Face | Uncovered | Uncovered | Must remain uncovered | Personal practice |
| Hands | Uncovered; no gloves | Normal | Uncovered; no gloves | Normal |
| Feet | Open sandals; top of foot and ankle exposed | Any comfortable footwear | Flat comfortable footwear | Flat comfortable footwear |
| Perfume | Not permitted | Permitted | Not permitted | Permitted |
For the full packing list — covering clothing, documents, medications, and everything else you need for Umrah from the UAE — see our complete Umrah packing list for UAE pilgrims. For the step-by-step ritual walkthrough including guidance on entering Ihram correctly, see our guide on how to perform Umrah step by step.
FAQs
What do women wear for Umrah?
Women wear their normal modest Islamic clothing for Umrah — there is no special Ihram garment required. Clothing must cover everything except the face and hands, be loose-fitting, and be free of perfume or scent while in the state of Ihram. Any colour is acceptable. The face must remain uncovered during Ihram — women who normally wear niqab do not wear it while in the state of Ihram and may resume wearing it after completing Umrah and exiting Ihram. Practical recommendations include 4 to 5 loose abaya sets or full-length modest sets, multiple lightweight hijab scarves, flat comfortable shoes broken in before travel, and a light jacket or cardigan for the cold interior of the Haram.
Can women wear black abaya for Umrah?
Yes. There is no colour requirement for women’s Umrah clothing. Black abaya, white, any shade of navy, grey, green, brown — all are acceptable. The requirement is that clothing be modest, loose-fitting, and free of perfume while in Ihram. Many women choose black abaya because it is what they wear daily; others prefer lighter colours for the heat of Makkah. Either choice is entirely valid from a religious and practical perspective. The only colour-specific rule in Umrah clothing is that men’s Ihram cloth must be white.
Do men have to wear white for Umrah?
Yes — but only for the Ihram garments, and only while in the state of Ihram. The two Ihram cloths (the Izar and the Rida) must be white and unstitched. This is the specific requirement for men in Ihram. Outside of Ihram — in Madinah and after completing the Umrah rituals — men may wear any modest clothing in any colour. Most men wear white or light-coloured thobes for the rest of the trip as a matter of tradition and preference, but there is no religious requirement to do so outside of the Ihram state.
What sandals are allowed for Umrah (men)?
Men’s Ihram sandals must leave the top of the foot and the ankle joint exposed and uncovered. Simple flip-flops (thong sandals), open-toe sandals without straps across the top of the foot, and traditional Arab-style open sandals (na’al) all meet this requirement. Sandals with straps crossing the top of the foot, closed-toe shoes of any kind, or shoes covering the ankle are not permitted while in Ihram. Test any sandal you plan to use against the “top of foot visible, ankle visible” criteria specifically before travel. After exiting Ihram, men may wear any comfortable footwear.
Can women wear perfume to Umrah?
Perfume and scented products are not permitted while in the state of Ihram — this applies equally to men and women. This includes perfume, scented soap, scented shampoo, scented deodorant, and perfumed lotions applied to the body or clothing. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) applied perfume to his body before entering Ihram — this is Sunnah and is permitted. Once in Ihram, scent is prohibited. After completing Umrah and exiting Ihram through Halq or Taqsir, women (and men) may use perfume normally. In Madinah, where Ihram is not required, perfume is fully permitted.
What should I wear in Madinah during Umrah?
Madinah does not require Ihram unless you are entering Ihram there to travel to Makkah for Umrah. For the Madinah portion of your trip, normal modest Islamic dress applies for both men and women. Men typically wear a thobe or modest trousers and shirt; a kufi or head covering is recommended for prayers in Masjid an-Nabawi. Women wear their normal modest clothing including hijab — women who normally wear niqab may wear it in Madinah. Modest perfume is permitted in Madinah. Clothing should be respectful and appropriate for being in proximity to one of Islam’s holiest sites throughout your time in the city.
How many sets of clothing should I pack for a 7-night Umrah?
For a 7-night Umrah from the UAE, a practical clothing pack includes: for men, 2 sets of Ihram cloth, 3 to 4 thobes or modest outfits for Madinah and post-Ihram Makkah time, comfortable walking shoes fully broken in, Ihram sandals, and a light jacket for the cold Haram interior. For women, 4 to 5 loose modest sets or abayas, 5 to 6 lightweight hijab scarves, 3 to 4 underscarves, flat comfortable shoes broken in before travel, and a light jacket or cardigan. Both men and women should pack unscented toiletries for use during the Ihram period and their normal toiletries for the rest of the trip. For the full comprehensive packing list, see the Umrah packing list guide linked at the bottom of this post.
Note on Religious Guidance: The clothing rules described in this post reflect the understanding of the majority of scholars on Ihram requirements. Minor differences of opinion exist on certain details — for example, on specific sandal requirements and women’s clothing colours. This guide provides general practical guidance. If you have a specific question about whether a particular item of clothing is permitted in Ihram, consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar before travel.