Likely one of the first questions you will have when thinking about packing for your trip is about what to wear in Pakistan as a tourist. It is a country of huge diversity in terms of terrain and culture, and given the differences it can be difficult to know what to wear in Pakistan.
The reality is that packing, appropriate and practical dress and clothing for travel in Pakistan largely depends on where you are going and the trip you are about to embark on.
I am one of those guilty of overpacking for my first trip to Pakistan.
But fast forward to now and we’ve travelled four more times to Pakistan and I love the practicalities and the culture of dress!
Here is everything we have learnt about how to dress for style and comfort and what to wear in Pakistan as a traveller.
- Is Pakistan Conservative or Modest?
- Dress Code for Pakistan
- How Conservative Do Travellers Need To Be?
- What Do Locals Wear?
- What To Wear in Pakistan
Women
Men - Shopping for Traditional Clothes
- Travel in Pakistan
Is Pakistan Conservative or Modest?
Pakistan is a traditional, conservative Muslim country that follows the rules of modesty in Islamic culture.
Is There a Dress Code for Travellers in Pakistan?
No. There are no lawful requirements for a dress code for travellers to wear in Pakistan as such. It is not like Iran where a hijab (headscarf) is a requirement for all women.
Rather, the dress code in Pakistan follows the rules of modesty in Islamic culture that require a woman to be modestly always covered, and especially in public.
Read Our Complete (& Honest) Guide to Travel in Pakistan.
How Conservative Do Travellers Need To Be?
While there is no legal requirement for how travelers must dress, Pakistan is a traditional and conservative society. As a guest, adhering to local norms is not just a sign of respect—it also helps you navigate the country more comfortably and minimises unwanted attention.
Guidelines for Women
The majority of Pakistani women wear the Shalwar Kameez (a long tunic paired with loose trousers), ensuring they are fully covered. While you don’t necessarily have to wear local dress, your wardrobe should aim for a similar level of modesty when considering what to wear in Pakistan.
While you aren’t expected to dress exactly like a local, you should ensure your outfit covers the following:
- Legs: Wear trousers, leggings, or skirts that fall well below the knees.
- Torso: Your midriff and chest should be fully covered. Avoid low-cut tops or cropped shirts.
- Arms: Ensure your shoulders and the tops of your arms are covered. T-shirts are generally fine, but sleeveless tops or spaghetti straps are not appropriate for public wear.
- The Headscarf (Hijab): You are not required to wear a headscarf in daily life in Pakistan. However, you must cover your hair when entering a mosque or certain religious shrines, so always keep a scarf in your bag.
Guidelines for Men
Men have a bit more flexibility, but modesty still applies:
- Shoulders: Keep your shoulders covered (standard T-shirts are perfectly acceptable).
- Shorts: While men are allowed to wear shorts, they should be knee-length or longer. Very short athletic shorts may feel out of place outside of a gym or a high-end hotel pool.
What Do Locals Wear in Pakistan?
This is a good question to ask!
Pakistan is a country of diversity in terms of terrain, temperature and culture. The clothes that locals wear in Pakistan varies accordingly.
What Do Local Women Wear in Pakistan?
Most women wear traditional clothing in Pakistan. Though the style of dress that women wear in Pakistan does vary in levels of conservativity by region and culture.
The Shalwar Kameez is the most common traditional outfit worn by women. The outfits consist of loose-fitting trousers (shalwar) and a long tunic (kameez) worn with a Dupatta (scarf). Usually, these Shalwar Kameez are beautifully bright in colour!
In some regions of Pakistan, like Peshawar and Multan, women traditionally dress more conservatively. In these cities it is common to see women wearing Burqa (full-body garment) or Niqab (face veil).
What Do Local Men Wear in Pakistan?
While you will see plenty of Western-style clothing in Pakistan’s major cities, traditional attire remains the heart of men’s fashion. It is a style built for comfort, utility, and cultural pride.
The Shalwar Kameez is the ubiquitous national dress for men across Pakistan. (It has the same name as the outfit for women).
It consists of two main pieces:
- The Kameez: A long, loose-fitting tunic that typically falls to the knees.
- The Shalwar: Oversized, baggy trousers that taper at the ankles.
This combination is favored for its breathability in the intense heat and its modesty, making it suitable for everything from a day at the office to a visit to the mosque.
Iconic Headwear & Hats
Headwear in Pakistan is often a signal of a man’s regional roots or religious devotion.
You will encounter several distinct styles:
- The Pakol: A soft, round-topped wool cap with a distinctive rolled rim. It is most commonly found in the Northern regions (like Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and is famous for its warmth.
- The Topi: A simple, lightweight skullcap worn primarily for prayer.
- The Sindhi Topi: Originating from the Sindh province, this cap is easily identified by its intricate embroidery and embedded mirror work. It features a unique geometric notch in the front to allow the forehead to touch the ground during prayer.
- The Karakul & Fez: More formal, structured hats often associated with elder generations or political figures.
Regional Accessories
In the cooler climates of the North, men often layer their attire with traditional shawls. These are crafted from heavy wool or fine Pashmina and are draped over the shoulders to provide warmth against the mountain chill.
The Shalwar Kameez is also the official uniform for many Pakistani institutions, including the police and PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) pilots!
What To Wear in Pakistan as a Female Traveller?
There isn’t necessarily a ‘should’ in terms of what to wear in Pakistan.
Western clothes are fine, but you will want to cover everything except for your feet, ankles, hands, lower arms and neck.
However, from my experience travelling four times to Pakistan I can confidently my choice to wear traditional clothing in Pakistan was appreciated!
My go-to outfit in Pakistan is a Shalwar Kameez and a Dupatta (scarf), which is what most local women wear.
- The Shalwar Kameez (tunic and pants) is not just a comfortable and practical choice, but it also represents modesty and elegance.
- The Dupatta (scarf) that women wear in Pakistan is a respectful nod to modesty.
A Kurta with loose trousers (not tights) or jeans is fine too. Just make sure the Kurta or top that you choose is more conservative than modest in terms of length.
What To Wear in Pakistan as a Male Traveller?
For male travellers, the dress code in Pakistan is relatively relaxed compared to what to wear in Pakistan as a female traveller. But there are still important cultural nuances to keep in mind to ensure you feel comfortable and respectful.
As a non-Muslim tourist, you are permitted to wear shorts in most public spaces, especially in modern cities like Islamabad or Lahore.
However, there are two things to consider:
- Length Matters: If you choose to wear shorts, ensure they are at least knee-length. Very short athletic type shorts
will feelare out of place in most social settings.
While shorts are allowed, you will notice that almost all local men wear full-length trousers or a Shalwar Kameez. Choosing trousers over shorts is often seen as more respectful and will help you blend in more easily.
What About Travelling With Kids?
For travelling families, this is always an additional question after sorting plans for what to wear in Pakistan ourselves!
There aren’t any standout needs for what to wear in Pakistan for kids. But it really depends on the age of your kids:
- Girls: You will need to cover their hair with a scarf when visiting a mosque. Though this is generally from around the age of puberty.
- Boys: There is no restriction on wearing shorts though definitely boys should wear trousers when visiting a mosque.
Local kids wear a mixture of traditional and Western clothing in Pakistan.
Read Our Ultimate Guide To Travel In Pakistan With Kids.
Blending In and Dressing Modestly in Pakistan
Aside from modesty, one of the best tips for what to wear in Pakistan as a tourist, is to dress with some efforts to blending in.
Albeit we don’t exactly blend in anonymously as a travelling New Zealand family with two blonde kids(!). But the point is more about dressing with confidence that gives the impression this isn’t your first rodeo.
Efforts to Blend In
Blending in means you don’t stand out like a complete newbie and someone who can be taken advantage of.
Though Pakistan is still not exactly swarming with tourists. Dressing traditionally or with at least conscious efforts to blend in modestly is appreciated.
The Shalwar Kameez with Dupatta (scarf) serves well as a nod to modesty as well as being a comfortable option in the hot weather.
Locals wear that kind of outfit for a reason.
Plus, when in Rome do as the Romans right?
Read What To Wear in India as a Female or Male Traveller.
Buy Traditional Clothes to Wear in Pakistan
Wondering where you can buy traditional Pakistani clothes to wear for your travels?
This is my favourite part of talking about what to wear in Pakistan!
The colours of traditional Pakistani women’s Shalwar Kameez is exciting to be a part of. (Western clothing seems dubiously dull by comparison!).
It is easy to find Shalwar Kameez that are perfect for what to wear in Pakistan as a traveller.
Shopping at the Markets
The first option is to head for the markets or bazaars in your city of arrival in the country. We usually arrive to Pakistan over the border from Amritsar to Lahore and head straight out to go shopping for Shalwar Kameez.
- Lahore: We rate Anarkali Bazaar in the old city to go shopping on arrival.
- Islamabad: Try Itwar Bazar and the G-9 Markaz (Karachi Company) for Shalwar Kameez.
- Karachi: Zainab Market is the best place for local clothes shopping.
- Read Things To Do in Islamabad and Karachi.
What About Shopping Malls and Clothing Brands?
Aside from the markets, there are plenty of chain stores and shopping malls stocking traditional clothes to wear in Pakistan.
Shopping Malls by City
Pakistan’s major cities boast world-class malls that serve as social hubs (and have great food and air-conditioning too!).
They are excellent places to find reputable brands under one roof:
- Lahore: Packages Mall and Emporium Mall (both are massive and offer a huge variety of local and international labels).
- Islamabad: The Centaurus Mall (the iconic triple towers) and Safa Gold Mall (conveniently located in the F-7 sector).
- Karachi: Lucky One Mall (one of the largest in South Asia) and Atrium Mall.
Recommended Clothing Brands
We tend to stick to the same brands and shops each time we go and have found a few favourites we recommend for what to wear in Pakistan.
For travellers, these brands are safe bets because they offer fixed pricing (no bargaining required!), high-quality fabrics, and sizes that cater to various body types.
- Generation: A great choice in Lahore for beautiful Shalwar Kameez.
- Sapphire: High-quality cottons and elegant, modern prints. Found in Centaurus and Safa Gold Mall (Islamabad).
- Khaadi: Iconic hand-woven looks and vibrant colours. In almost every major mall.
- He & She: Reliable traditional wear for both men and women. G-9 Markaz (Karachi Co) or F-7 (Islamabad).
- Limelight: Great for affordable, ready-to-wear fast fashion Kurtas.
Sapphire and He & She are always our first stop in Islamabad!
Winter: What To Wear in Pakistan
It does get cold during the winter in Pakistan. If you are travelling to the north and the mountains you will need proper jackets and warm clothing and shoes to wear in Pakistan during the winter.
We first travelled to Pakistan in the winter arriving overland from Amritsar to Lahore and the atmosphere clothing-wise was completely different. At this time of year peoples clothing even seemed to be a darker and more sombre fabric than the usually vibrant colours of Punjab.
Because it gets dark and cold so early in the day, many local men and women wear scarves and shawls made of pashmina and wool.
We headed for Anarkali Bazar to stock up on winter clothes and jackets before heading back from the warm of Asia to the cold of Europe!
- Tip: The best second-hand clothing market we found in Lahore is on Mayo Hospital Road near Anarkali Bazaar.
Summer: What To Wear in Pakistan
The lightweight material of summer Shalwar Kameez makes them the ideal choice for what to wear in Pakistan in the heat. The long sleeves (or ¾ sleeves) help to keep the sun off.
Otherwise for women, oversized blouses or lightweight travel shirts are good to wear and the looseness means you’ll have a bit more airflow.
Packing for the Rainy Season or Monsoon in Pakistan?
Heavy rains are not the first thing that springs to mind when considering what to wear in Pakistan and what to pack. But bear in mind that Pakistan has the usual four annual seasons plus a monsoon season.
Even in the northern states of Punjab and near Islamabad, the rainy season can be an issue.
It usually happens without warning and the chances are that combined with the previously hot and sticky weather you might not have throught to pack rainwear.
However, the reality is the downpours often don’t last long. Locals choose to shelter under the bridges or inside shops and wait until the rain stops.
The monsoon and rainy seasons in Pakistan are usually between July and August.
Be sure to cover up with long-sleeves and long trousers to protect against mosquitos and mosquito-borne viruses that are notorious in India during the monsoon season.
What Footwear is Best?
As New Zealanders, we love our Jandals (you call them flip-flops).
But traveling in Pakistan and especially in the megacities your feet can be vulnerable with the crowds, lack of pavements, rubbish and rubble.
I do take a pair of Jandals (flip-flops) to wear inside accommodation. You usually need to remove your shoes on entering a guesthouse though larger hotels are different. But out and about sturdy sandals or covered sneakers are best.
- Tip: Pack sturdy sandals (Birkenstocks, Keen or Teva type) as well as a pair of walking shoes or sneakers.
Buying Stuff If You’ve Forgotten Anything
Honestly, don’t stress too much about packing for Pakistan.
There are modern and convenient shopping malls and large supermarkets. You can pick up any forgotten clothes, shoes, underwear, bags or anything you need for travel in the subcontinent. It will likely be much cheaper than anywhere else too! 🙂
Dressing For Travel in Pakistan
The truth is it doesn’t have to be as hard as you may think. Planning for what to wear in Pakistan will differ depending on where in the country you are travelling, who are you with and the activities you are doing.
Finding a balance between being comfortable in the clothing you’re wearing for travel and being conscious of local customs and traditions is important for any traveller.
The clothing and traditional dress of Pakistan is beautiful, colourful and practical and ultimately is a way of preserving and celebrating their cultural identity.
I hope that helps with planning what to wear in Pakistan as a traveller!
Read More About Travel in Pakistan
- 15 Things To Do In Multan.
- 10 Things To Do In Islamabad.
- 21 Things To Do In Lahore.
- 10 Things To See In Old Lahore In The Walled City.
- Day Trip From Islamabad To Murree.
- 8 Things To Do In Islamabad With Kids.
- Day Trip From Islamabad To Taxila.
- Crossing The Border From Pakistan To India.
- 10 Day Punjab India Pakistan Itinerary.
Travel Planning for Pakistan & Beyond
These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime and can recommend to anyone planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains and transport anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for your trip (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before visiting Pakistan!