Asian clothing website recommendations? Egypt holiday

Paulie'sGirl

Hi all!

OH and I have decided we're going to take us and my step-sons on a trip to Egypt to see the major antiquities sites, inc a Nile cruise.:j

Now then, being a cautious type, I've been reading online that Egypt is a very conservative place, despite the way they market Sharm. I'm given to understand that whilst I may not be arrested for wearing my standard holiday clothes, I would probably attract unwelcome attention and give offence to locals.

So I'm considering something vaguely salwar kameez / kaftan / tunic based, as these cultures have broadly similar doctrinal views on what is modest dress for a woman. (And, TBH, I've always loved how chic these look and wanted an excuse to buy some!:D)

After that ramble, does anyone know of a website (or shop, based in the north east where I wouldn't feel weird as a very blonde person) where I can buy pretty, not overly expensive, cotton clothing?

Or, any other ideas about what would make good wardrobe staples for such a trip?

Above all else I want to:

not be thought a !!!!!! / heckled
be cool
be comfortable
not need an iron (though I'm aware this may be pushing things if I'm buying cotton!)

Thanks all!

PGxx

ellay864

Have you looked online? I do eastern dancing and it's where most of us go for costumes and there's a lot of conventional eastern clothing to be had. I've also shopped in Bradford and wasn't made to feel at all uncomfortable as a white woman buying eastern clothing

Primarni

I'd be interested in this too but I think the people who would really be able to help because they wear these clothes every day don't post on here, and if they do don't want to identify themselves as from another culture.

(I wouldn't if I were them either. Too many racists. )

kelk72

there was a thread on here some time ago about jewelled sandals etc and this site was recommended i bookmarked it as i luv that type of sandal dont know if it helps you but heres the link

www.diyaonline.com/product-display.php?CID=33

elsien

Unless you really want asian style clothes, they're not essential. You basically need your shoulders and legs covered, nothing skin tight, and not a lot of cleavage so I put a loose cotton blouse (3/4 length sleeve is fine if you want cool) over my usual vest t-shirt, (shirt open at the front was ok) and a longer cotton skirt or trousers. Again, 3/4 length skirt/trousers should be fine. (The old hippy style indian skirts don't need ironing!) All the stuff I took was chain store, cheap and was ok for the more conservative places. Also take a couple of largeish sarongs/beach wraps that you can carry round with you, so you can cover your head or wrap round your waist if you do end up somewhere such as a mosque where you feel you need something a bit longer. T-shirt and shorts are fine in some touristy places and when you're on the boat, so take them (but maybe not the really skimpy ones!) and you can then cover up if you need to. Go for layers, then if it's appropriate you can sunbathe, and if it's not you can do a quick cover up.
If you're in any one place long enough, you could also get clothes made fairly cheaply over there. I ordered stuff one day and picked it up the next.
Alternatively if you're near a town with asian shops, just head down there for a look. I did it in Brum, felt out of place for about 30 seconds, then bought lots! They were very helpful and far more interested in my money than what I looked like - it's not as daunting as you first think. A lot of the stuff though is the more fancy embroidered stuff - my neighbours buy the material and make their own salwar kameez for everyday wear.

You will get hassled in Egypt whatever you wear, but it'll most likely be to buy stuff not because of what you're wearing unless you've gone really skin tight and skimpy. The only girls I saw getting themselves in strife were dressed and acting like slappers - all over the blokes like a rash. Generally even if people find your dress inappropriate, they're too polite to start heckling.
Once you get past the hard sell techniques though (and some people do find it hard to deal with if they're not used to it) I found the Egyptian people to be really warm and friendly, and would love to go back. I've very jealous!
Edit - I personally prefer skirts to trousers, partly because they are cooler, but also because they're a heck of a sight easier if the loos are the squat type ones.:D

ellay864

Primarni wrote: »

I'd be interested in this too but I think the people who would really be able to help because they wear these clothes every day don't post on here, and if they do don't want to identify themselves as from another culture.

(I wouldn't if I were them either. Too many racists. )

Really?? I must read different forums here as I can't say I've noticed any racist comments. Frankly I'd be horrified if I saw any and I find it really sad if people generally feel they can't identify their culture for fear of racist abuse. I'd hope that if there was any, the perpetrator would be promptly barred from the site

skintarooney

http://www.rupalionline.com/ and http://www.suitsmeonline.com/ Maybe give these 2 sites a try, I often receive their catalogues and they have some nice stuff.

Good luck and hope you enjoy your holiday. x

Amanita_2

Having come back recently from Egypt, you will be hassled whatever you wear.

Most visitors ( myself included) wore 3/4 length trousers, and long sleeved shirts over vest tops.. The few ( not with us!) who did wear micro shorts and strappy tops looked woefully out of place.

Zoetoes

Unless you are visiting a mosque you can wear 'normal' clothes (you don't need to wear 3/4 sleeves etc), not once did I get any funny looks or comments whatsoever. Not that I wore micro shorts, I don't have the legs for them!

sharnad

Youu could wear long loost clothing - salwar kameez are great for when its hot as they keep you nice and cool you could also get some kind of covering for your hair

shandyclover

I grew up in Pakistan as my parents were working there at the time. I was never hassled if I respected the culture. Like others have said loose or long tunic tops and shirts along with loose trousers work fine. Make sure they are not see through (ie. you can't see black bra and panties underneath!) Some have said 3/4 trousers - depends on where you are but conservative areas its best to cover the ankles (if for nothing else to avoid mosie bites - they love ankles!). Definitely cover the shoulders/cleavage. A cap sleeve is ok but always a good idea to carry a scarf wrapped around your shoulders. In Islam it is considered the badge of a virtueous woman, and you will be treated with more respect. If you are blonde also a good idea to cover your head if you go into a crowded bazaar (I'm blonde too) Blonde hair is considered a bit of a turn on and some will think it's a come on - but if you cover your head they will leave you alone as they think it's possible you might be muslim/and or you are being modest. Don't shake hands unless they offer their hand. Some can be very offended/embarrassed by forwardness, particularly an older man. A wrap for the pool a good idea too, to spare the waiters blushes!

Enjoy the amazing culture and warmth of the people - I wish it was me going!