The Journal · October 4, 2026
What to wear for Umrah: a practical packing guide for women
Loose, opaque, light and easy to care for: how to choose abayas, prayer wear and hijabs that stay comfortable through long days of worship and walking.
Umrah means long days: walking, standing in prayer, heat outdoors and cool air inside. What you pack should let you forget about your clothes. This guide is about comfort and practicality; for the requirements of ihram itself, follow the guidance of your group leader or a scholar you trust.
Choose loose, opaque and light
Look for pieces that are loose through the body, long in the sleeve and hem, and not sheer in bright light. Lightweight fabrics that breathe and dry quickly are easier in the heat than heavy ones. Our abayas in crepe and similar matte fabrics are a good starting point: they drape without clinging and do not crease easily in a suitcase.
Prayer wear you can slip on in a moment
A one-piece or two-piece prayer dress or khimar is the piece most travellers reach for again and again. It goes on over whatever you are wearing, covers fully, and has no fastenings to fuss with. An elasticated cuff keeps sleeves in place during wudu and prayer.
Plan for layers
If you bring an open abaya, pack a slip dress to wear beneath it. A smooth inner dress keeps an open or lightweight abaya opaque and comfortable, and it lets you change the outer layer without changing everything.
Bring more hijabs than you think you need
Hijabs take up almost no room and make the biggest difference to how fresh you feel. Lightweight chiffon hijabs dry quickly after washing. Pack several in plain, easy colours, and something to secure them that you already know is comfortable for a whole day.
A simple packing list
- Two or three loose abayas or maxi dresses that wash and dry easily
- One or two prayer dresses or khimars
- A slip dress for each open or lightweight abaya
- Five or six lightweight hijabs
- Comfortable shoes you have already worn in
Order in good time
Standard sizes are dispatched within 1 to 3 working days, and delivery by post takes one to three weeks depending on where you live; DHL Express is faster. If you would like a piece made to your measurements, allow 14 extra working days. Delivery times for your country are on our shipping page.