Suitable workwear for Jordan

[Maria1982]

Hi all. I have to go to Jordan for work in early February and looking for advice on what to wear so as to appear professional while respecting local customs (and avoid sticking out like a sore thumb).

I think I've identified the basics - cover arms, no cleavage, no legs on display obvs- but where do I go from here?

In some ways it would be easiest to buy an abaya and throw it over my usual clothes - but I think this could actually be too conservative for Amman ?

So I need help finding something long sleeved and high necked. (Usually I avoid high necked as I'm very busty and I don't think it suits me, hence nothing in my wardrobe currently fits).

suggestions and comments from more experienced travellers would be welcome!

A trouser suit which is not too form fitting would be ideal. An Abaya would be too much Jordan isn't that conservative.

I've been. An abaya would be really weird. Professional, educated women definitely don't wear them. (There may be exceptions of course but not that I saw).

I wore what I would normally wear on a business trip (although trouser suit rather than skirt suit) and it was totally fine. Didn't do high neck top underneath, just usual silk top with a v neck. Not really deep v but totally normal work top.

Their queen does a lot of knee length and midi skirts so it wouldn't be a problem to wear a skirt suit if the skirt was the right length.

Caveats: this was in Amman, international industry sector etc.

I also travelled around a bit. Wore full length cotton trousers and t shirts to elbow or below and it was done in Petra, Dead Sea etc. Had a scarf with me to throw over hair of visiting ancient religious site etc (and to cover from sun). No problems or hassle. Even on a local mini bus - women sit at the front, everyone shares food!

Hello, I worked in Jordan on and off over the last few years. Amman is pretty relaxed but I think you're on the right lines. Shirt and trousers would do the job. It's also pretty cold in Amman in Feb so take some warm clothes (and head to the dead sea to warm up if you need!).

Being a little larger in the chest I like M&S work shirts that have an extra layer under the buttons to make sure there's no gaping. There are LOTS of clothes shops in Amman so if you end up needing extras you'll be fine.

There are professional Jordanian women who dress very conservatively the ones I worked with would wear loose ankle length skirts with suit jackets.

Thank you everyone ! Much appreciated

mojomoon Thanks for confirming that an abaya would be really weird, as I thought.

So it looks like my usual trousers suits will be fine, I will buy a couple of high necked tops or shirts just to allow myself to feel fully comfortable- once I'm there I want to forget what I'm wearing and just get on with work, if you see what I mean (not be pointlessly worrying about my neckline).

Thanks all!

Thanks ZaraW

No problem enjoy the amazing food. Will you get chance to visit Petra?

I don't know! I used to think I was a fairly adventurous traveller but I feel a bit of a wuss saying I'm not sure if I want to go to Petra by myself once the work is finished.

Petra is amazing! Really would recommend going. You could probably join an organised tour if you don't want to go alone. I am sure Google will turn up lots of companies offering them. I went with another female friend and just did it ourselves and it was fine. Best if you can stay overnight before so you can get there at dawn when it opens and is quiet

It is awe inspiring.

It really is worth visiting your hotel should be able to arrange something or try www.viator.com they do good day trips and have an excellent reputation. Wadi Rum and Jerash are worth visiting but Petra would be my first choice.

Thank you both, you’ve encouraged me to go see Petra. I’ve been reading about it and quite excited to go now

Almost anything from COS.

You'll love it.

Thank you! Last question (sorry to sound a bit chicken).
My winter coat is pillar box red - will I feel hideously visible in it ? I can wear boring black winter coat from two years ago.

I would wear the red coat it's not like the Gulf where everyone is in black. Though light coloured Abayas are popular there in the last year or so.