Planning your first Umrah from the UK? Knowing what to wear for Umrah can help you prepare with confidence, avoid common mistakes and focus on the purpose of your pilgrimage. The clothing rules for men and women are different, and certain restrictions begin once you enter the sacred state of Ihram.
Men traditionally wear two unstitched cloths, known as the izar and rida. Women can wear their usual modest Islamic clothing, including an abaya and hijab, without needing a special white Ihram uniform. Both men and women must observe the applicable Ihram restrictions, including rules concerning fragrance, hair and nails.
This guide from Package Umrah explains what to wear for Umrah, what is prohibited during Ihram, which footwear to choose and what to pack before travelling from the UK to Makkah and Madinah.
What Should You Wear for Umrah? A Quick Answer
- Men: Two suitable Ihram cloths: an izar to cover the lower body and a rida to cover the upper body. Men must avoid ordinary tailored clothing while in Ihram.
- Women: Loose-fitting, opaque and modest clothing, such as an abaya or long dress, with a suitable head covering. White clothing is not compulsory.
- Footwear: Men should choose footwear that complies with the relevant Ihram rules. Women can generally wear comfortable trainers, sandals or other suitable shoes.
- Toiletries: Prepare unscented products for use after entering Ihram and avoid applying fragrance during the sacred state.
- Before departure: Learn when to enter Ihram, particularly if your flight from the UK passes the relevant miqat before arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Important distinction: Ihram is the sacred state entered with the intention of beginning the pilgrimage. Wearing Ihram clothing alone does not put you into this state.
What Is Ihram in Umrah?
Ihram is the state of consecration a Muslim enters before performing Umrah. It involves a sincere intention to begin the pilgrimage and observing the restrictions that apply throughout this state.
The term is often used to describe the clothing worn by pilgrims, but the clothing and the sacred state are not the same thing. Men wear two specific cloths, whereas women wear suitable modest clothing.
Before entering Ihram, pilgrims commonly perform ghusl, complete appropriate personal grooming and prepare their clothing. Men may apply fragrance to the body before entering Ihram, but should not apply it to their Ihram garments. Once Ihram begins, fragrance restrictions apply.
What Should Men Wear for Umrah?
Men performing Umrah traditionally wear two plain, unstitched pieces of cloth. White is customary and widely used, although the essential requirement is compliance with the rules of Ihram rather than a particular colour.
The izar: The lower Ihram cloth
The izar is wrapped around the waist to cover the lower body. It must be secured firmly enough to remain in place while walking, praying, performing Tawaf and completing Sa’i between Safa and Marwah.
The rida: The upper Ihram cloth
The rida is draped over the upper body to provide appropriate coverage. During Tawaf, men may perform idtiba, the Sunnah practice of placing the upper cloth so that the right shoulder is uncovered, according to the applicable ritual guidance. This is associated with Tawaf, not a requirement to keep the shoulder exposed throughout Umrah.
When Tawaf is complete, the right shoulder should be covered again, including during Sa’i.
What Should Women Wear for Umrah?
Women do not need to wear two white sheets or a special Ihram uniform. They can wear their usual modest Islamic clothing, provided it meets the relevant requirements of Islamic dress.
Suitable options include:
- A loose-fitting abaya or long dress.
- A hijab that covers the hair and neck.
- Opaque, breathable fabric that provides adequate coverage.
- Comfortable footwear for walking around the Haram.
- Spare modest clothing for changing when necessary.
Black, white, beige, navy and other suitable colours may be worn. There is no requirement for women’s Ihram clothing to be white.
What should women pack for Umrah?
Consider packing:
- Two or three comfortable abayas or long dresses, depending on your trip length.
- Spare hijabs and undercaps.
- Suitable socks and walking footwear.
- Unscented toiletries.
- A practical bag for personal essentials.
- Extra clothing for changing when necessary.
Your exact packing list should reflect your itinerary, accommodation and access to laundry facilities.
What Is Not Allowed During Ihram?
Ihram involves restrictions beyond clothing. Once you have entered this state, you must avoid certain actions that would otherwise be permissible. Commonly taught prohibitions include:
- Applying perfume or fragrance to the body or clothing.
- Cutting or removing hair.
- Clipping nails.
- Men wearing prohibited tailored garments.
- Men covering their heads in a prohibited manner.
- Women wearing prohibited niqab-style face coverings or fitted gloves.
- Sexual intercourse and prohibited sexual conduct.
How to Prepare for Ihram Before Leaving the UK
Preparing in advance can reduce stress, especially when travelling with children, older relatives or first-time pilgrims.
Step 1: Buy suitable clothing in advance. Men should arrange two appropriate Ihram cloths and suitable footwear. Women should prepare modest outfits and comfortable shoes. Check the fabric, fit and comfort before departure.
Step 2: Complete recommended personal grooming. Ghusl and appropriate grooming are recommended before entering Ihram. Men may apply fragrance to the body beforehand, but not to the Ihram garments.
Step 3: Pack essential items. Prepare spare clothing, a suitable belt if needed, footwear and unscented toiletries. Keep your medication and travel documents easily accessible.
Step 4: Confirm your miqat arrangements. If your flight passes a miqat, you must enter Ihram before crossing the relevant boundary when travelling for Umrah. Many pilgrims put on the garments before boarding, then make their intention at the appropriate time. Confirm your route and timings with your travel organiser or airline.
Step 5: Learn the rituals before travelling. Read a reliable Umrah guide so you understand the sequence of Ihram, Tawaf, Sa’i and the completion of Umrah.
Common Ihram Clothing Mistakes to Avoid
Confusing the clothing with the sacred state. Putting on Ihram garments alone does not make you a pilgrim in the state of Ihram. The intention to begin the rituals is essential.
Waiting until landing to consider Ihram. If your flight passes the relevant miqat, you must be prepared to enter Ihram at the appropriate time.
Assuming women must wear white. Women can wear suitable modest clothing in a range of colours.
Thinking stitched clothing is prohibited for everyone. The standard restrictions on tailored garments apply differently to men and women.
Using fragranced products after entering Ihram. Prepare suitable alternatives in advance.
Buying footwear at the last minute. Check the relevant rules and test your footwear before departure.
Relying on unverified online advice. For questions about footwear, face covering, medical circumstances or accidental violations, consult a trusted scholar.
Planning Your Umrah from the UK with Package Umrah
Clothing is only one part of preparing for Umrah. Your flight times, hotel location, ground transport and travel dates also influence how comfortable and convenient your journey will be.
At Package Umrah, we help UK pilgrims explore travel options according to their budget, preferred departure airport, accommodation requirements and travel dates. Package inclusions depend on the option selected, so it is important to confirm the exact flights, hotels, transfers, visa arrangements and total price before booking.
Explore our Umrah packages from the UK to review available options or contact our team for a personalised quotation. May Allah accept your Umrah and make your journey safe, easy and blessed.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Wear for Umrah
1. What is the dress code for Umrah?
Men generally wear two Ihram cloths, an izar and a rida. Women wear modest Islamic clothing that meets the requirements of Islamic dress. Both must observe the restrictions that apply during Ihram.
2. Can women wear normal clothes for Umrah?
Yes. Women can wear suitable everyday modest clothing, including abayas, long dresses and other appropriate outfits. They do not need a special white Ihram uniform.
3. Can men wear underwear during Umrah?
Men should not wear ordinary underwear while in the state of Ihram under the standard rules. Those with a medical condition or special circumstance should seek qualified religious advice.
4. Can women wear black during Umrah?
Yes. Black is a permissible clothing colour for women, provided the outfit meets the relevant modesty requirements. White is not compulsory.
5. Can women cover their faces during Ihram?
Women should not wear a niqab under the commonly taught rules. The detailed rulings on covering the face with a separate cloth, particularly around non-mahram men, involve scholarly differences. Follow qualified guidance appropriate to your circumstances.
6. Can I wear trainers during Umrah?
Women can generally wear comfortable trainers. Men should check that their footwear complies with the applicable Ihram restrictions and the guidance of their school of jurisprudence.
7. Can I change my Ihram clothes after entering Ihram?
Yes. You can change into other permitted garments when necessary. Changing clothes does not end the sacred state, and men must continue to observe the relevant clothing restrictions.
8. Do I need to wear Ihram from the UK airport?
Not necessarily. You can put the garments on before boarding or during your journey, but you must enter Ihram at the appropriate time before crossing the relevant miqat when travelling for Umrah. Do not wait until landing if your route has already passed it.
9. Can I use deodorant or moisturiser during Ihram?
Avoid fragranced products after entering Ihram and prepare suitable unscented alternatives. If you are unsure about a particular product or need it for medical reasons, consult a qualified scholar.
10. What should I buy before travelling for Umrah?
Men should arrange two suitable Ihram cloths, compliant footwear and a belt or pouch if needed. Women should pack modest outfits, hijabs and comfortable footwear. Both should prepare suitable toiletries, spare essentials and any required medication.
11. Can women wear socks and shoes during Umrah?
Yes. Women can generally wear socks and suitable shoes throughout their pilgrimage. Comfortable footwear is useful for walking between the hotel and the Haram.
12. What happens if I accidentally break an Ihram clothing rule?
The appropriate response depends on the rule, the circumstances and whether the act was intentional or accidental. Do not assume that the pilgrimage is automatically invalid. Ask a qualified scholar promptly about any necessary corrective action.
