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Dress requirements for men and women are
extremely important in Yemen, so it is essential that foreigners
take as much care as possible when selecting clothes to bring
with them. In this aspect of your life in Yemen, awareness of
general sensitivities on the subject of dress is essential for
relating to people without inadvertently causing offense, or
inviting unwanted attention upon yourself. Remember that your
outward appearance is seen as a reflection of your private self,
and that inappropriate clothing will discourage many Yemenis
from attempting to communicate with you.
Men are expected to wear either pants or jeans, without holes if
possible. T-shirts are acceptable, although the sleeveless
variety is inappropriate. Shorts are unacceptable most of the
time, unless you’re at the beach or playing sports. Long hair
will elicit occasional puzzled looks or questions, and may
invite some teasing or mildly provocative comments.
For women, slacks or jeans should be
covered by a long skirt especially when traveling in rural areas
of the country. T-shirts are passable, although generally
speaking any article of clothing which might remotely be
considered revealing is of questionable use in Yemen. Light or
translucent materials, or fight clothing which reveal much form
on a woman are also problematic.
Women are recommended therefore to bring long skirts and blouses
as a practical complement to the T-shirts and jeans they might
be accustomed to wearing at home. Foreign women are not expected
to cover their hair, except when entering mosques or other
religious places. Shorts, or short skirts, are altogether
unacceptable and will occasion a woman trouble in public
places.
For men and women, generally speaking,
clothing should be conservative and modest. If you are unsure as
to the appropriateness of a particular article of clothing, the
best advice is to leave it at home. Proper dress will help earn
you the respect of Yemenis who will understand that you have
attempted to take notice of their cultural sensitivities and act
accordingly; improper clothing will have the opposite effect.
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