Jordan is a predominately Muslim country in the Middle East that is increasingly embracing Western culture. Jordanian women by and large dress according to the modest standards of their Muslim religion; however there are exceptions to this, including influences from modern Western culture and variations unique to Jordan.

History

Historically, more than 90% of Jordanians are Muslim, and women there have dressed according to what the Qu'ran, the Muslim holy book, tells them. This means wearing a floor-length, button-down dress called the libis shar'i or jilbab, which covers the body from head to toe. Jordanian women wear it with a long veil, because Muslim women are required to hide their hair in public.

Variations

Many younger women will dress in shirts and trousers, and other articles of clothing commonly seen in the U.S. and the West.

Considerations

When out in public, Jordanian women refrain from exposing their flesh due to Muslim religious customs. Even women who generally dress in Western clothing will cover their heads with a veil, and are forbidden from wearing tight clothing, shorts, sleeveless or low-cut shirts, or short skirts.

National Dress

Jordanian women wear the national costume of Jordan on special occasions and public holidays. For them, this may mean wearing a black long-sleeved gown with a colorful, embroidered geometric pattern representing region of the country in which they were born

Fun Fact

Jordan is one of the more heavily Westernized countries in the Middle East, with a large tourist economy and a robust retail sector. Women from other Muslim countries will often travel to Jordan to shop for traditional Muslim clothing because of the large selection.

Source:

Countries and their Cultures: Jordanians

Jordan Jubilee: Meeting the People of Jordan

More Information:

Information from the Jordan Tourism Board