What To Wear In Israel
To sum it up - casual and comfortable
- Dress is casual in Israel. Even Israeli prime ministers frequently wear short sleeved shirts without ties.
- Lightweight layers in natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk will work better in the heat and will protect you from the sun better.
- Dress conservatively if visiting areas like Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, but in the larger cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa women are less modest in their dress and they are not afraid to show off their bodies with strappy T-shirts.
- Dress is casual even in restaurants.
- Be sure to pack plenty of sun cream before you leave home as it is not that common in Israel.
- Although it gets very hot in the summer very few Israeli women wear shorts.
- From December – February it’s cooler and you'll need warm clothes.
- When visiting religious sites dress modestly and you will need to cover your shoulders and bare legs, so no shorts.
- Be aware that this is also true of religious Jewish neighbourhoods, where women, especially, are expected to wear sleeves below the elbow and skirts below the knees. You could also carry a shawl to wrap around your shoulders or legs.
- Keep your passport with you at all times as you are required by Israeli law to carry ID.
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