Clothes for a trip to Israel

February 14, 2015 6:58 PM

I'm going on a trip to Israel in October. I've never been to that part of the world before. I am an American woman. What kind of clothes would be appropriate?

One always hears that Europeans wear better clothes than Americans, and that if you don't want to stand out, you shouldn't wear tennis shoes or athletic type clothes. Does this same standard apply in Israel? Or are more casual clothes appropriate? My Saturday style is a mix of "soccer mom" and "on my way to yoga." Would that style be ok in Israel?

posted by OrangeDisk to Travel & Transportation (10 answers total)

Dress for the weather, taking into account what you would wear to religious institutions where you're from if you want to visit the holy sites.
posted by brujita at 7:20 PM on February 14, 2015 [1 favorite]

I always dress casually (jeans and sneakers) when traveling. I wore that kind of thing around Israel and I don't remember feeling like I stood out. (I'm an American woman as well.)
posted by sunflower16 at 7:29 PM on February 14, 2015

Best answer: Israel is pretty casual. Dress like you're going to California, with occasional visits to orthodox synagogues.
posted by oceanjesse at 7:30 PM on February 14, 2015 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Definitely casual, and think spring weather in terms of temperature. Now, casual doesn't mean schlumpy... If, say, you're going out to dinner, a nice maxi dress or a blouse and some nice jeans is expected, but high fashion is seen as uppity in terms of regular, every-day habits. Also, as an Israeli American, I implore you not to bring the fanny pack and sun visor ;)
posted by marsbar77 at 8:10 PM on February 14, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Israel can still be very hot in October and I'd have something to wear that isn't jeans for that reason, although style wise it'd be just fine. Think California. There's a lot of variation and it's casual, it's not like Italy where tourist clothes stand out.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:28 PM on February 14, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: When I lived there, granted, I was a teenager, I wrote a lot of jeans. Bring a skirt or two, and bring a scarf or two for your head if you plan on visiting religious sites. The weather is a lot like Los Angeles, so it can be quite hot in October, FYI. There's a lot of hiking that can be done, so if you're into that, bring appropriate attire. Feel free to memail if you have any questions.
posted by Sophie1 at 8:35 PM on February 14, 2015

Birthright photos have given me the impression that a white ribbed tank top is de rigueur for (young) American women visiting Israel.
posted by the_blizz at 9:42 PM on February 14, 2015

Best answer: I live in Israel - all the above comments are spot on. Dress is casual and pretty similar to California. They have Gap, American Eagle, etc., here, so anything along those lines will blend in. Tennis shoes are less common than in the US but still worn.

Outside of synagogues where you'd need to dress modestly, there are some other places (like the Baha'i Gardens in Haifa) where you need to cover your shoulders.
posted by The Monk Bought Lunch at 4:15 AM on February 15, 2015

Just wanted to add on the subject of shoes -- if you're going anywhere outside of the cities, make sure you have shoes that can handle getting dirty - between the sand and the moist sandy dirt that's pretty much everywhere, it's really easy to wreck a pair you love. I've also always regretted bringing high heels (though I still do every time I go) - women just don't seem to wear them as much there. On the flip side, you can wear sandals pretty much everywhere, and if you come with room in your suitcase, Naot and Teva sandals (among other brands) are pretty awesome.
posted by Mchelly at 1:58 PM on February 15, 2015

Best answer: I've done some travel in that part of the world and am about to do more. Don't worry about not appearing American. They will know anyway and won't care. What is more important, I think, is practicalities. You want to be "modest" in visiting religious sites (of which you may visit all sorts, Christian, Islamic and Jewish) and what this means is bring a nice, voluminous scarf to wrap over your hair when necessary and just comfortably loop around your neck other times. Beware what we call "cap sleeves," as these may be considered iffy in covering your shoulders. Even if you do everything "right," you may be asked to don a smock or covering (experience: Greek Orthodox monasteries, mosques) because it is just easier for the attendants at the door to not make a judgement every time and require everyone to do it. Don't feel judged. I like three-quarter sleeves and capris--not too fashionable but great for clambering up to and around ancient archaeological sites. I'm going to put another plug in for Macabi skirts, which can fall to the ankle but easily be clipped higher for adventures like Hezekiah's Tunnel if you do that and Keen sandals that can get wet but are comfortable for hiking. Lastly, your mention of "on my way to yoga" makes me think to mention that what we call "yoga pants" may not be a good choice in the Middle East. I wouldn't wear them in the region, except hanging around in your hotel room.
posted by Morrigan at 6:01 PM on February 15, 2015