Women do not have a fixed ihram outfit for Umrah. Unlike men, who must wear two unstitched white sheets, a woman performs Umrah in her own modest clothing — a loose abaya, a comfortable hijab, and shoes she can walk in for hours. That is the short answer, and it catches most first-time UK pilgrims off guard.
The longer answer involves knowing what the Quran and hadith actually say, which fabrics survive Saudi heat, what is genuinely forbidden during ihram (niqab and gloves, for a start), what to pack so you are not spending your first evening in Makkah hunting for emergency supplies, and which common mistakes send sisters scrambling at the miqat. This guide covers all of it — written specifically for women travelling from the UK, with real packing advice, real prices for Umrah packages, and no vague platitudes about “dressing modestly.” You already know that. What you need is the detail.
What Is Ihram for Women? The Rule That Confuses Everyone
Ihram is not a garment for women. It is a state. When you hear the word “ihram,” you probably picture the two white sheets men wrap themselves in. That image is so dominant that many sisters assume there is an equivalent female uniform. There is not.
For women, ihram is a spiritual state you enter by making a niyyah (intention) for Umrah and reciting the Talbiyah — Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk. You enter this state before crossing the miqat boundary, which for UK flights to Jeddah is called Al-Juhfah. Your pilot will usually announce when the aircraft is approaching it.
Once you are in ihram, certain things become forbidden — perfume, cutting nails, cutting hair, covering the face with a niqab, and wearing gloves. But your actual clothing? It is whatever modest outfit you choose to put on. A black abaya, a grey jilbab, a white prayer dress, a navy tunic with loose trousers — all of these are perfectly valid as Umrah clothes for women. The hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (1838) records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “A woman in ihram must not wear the niqab nor the gloves.” He did not specify a colour, a fabric, or a garment style. He specified what she must avoid, not what she must wear.
The Umrah Dress Code for Ladies — What You Must Wear
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah confirmed in 2023 that female pilgrims may choose their own attire for Umrah, provided it meets these conditions:
Your clothing must cover the entire body except the face and hands. It must be loose-fitting, not figure-hugging or transparent. It must be free from decoration, embroidery, sequins, or bold patterns. It must not be perfumed.
That leaves you with plenty of practical options. Here is what works best for UK women, based on the feedback we hear from hundreds of returning pilgrims every year.
The Abaya
A plain, loose abaya in a breathable fabric is the most popular choice among UK sisters. Cotton, linen, and lightweight crepe work well. Avoid chiffon abayas — they look beautiful at home, but in 38°C heat with 10,000 steps ahead of you, chiffon clings, overheats, and does not breathe. A simple cotton abaya that falls below the ankles and has full-length sleeves is everything you need. Pack two or three so you can rotate and always have a clean one ready.
The Hijab
Cotton and jersey hijabs hold up best during Umrah. They stay in place during Tawaf, absorb sweat, and do not slip like silk or satin. Pack six to eight hijabs in neutral colours — black, white, beige, grey, or muted earth tones. Bring two or three under-caps (bonnet hijabs) as well. They keep your hijab secure, reduce adjusting, and add a layer of comfort during long hours of ibadah. Pin your hijab in place with strong safety pins or magnetic pins so you are not fiddling with it during Tawaf.
Underlayers
Wear loose cotton trousers or a long cotton skirt underneath your abaya. This is not optional comfort — it is practical modesty. Wind in Makkah can catch an abaya, and you will be sitting, kneeling, and walking through dense crowds. A cotton slip dress or leggings under a lighter abaya also prevent the fabric from clinging to your skin when you sweat. One layering detail many sisters learn the hard way: if you wear a white or cream abaya, use nude or brown underlayers. White on white shows through.
Footwear
Women can wear any shoes during Umrah — stitched, closed-toe, sandals, trainers. The unstitched footwear rule applies only to men. Choose a pair of well-broken-in flat walking shoes. You will cover 5 to 8 kilometres a day during Tawaf and Sa’i alone. New shoes mean blisters, and blisters at the Haram mean pain during every rakah. Bring a second pair of lightweight slip-ons for the hotel, and carry a small drawstring bag so you can store your shoes when entering the Haram — the shoe racks fill up quickly.
What NOT to Wear for Umrah — Things Women Get Wrong
Knowing what is forbidden matters more than knowing what is allowed. Here are the most common mistakes UK sisters make, and how to avoid them.
No Niqab During Ihram
This surprises many women who wear a niqab daily. The Prophet (peace be upon him) explicitly said: “A woman in ihram must not wear the niqab nor the gloves” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838). A fitted face covering that attaches to your head is not permitted during ihram. However, if non-mahram men are nearby and you feel the need for facial modesty, the majority of scholars — including the Hanafi and Shafi’i schools — permit you to drape a loose cloth over your face from your hijab, as long as it does not touch your skin. Aisha (RA) described doing exactly this during Hajj. Once you exit ihram after completing Umrah, you can resume wearing your niqab.
No Gloves
Gloves are forbidden during ihram, even in cooler months. Your hands must remain uncovered for the duration of your ihram state. Once you exit ihram, you can put them back on.
No Perfume or Scented Products
This catches more UK pilgrims than you would expect. The prohibition is not just on perfume bottles — it covers scented deodorant, scented hand cream, perfumed soap, scented shampoo, scented wet wipes, and even scented laundry detergent on your clothing. Before entering ihram, wash your Umrah abayas with unscented detergent. Pack unscented soap, unscented roll-on deodorant, and fragrance-free wet wipes. Check every product label. The scented hand sanitiser in your handbag? That counts. Leave it behind.
No Makeup or Nail Polish
Makeup and nail polish are not permitted during ihram. Remove all nail polish before you enter ihram — nail polish creates a barrier that prevents water from reaching your nails during wudu, which means your ablution is incomplete. Skip foundation, eyeliner, lipstick, and any cosmetic product. The focus during Umrah is worship, not appearance.
No Tight or Transparent Clothing
Anything figure-hugging, see-through, or attention-grabbing defeats the purpose. No bodycon dresses, no sheer abayas, no loud patterns or designer logos. Keep it plain, loose, and simple. If you are unsure whether something is too fitted, it probably is.
No Bright or Flashy Colours
There is no strict colour rule in Islam for women’s ihram. But the Saudi Ministry guidelines say clothing should not attract unnecessary attention. Neon pink, bright orange, or heavily patterned abayas will draw looks in a crowd of muted tones. Stick to black, white, grey, beige, navy, or muted pastels.
Need help planning your Umrah? Send us a WhatsApp message and our team will get back to you within the hour with a personalised quote.
Best Fabrics for Umrah Clothing — What Works in Saudi Heat
The temperature in Makkah during summer can exceed 45°C. Even in the “cooler” months of December and January, daytime temperatures sit around 24–28°C. The fabric you choose will directly affect your comfort during every ritual.
Cotton is the safest choice. It breathes, absorbs sweat, dries reasonably fast, and does not cling. Linen is even more breathable but wrinkles easily — fine if you do not mind the creased look. Lightweight crepe drapes well and resists wrinkles better than linen while still allowing airflow. Jersey works well for hijabs and under-caps — it stretches, stays put, and absorbs moisture.
Avoid polyester, nylon, satin, silk, and chiffon for your main abaya. These fabrics trap heat, stick to skin, and make long days in the Haram genuinely uncomfortable. They are fine for an evening at home. They are miserable during a 90-minute Tawaf in Makkah summer.
Umrah Packing List for Women — What to Pack from the UK
This list comes from years of feedback from UK sisters who have travelled with us. Every item has earned its place through real experience, not guesswork.
Clothing: Two to three plain, loose abayas in breathable cotton or crepe. Six to eight cotton or jersey hijabs in neutral colours. Two to three bonnet under-caps. Three to four sets of loose cotton trousers or long skirts for underlayers. Seven to ten pairs of cotton underwear and socks. One light cardigan or shawl for air-conditioned spaces (Masjid al-Haram is heavily air-conditioned and can feel cold after the outdoor heat).
Footwear: One pair of well-broken-in walking shoes (flat, closed-toe, non-slip). One pair of lightweight hotel slippers. One small drawstring shoe bag for the Haram.
Toiletries (all unscented): Fragrance-free soap. Unscented shampoo. Unscented deodorant. Unscented moisturiser. Fragrance-free wet wipes. Unscented hand sanitiser. Sunscreen (unscented, SPF 30 or higher). Lip balm (unscented). Toothpaste (standard, unscented varieties are fine).
Essentials: A small foldable prayer mat. A refillable water bottle for Zamzam. A secure body pouch for passport and cash (worn under your abaya). A small notebook for dua lists. A portable phone charger. Any prescription medication with a copy of your prescription. Rehydration sachets — dehydration is the number one health issue UK pilgrims face. A travel-size sewing kit (for emergency hijab repairs and loose stitches).
What NOT to pack: Perfume. Scented cosmetics. New shoes you have not broken in. Expensive jewellery. Heavy luggage — you will regret every extra kilogram when navigating airports, hotel lobbies, and shuttle buses.
What to Wear in Saudi Arabia Outside Ihram
Once you complete your Umrah rituals and exit the state of ihram, you are no longer bound by ihram-specific restrictions. You can wear your niqab again, use perfume, and apply makeup if you wish. However, Saudi Arabia’s public dress code still requires modesty.
In Makkah and Madinah, continue wearing a loose abaya and hijab whenever you are outside your hotel room. The holy cities are conservative by design, and this is the respectful standard. If you visit Jeddah before or after your Umrah, the dress code is slightly more relaxed — you will see women in long dresses without abayas — but a hijab and long, loose clothing are still expected in most public spaces. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and tight-fitting Western clothing are not appropriate anywhere in Saudi Arabia.
Dressing for Umrah by Season — Month-by-Month UK Guide
December to February (Winter)
Daytime temperatures in Makkah average 24–28°C, but evenings can drop to 16–18°C. Pack a warm shawl or cardigan for Fajr prayers and late-night Tawaf. Masjid al-Haram’s air conditioning can feel cold during long sits between prayers. Layer a long-sleeve cotton top under your abaya for warmth without bulk. This is peak UK booking season — many sisters combine Umrah with school half-term holidays.
March to May (Spring)
Temperatures climb to 32–38°C. Cotton abayas and breathable hijabs are essential. Start carrying a water bottle at all times. This period includes the lead-up to Ramadan, which is the busiest and most spiritually rewarding time for Umrah. If you are planning a Ramadan Umrah, book four to six months ahead — spaces fill fast.
June to August (Summer)
Peak heat — Makkah can hit 45°C or more. Lightweight cotton is not optional, it is survival. Wear the thinnest abaya you own. Carry rehydration sachets. Plan your Tawaf during cooler hours — after Fajr and after Isha — and rest during the midday heat. Summer is the cheapest time for Umrah packages from the UK, so if you can handle the heat, the savings are significant.
September to November (Autumn)
Heat eases to 30–36°C. This is the sweet spot for UK pilgrims — comfortable temperatures, smaller crowds, and the best-value Umrah packages of the year. Two cotton abayas and a mix of jersey and cotton hijabs will see you through comfortably. October and November are our most-recommended months for first-time female pilgrims.
Umrah Packages for Women from the UK — 2027 Prices
Whether you are packing your abayas for a 7 night trip or a full 14 night stay, here are our current all-inclusive Umrah package prices. Every price is per person and covers flights, visa, hotel, and transfers.
| Duration | 3 Star (per person) | 4 Star (per person) | 5 Star (per person) |
| 7 Nights | £499 | £629 | £799 |
| 10 Nights | £579 | £719 | £899 |
| 12 Nights | £629 | £769 | £969 |
| 14 Nights | £679 | £839 | £1,049 |
Prices vary by travel month, departure airport, and hotel distance from Masjid al-Haram. Off-peak months like June, September, and October offer the lowest prices. Ramadan and UK school holiday departures are priced higher due to demand.
7 Nights Umrah Package
Our 7 nights Umrah package is the most popular option for first-time female pilgrims from the UK. You spend 3 to 4 nights in Makkah and the remainder in Madinah. Starting from £499 per person for 3-star, £629 for 4-star, and £799 for 5-star.
10 Nights Umrah Package
The 10 nights Umrah package gives you a more relaxed pace — five to six nights in Makkah and four in Madinah. Women who choose this option say the extra time makes a real difference to their spiritual experience. Prices start from £579 per person at 3-star, £719 at 4-star, and £899 at 5-star.
12 Nights Umrah Package
A 12 nights Umrah package splits roughly as seven nights in Makkah and five in Madinah. Plenty of time for repeated Tawaf, night prayers, and Tahajjud without feeling rushed. Prices from £629 per person for 3-star, £769 for 4-star, and £969 for 5-star.
14 Nights Umrah Package
Our 14 nights Umrah package gives you a full two weeks. For women who want to settle into a daily rhythm at the Haram, this is the most fulfilling option. Prices start at £679 per person for 3-star, £839 for 4-star, and £1,049 for 5-star.
Need help planning your Umrah? Send us a WhatsApp message and our team will get back to you within the hour with a personalised quote.
How to Get Dressed for Umrah — Step by Step
This is the practical sequence to follow on the day you enter ihram. It applies whether you are changing at Heathrow, at your stopover airport, or at your hotel in Madinah before travelling to Makkah.
Step 1: Remove all nail polish. This should be done before you leave the UK, not at the airport. Step 2: Perform ghusl (full body wash) or, if ghusl is not possible, complete your wudu. Step 3: Put on your ihram clothing — a clean, plain, loose abaya, cotton trousers or skirt underneath, hijab secured with pins, and comfortable walking shoes. Step 4: Do not apply perfume, scented deodorant, or any scented product after this point. Step 5: When the aircraft approaches the miqat (your pilot will announce it), make your niyyah for Umrah in your heart and say the Talbiyah softly: Labbayk Allahumma Labbayk, Labbayka la sharika laka Labbayk. Innal hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk. La sharika lak.
You are now in the state of ihram. From this moment until you complete Umrah and cut a small portion of your hair, the ihram restrictions apply.
What to Wear After Completing Umrah
Once you complete Tawaf, Sa’i, and cut a small portion of your hair (about a fingertip’s length from the end), you exit ihram. All restrictions are lifted. You can wear your niqab, use perfume, apply makeup, and change into any modest clothing you like. Many sisters bring a “nicer” abaya for their remaining days in Makkah and Madinah — something with simple embroidery or a different colour — since the ihram simplicity rules no longer apply.
If you plan to perform multiple Umrahs during your trip (which many pilgrims do), you re-enter ihram each time from the nearest miqat — Masjid Aisha (also called Masjid Tan’eem) in Makkah. The same clothing and ihram rules apply each time.
Related Guides You Might Find Useful
[Internal Link → Can Women Do Umrah Without a Mahram?] — Updated 2027 rules for women travelling solo.
[Internal Link → Umrah Packages from UK 2027] — Full price breakdown for all durations and star ratings.
[Internal Link → Cheap Umrah Packages] — Budget-friendly options from £499 per person.
[Internal Link → Ramadan Umrah Packages 2027] — Dates, prices, and booking advice.
[Internal Link → First Time Umrah Guide] — Step-by-step ritual guide for first-time pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do women wear for ihram during Umrah?
Women wear their own modest clothing — a loose, plain abaya or jilbab, a hijab, and comfortable shoes. There is no specific ihram outfit for women. The clothing must cover the entire body except the face and hands, and it must be free from perfume and decoration.
Do women have to wear white for Umrah?
No. Women can wear any colour for Umrah. The “white only” rule applies to men’s ihram sheets, not to women. Black, grey, beige, navy, and muted pastels are all acceptable. Choose whatever is comfortable and modest.
Can women wear a coloured abaya for Umrah?
Yes. Any plain, modest colour is fine. Avoid bright neon shades or heavily patterned designs that draw attention. Neutral tones are the most practical choice for the heat and the crowds.
Is niqab allowed during Umrah?
No. The niqab is not permitted during the state of ihram. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said a woman in ihram must not wear a niqab or gloves. You can drape a loose cloth from your hijab over your face if non-mahram men are nearby, but it should not be a fitted covering. You can resume wearing your niqab after exiting ihram.
Can I wear gloves during Umrah?
No. Gloves are explicitly forbidden during ihram for women. Your hands must remain uncovered. Once you exit ihram, you can wear gloves again.
Can I wear makeup for Umrah?
No. Makeup is not permitted during ihram. Remove all cosmetics before entering ihram. Nail polish must also be removed because it prevents water reaching the nails during wudu, which invalidates your ablution.
Can I wear nail polish for Umrah?
No. Remove all nail polish before entering ihram. Water must reach every part of your hands and feet during wudu. Nail polish creates a barrier. Remove it before you leave the UK to avoid last-minute stress.
What shoes should women wear for Umrah?
Women can wear any shoes — stitched, closed-toe, open-toe, trainers, or sandals. The unstitched shoe rule applies only to men. Choose well-broken-in flat walking shoes. You will walk 5 to 8 kilometres a day during Tawaf and Sa’i.
Can women wear socks during Umrah?
Yes. Women can wear socks during Umrah. Socks protect your feet from heat, dust, and slippery Haram floors. Non-slip socks are particularly useful inside Masjid al-Haram.
What fabric is best for Umrah clothing?
Cotton is the best fabric for Umrah. It breathes, absorbs sweat, and stays comfortable in Saudi heat. Linen and lightweight crepe also work well. Avoid polyester, chiffon, silk, and satin — they trap heat and cling to the body.
How many abayas should I pack for Umrah?
Pack two to three plain abayas. One for ihram, one for daily wear, and one as a backup. This gives you a clean rotation and covers any spills or laundry delays. If your hotel offers laundry service, two abayas will do.
How many hijabs do I need for Umrah?
Pack six to eight hijabs. You will sweat through at least one a day in the Saudi heat. Cotton and jersey hijabs are the most practical. Bring two or three bonnet under-caps as well for extra security.
Can women wear perfume during Umrah?
No. Perfume and all scented products are forbidden during ihram. This includes scented deodorant, lotion, soap, shampoo, and hand sanitiser. Use fragrance-free alternatives only. Once you exit ihram, you can use perfume again.
What is the miqat and when do I enter ihram?
The miqat is the boundary beyond which you must be in the state of ihram. For UK flights to Jeddah, the miqat is Al-Juhfah. Your pilot will announce when the aircraft is approaching. Make your niyyah and say the Talbiyah before crossing it.
What if I cross the miqat without entering ihram?
Crossing the miqat without being in ihram is a serious error. You must return to the miqat and enter ihram, or you may need to offer a dam (sacrifice penalty). Set an alarm, listen for the pilot’s announcement, and prepare early.
Can I perform Tawaf during my menstrual cycle?
No. Women on their menstrual cycle cannot perform Tawaf. You can enter ihram, travel to Makkah, and make dua, but you wait until your cycle ends to perform Tawaf and Sa’i. There is no penalty for the delay.
What should I wear at the hotel in Makkah?
Inside your hotel room, you can wear whatever you are comfortable in. When leaving the room — even for the hotel lobby — wear a modest abaya and hijab. This applies for the duration of your stay in both Makkah and Madinah.
What do I wear after completing Umrah?
After completing Tawaf, Sa’i, and cutting a small portion of your hair, you exit ihram. All restrictions are lifted. You can wear any modest clothing, use perfume, and apply makeup. Many sisters change into a different abaya for the rest of their trip.
Can I wear jewellery during Umrah?
Simple jewellery like a plain ring or small earrings is permitted during ihram. Avoid anything flashy, heavy, or attention-grabbing. Leave expensive jewellery at home — theft is rare but not impossible in crowded spaces.
Is there a dress code inside Masjid al-Haram?
Yes. You must be dressed modestly — full body covered, hijab on, face visible. You will not be allowed into the mosque without proper covering. Security staff check at every entrance. The dress code applies equally whether you are in ihram or not.
Do I need separate clothing for Madinah?
No. Your regular modest abayas and hijabs are fine for Madinah as well. Masjid al-Nabawi has similar modest dress requirements. You do not enter ihram for Madinah — ihram is only for the Umrah rituals in Makkah.
Where can I buy Umrah clothing in the UK?
Most UK cities with large Muslim populations — London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, Bradford — have Islamic clothing shops that stock plain cotton abayas, hijabs, and ihram-suitable clothing. Online UK retailers also offer Umrah-specific ranges. Buy and wash everything before you travel so there are no surprises.
What is the difference between an abaya and a jilbab?
An abaya is a loose, front-opening robe worn over other clothing. A jilbab is a one-piece garment that covers from the shoulders to the feet, often worn with a separate hijab. Both are valid for Umrah. Choose whichever you find more comfortable for long hours of walking and prayer.
Can I wear a sports hijab for Umrah?
Yes. Many UK sisters now wear sports hijabs for Umrah because they stay in place, wick away sweat, and do not need constant adjustment during Tawaf. As long as your hair and neck are fully covered, the style of hijab is your choice.
How much does an Umrah package cost from the UK?
A 7 nights Umrah package starts from £499 per person at 3-star level. A 10 nights package starts from £579. A 12 nights package from £629. A 14 nights package from £679. All prices include flights, visa, hotel, and transfers.
What is the best Umrah package for a first-time female pilgrim?
A 10 nights Umrah package with 3-star or 4-star accommodation gives first-time sisters enough time to complete rituals at a comfortable pace. Combined with a women-only group package, it offers companionship, guided support, and a female group leader from departure to return.
Can I book Umrah on WhatsApp?
Yes. Send us a WhatsApp message with your preferred dates, duration, and star rating. Our team responds within the hour with a full personalised quote. It is the quickest way to get accurate pricing.
Is ATOL protection important when booking Umrah?
Yes. ATOL protection secures your money if the travel company stops trading. Always confirm your Umrah provider holds a valid ATOL licence before paying a deposit.
Need help planning your Umrah? Send us a WhatsApp message and our team will get back to you within the hour with a personalised quote.
