Ihram for men is the bit that worries first-time pilgrims most. We get asked about it all the time. Two white sheets? No underwear? What sandals count? And sisters usually ask the other side of it — does my Abaya have to be black, and what shoes should I wear?
The good news is this. Umrah clothing is much simpler than people think. We've helped pilgrims from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bradford for years, and the same questions come up on almost every booking call. Once you know the rules, you're sorted.
Short version? Men wear two white unstitched sheets, plus open sandals. Women wear normal modest clothes, usually an Abaya and hijab. That's the quick answer. But timing matters, comfort matters, and a few small mistakes can cause stress you just don't need.
If you'd like help with the wider plan, have a look at our detailed Ihram rules guide and our Umrah packing list. Both will save you a lot of last-minute panic.
What Is Ihram? (Quick Explanation Before We Get Into Clothing)
Let's keep this simple.
Ihram has two meanings. First, it's the sacred state you enter before Umrah or Hajj. Second, people use the word for the actual clothing, especially the two white sheets worn by men.
So when people ask, “what is Ihram?”, they usually mean both. The state and the clothes.
For men, Ihram clothing means two unstitched white cloths. One wraps the lower body. That's the Izar. The other goes over the upper body. That's the Rida. For women, though, it's different. And this confuses loads of people.
Quick myth-bust: women do not wear the same white sheets. Nope. That's just for the brothers. Sisters wear normal loose modest clothes. Usually an Abaya with hijab. Simple.
You enter Ihram at the Miqat. That's the boundary set for starting Umrah. On flights from the UK to Jeddah, cabin crew often announce it before you cross. So you need to be ready before then.
Once you're in Ihram, some things become forbidden. For example, men can't wear stitched clothes. Both men and women must avoid perfume. And you can't cut hair or nails until you're done.
There's deep meaning in all this. Rich or poor, everyone stands before Allah in simple dress. No labels. No status. Just worship. That's the beauty of it.
Ihram for Men – What to Wear & How to Put It On (Step by Step)
Right. Here's the main bit.
If you're stressing about Ihram for men, don't. Once you've practised it once or twice at home, it becomes easy. A bit awkward the first time, yes. Then fine after that.
These are the two garments:
| Garment | What It Is | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Izar (lower) | White unstitched sheet | Wraps around your waist like a long towel |
| Rida (upper) | White unstitched sheet | Drapes over your shoulders like a shawl |
Here's how to wear Ihram in real life.
- Take ghusl before you start. That's a full wash. It's Sunnah.
- Trim nails and sort body hair first. Do it before entering Ihram, not after.
- Put perfume on your body if you want. Not on the cloth. This is your last chance for scent for a while.
- Wrap the Izar around your waist. Overlap it well. It should cover from your navel to above your ankles.
- Put on your Ihram belt. Honestly, mate, get one. It keeps everything secure.
- Drape the Rida over both shoulders.
- When you do Tawaf, uncover the right shoulder by tucking the Rida under your right armpit. After Tawaf, cover both shoulders again.
- Wear open sandals. Ankles and top of the feet should stay visible.
- Make your intention at Miqat and begin the Talbiyah.
Dua for Entering Ihram
Arabic
Transliteration
Labbayk Allahumma labbayk, labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk, innal hamda wan-ni'mata laka wal-mulk, la shareeka lak
Translation
Here I am, O Allah, here I am. Here I am, You have no partner, here I am. Indeed, all praise, grace and sovereignty belong to You. You have no partner.
Reference
Sahih al-Bukhari
Now, here's the thing. The belt matters more than people think. We see brothers try to save a few quid and go without one. Then they're adjusting the cloth every two minutes, clutching a phone, and panicking in Tawaf. Nobody wants their Izar slipping mid-Tawaf. Spend the £5.99. Thank us later.
An Ihram belt usually has a zip pouch too. That's handy. You can keep your room card, some cash, and your phone close without needing a bag.
| ❌ Nope | Why |
|---|---|
| T-shirts, shirts, vests | Stitched clothing |
| Trousers, jeans, shorts | Stitched clothing |
| Underwear | Stitched clothing |
| Socks | Top of foot should show |
| Closed shoes or trainers | Not suitable in Ihram |
| Hats, caps, hoodies on head | Head must stay uncovered |
| Perfume or scented products | Fragrance is forbidden in Ihram |
And yes, there are things you can wear.
| ✅ You're Fine | Notes |
|---|---|
| Ihram belt or money pouch | Very useful |
| Watch | Fine |
| Glasses or sunglasses | Fine |
| Ring | Fine |
| Unscented deodorant | Check the label properly |
| Medical items | Of course fine |
If you want the finer fiqh details, read our full Ihram rules breakdown. It's useful before you fly.
Ihram for Women – What to Wear (It's Simpler Than You Think)
Sisters, this bit is easier.
You do not need special white cloths. That's men only. Your Ihram is just your normal modest clothing. Abaya, hijab, comfy shoes. That's it.
But there are a few rules. So let's make them clear.
| Requirement | The Rule |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Loose, modest, covers everything except face and hands |
| Abaya | Any colour is fine |
| Hijab | Hair must be fully covered |
| Face | Uncovered during Ihram |
| Hands | Uncovered during Ihram |
| Shoes | Any comfortable shoes |
| Perfume | Not allowed |
| Make-up | Best avoided in Ihram |
The number one question we get is this: does my Abaya have to be black? No. Not at all. Black, white, navy, grey, olive, beige — all fine. Just keep it modest and simple. No need for anything flashy.
White Abayas are popular in Umrah. So are dark colours that don't show dust. Both work. We've seen sisters travel with one plain black Abaya from the UK, then buy another in Makkah because the choice there is huge. That's a good plan, to be honest.
Take at least 2 or 3 Abayas. You'll walk a lot. Some days can hit 10 km or more between the Haram, hotel, lifts, Sa'i and general walking. Clothes get dusty and sweaty fast.
For hijabs, breathable fabric is key. Cotton and viscose are great. Polyester in 40°C heat? Nightmare. You'll feel sticky by noon. We always tell our groups to pack at least 3 or 4 plain hijabs.
And here's a small tip that helps loads: magnetic hijab pins or instant pull-on hijabs are brilliant for Tawaf. Your hands are busy. You don't want to be fixing pins while moving through crowds.
About niqab. During Ihram, the face stays uncovered. So no niqab in the sacred state. Once you're out of Ihram after completing Umrah, you can wear it again if you wish.
For sisters planning the rest of their case, our complete packing list for women makes life easier.
What to Wear for Each Ritual – Tawaf, Sa'i & Rawdah
This part trips people up.
What you wear changes a bit depending on the ritual. Not massively. But enough that it's worth knowing before you go.
| Ritual | Men | Women | Shoes? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tawaf | Ihram, right shoulder exposed | Abaya and hijab | Barefoot |
| Sa'i | Ihram, both shoulders covered | Abaya and hijab | Shoes on |
| Halq/Taqsir | Ihram then exit Ihram | Abaya and hijab then trim hair | Any |
| After Umrah | Normal modest clothes | Abaya and hijab | Whatever is comfy |
| Rawdah | Smart modest clothes | Best Abaya, hijab and socks | Barefoot inside |
| Ziyarat | Smart casual | Abaya and hijab | Comfy walking shoes |
For Tawaf, men expose the right shoulder. Only then. Not for Sa'i. That's a common slip.
Also, get a drawstring shoe bag. Seriously. You'll remove shoes before Tawaf, and the racks are packed. We've had pilgrims come out and spend half an hour hunting for sandals that looked exactly like 700 other pairs. A £1 bag fixes that. If you're staying close to the Haram, our guide to hotels near Haram also helps cut down that extra walking.
Before you start, it's worth saving or printing the Tawaf duas for all 7 rounds and the Safa and Marwa duas. It helps when emotions are high and your mind goes blank.
Best Footwear for Umrah – What Shoes to Actually Wear
Good shoes matter. A lot.
People focus on visas, hotels and flights. Fair enough. But bad footwear can ruin your first few days. Blisters in Makkah are no joke.
For men in Ihram, keep it open.
| Type | Ihram OK? | Good For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open flip-flops | ✅ | Cheap and easy | £3–£10 |
| Leather Ihram sandals | ✅ | Comfort and support | £10–£25 |
| EVA open slides | ✅ | Light and cushioned | £10–£20 |
| Trainers or closed shoes | ❌ | Not for Ihram | — |
For women, there are no Ihram footwear limits. So comfort wins.
| Type | Good For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Walking shoes | Sa'i and Ziyarat | £20–£50 |
| Breathable sandals | Hot weather | £10–£30 |
| Slip-on flats | Quick on and off | £10–£20 |
If we had to pick one each, we'd say this. Men: soft leather Ihram sandals from Amazon, about £12. Women: Skechers Go Walk or similar lightweight walking shoes. Our female pilgrims mention these all the time. Light, easy, cushioned. Job done.
And please break them in before you travel. Wear them around the house. Go to the shops in them. Do a few stairs. New shoes plus 10 km on marble floors equals blisters by day two. Trust us, we've seen it happen.
Also pack blister plasters. And yes, we're saying it again: bring a shoe bag. Every single trip, someone loses their shoes at the racks. Every single trip.
What NOT to Wear During Umrah (And What Happens If You Do)
Let's keep this calm.
There are rules, yes. But if you slip up by mistake, it's not the end of the world. The main thing is to know the basics so you don't make avoidable errors.
For men in Ihram, don't wear these:
| ❌ Don't Wear This | Why |
|---|---|
| Stitched clothing like t-shirts, trousers, underwear, socks | Men in Ihram wear unstitched cloth only |
| Anything covering the head | Head stays uncovered |
| Closed shoes | Feet should remain open |
| Perfume or scented aftershave | Fragrance is forbidden |
For women in Ihram, avoid these:
| ❌ Don't Wear This | Why |
|---|---|
| Niqab | Face stays uncovered in Ihram |
| Gloves | Hands stay uncovered in Ihram |
| Perfume or scented products | Fragrance is forbidden |
| Tight or see-through clothes | Clothing must stay modest |
What if you break a rule?
If it's a genuine mistake, stop as soon as you realise. For example, if a brother covers his head with a towel in the heat, take it off straight away. We see this one a lot. Use an umbrella instead. Much safer.
If someone knowingly breaks a rule, then a Fidyah may be due. That usually means fasting 3 days, feeding 6 poor people, or offering a sacrifice. Your Umrah is still valid though. You don't have to start all over. If you want the detailed rulings, our team always suggests checking a trusted scholar and reading our Ihram rules guide before travel.
What About When You're NOT in Ihram? Saudi Dress Code Explained
Once Umrah is done, things relax.
After Halq or Taqsir, you're out of Ihram. Men can change into normal clothes again. Women carry on in modest dress as normal. But you're still in Saudi Arabia, and near the Haramain modesty matters.
For men outside Ihram:
| ✅ Fine | ❌ Avoid Near Haram |
|---|---|
| Thobe, trousers and shirt, jeans and t-shirt, trainers | Very short shorts, sleeveless vests, rude graphics |
For women outside Ihram:
| ✅ Fine | ❌ Avoid Near Haram |
|---|---|
| Abaya and hijab, loose trousers with tunic, maxi dress with hijab | Tight or revealing clothes, short sleeves near Haram |
Near Masjid al-Haram and Masjid Nabawi, keep it full modest. That's the safest approach. In malls and hotel areas, you'll see more variety these days. Saudi dress code is more relaxed than it used to be. Still, around holy sites, modest wins every time.
And if you're heading to Madinah after Makkah, our guide to hotels near Masjid Nabawi is worth a read too.
Summer Umrah vs Winter Umrah – What to Wear for Each
Season matters more than people think.
Makkah in summer can be brutally hot. Madinah in winter can feel properly cold, especially at Fajr. And this catches UK pilgrims off guard all the time.
For summer Umrah, usually April to October:
| What | Advice |
|---|---|
| Makkah temp | About 35–50°C |
| Ihram fabric for men | Thin lightweight cotton |
| Abaya for women | Light cotton or linen |
| Hijab | Cotton or viscose |
| Footwear | Breathable sandals |
| Extra tip | Carry a small umbrella for shade |
For winter Umrah, usually November to February:
| What | Advice |
|---|---|
| Makkah temp | About 18–28°C |
| Madinah temp | About 10–20°C |
| Ihram fabric for men | Thicker towel-style cloth can help |
| Extra warmth for men | Wrap sheets tighter in Ihram |
| Women | Bring a warm shawl or cardigan |
| Footwear | Closed shoes useful outside Ihram |
Here's what many people miss: Madinah is often much colder than Makkah. A family we helped last January packed only light clothes because they checked Makkah weather. Then they got to Madinah and needed extra layers before Fajr. So yes, pack that cardigan.
If you're still picking dates, our guide to the best month for Umrah by weather will help you choose well.
Where to Buy Ihram in the UK (Online + Shops by City)
You don't need to overcomplicate this.
For most people, Amazon UK is easiest. An Ihram set with belt often costs about £8.99 to £15.99. That's enough for a decent first set. If you want a spare, buy two. Simple.
| Store | What They Sell | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon UK | Ihram sets, belts, Abayas, sandals | £5–£50 |
| Islamic Impressions | Ihram, Abayas, travel bits | £10–£35 |
| eBay UK | Budget Ihram sets and belts | £3–£20 |
If you prefer shops, here are the spots our clients usually head to:
| City | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Birmingham | Alum Rock Road, Small Heath |
| London | Whitechapel Road, Green Street |
| Bradford | Great Horton Road, Leeds Road |
| Manchester | Wilmslow Road, Cheetham Hill |
| Leicester | Narborough Road, Evington Road |
And if you forget something? Don't stress. You can buy Ihram in Saudi Arabia too. Jeddah airport shops, hotel lobbies, and the streets around Haram all sell it. A decent set is often 30 to 100 SAR. If you need help with spending money, our Saudi currency guide will help you work out SAR to GBP before you go.
Our honest recommendation? Buy your main Ihram in the UK. Practise at home twice. Bring two sets. Then if you fancy another Abaya or spare sandals in Makkah, grab them there.
If you're still looking at travel options, you can compare our Umrah packages UK 2026 or check a shorter stay like the 10 Days 4 Star Umrah Package.
Quick Clothing Checklist — Screenshot This
Here's the easy version.
Screenshot it. Tick it off. Done.
Men
| Item | Qty | Must-Have? |
|---|---|---|
| Ihram set (Izar + Rida) | 2 | ✅ Yes |
| Ihram belt with pouch | 1 | ✅ Yes |
| Open sandals or flip-flops | 1 pair | ✅ Yes |
| Comfy trainers for after Ihram | 1 pair | ✅ Yes |
| Safety pins | 4–6 | Recommended |
| Normal clothes | 3–4 sets | ✅ Yes |
| Shoe bag | 1 | ✅ Yes |
| Umbrella | 1 | Summer yes |
| Unscented deodorant | 1 | ✅ Yes |
Women
| Item | Qty | Must-Have? |
|---|---|---|
| Abaya | 2–3 | ✅ Yes |
| Hijab | 3–4 | ✅ Yes |
| Comfortable walking shoes | 1 pair | ✅ Yes |
| Backup sandals | 1 pair | Recommended |
| Socks | 3–4 pairs | ✅ Yes |
| Shoe bag | 1 | ✅ Yes |
| Warm shawl | 1 | Winter only |
| Unscented lotion and deo | 1 each | ✅ Yes |
| Magnetic hijab pins | 2–3 | Recommended |
| Umbrella | 1 | Summer yes |
For the rest of your case, use our full packing list with ALL items (not just clothing). That one covers documents, medicine, chargers, snacks and more.
7 Clothing Mistakes We See Every Single Trip
These are real ones.
We've seen all seven on actual trips. Some are harmless but stressful. Some can lead to penalties. All are easy to avoid.
- Using a towel on the head for shade. Men in Ihram can't cover the head. Use an umbrella instead.
- Wearing underwear under Ihram. No, lads. Stitched clothing still counts underneath.
- Forgetting the right shoulder rule. Expose it in Tawaf only. Cover both shoulders in Sa'i.
- Thinking women must wear white. They don't. Any modest colour is fine.
- Wearing niqab during Ihram. Face stays uncovered in the sacred state.
- Taking brand new shoes. Blisters are almost guaranteed.
- Using “unscented” products that still contain parfum. Read the label. Carefully.
And here's the bonus tip. Practise wearing your Ihram at home. Sit down in it. Walk in it. Climb stairs in it. It's much better to work it out in your bedroom than in an airport toilet five minutes before boarding.
Your Questions Answered — Umrah Clothing FAQ
These are the questions we get most.
What is Ihram for men?
Ihram for men means two unstitched white sheets. The lower one is the Izar. The upper one is the Rida. Men also avoid stitched clothes, head coverings and closed shoes while in the state of Ihram.
What do women wear for Umrah?
Women wear normal modest clothing. Usually that's an Abaya with hijab. They do not wear the two white sheets. Any modest colour is fine, and comfortable shoes are allowed.
Can women wear a coloured Abaya for Umrah?
Yes, absolutely. Black is common but not required. White, navy, grey and dark green are all fine. Just keep it plain and modest.
Can you wear niqab during Umrah?
During Ihram, no. The face should remain uncovered. Once Umrah is complete and you're out of Ihram, you can wear niqab again if you choose.
Can men wear underwear under Ihram?
No. Men in Ihram should not wear stitched underwear, boxers or briefs. That's why the Ihram belt helps so much. It keeps the lower cloth secure.
What shoes should I wear for Umrah?
Men should wear open sandals or flip-flops during Ihram. Women can wear any comfortable shoes. For both, non-slip soles and already-broken-in footwear are best.
Where can I buy Ihram in the UK?
Amazon UK is the easiest option for many people. You can also find Ihram in Islamic shops in Birmingham, London, Bradford and Manchester. Prices usually start around £8 to £15 for a decent set.
How many Ihram sets should I take?
Take two minimum. One to wear and one spare. If your trip is longer, or if you sweat a lot, a third can help.
Can you wear perfume during Umrah?
No. Avoid perfume, aftershave, scented deodorant and scented lotion once you're in Ihram. Men can apply perfume to the body before entering Ihram, but not to the cloth.
What should I wear after completing Umrah?
Once you've done Halq or Taqsir, you're out of Ihram. Men can return to normal clothes like trousers, shirts and trainers. Women usually continue in Abaya and hijab.
Can men wear socks in Ihram?
No. Men should keep the top of the feet uncovered. Women can wear socks if they want. Many do, especially in Madinah.
What do you wear for Rawdah in Madinah?
Dress modestly and neatly. Men usually wear a thobe or smart modest clothes. Women usually wear a clean Abaya, hijab and socks. It's one of the most blessed places you'll ever visit, so dress with care and respect.
Final Tips Before You Fly
That's the full picture.
So here's the cheat sheet. Men: two white sheets, a belt, and open sandals. Women: Abaya, hijab, and comfy shoes. That's really it.
Don't overthink the clothing side. The simplicity is the point. It strips away status, brands and show. Everyone stands equal before Allah. That's powerful.
Before you travel, read our guide on how to perform Umrah step by step, check the best time to perform Umrah, and keep our full Umrah packing list handy. If you want help planning the whole trip, you can Browse our Umrah packages or Get a free Umrah quote. Our team is always happy to help.
Helpful next steps for UK pilgrims
If you want to turn this advice into a clear plan, the pages below will help you go one step further. They cover the wider rules, package choices, checklists, and practical travel points that usually come up after you finish a guide like this one.
- Hajj Packages UK 2026 This pillar page gives you the full background, key rules, and step-by-step context around this topic. It is the best place to go if you want the bigger picture before you make any travel decisions. It is especially helpful if you are looking for hajj packages uk.
- Umrah Packages from Bradford This page is useful when you want real options, package details, hotel information, and practical UK departure planning. It helps you compare what is available instead of staying at the research stage. It is especially helpful if you are looking for umrah packages from bradford.
- Can You Perform Umrah on Behalf Can You Perform Umrah on Behalf of Someone Else? This supporting guide answers a closely related question and adds more detail, examples, or travel tips. It works well as your next read if you want a narrower answer after this main article. It is especially helpful if you are looking for Learn how to perform Umrah on behalf of someone else, who it’s allowed for, the right intention, step-by-step method, and mistakes to avoid.
- How Can You Get a Saudi eVisa from the UK? Complete Application Guide This supporting guide answers a closely related question and adds more detail, examples, or travel tips. It works well as your next read if you want a narrower answer after this main article. It is especially helpful if you are looking for Learn how to get a Saudi eVisa from the UK. Step-by-step guide covering requirements, fees, processing time, and travel tips.
- 10 Days 3 Star Umrah Package This page is useful when you want real options, package details, hotel information, and practical UK departure planning. It helps you compare what is available instead of staying at the research stage.
- How to Apply for Umrah Visa from UK Without Mistakes: Full Online Form Guide, Price Breakdown & Approval Tips This supporting guide answers a closely related question and adds more detail, examples, or travel tips. It works well as your next read if you want a narrower answer after this main article. It is especially helpful if you are looking for Discover how to apply for Umrah visa from UK step-by-step. Learn prices, online form tips, Saudi waiver rules and approval advice for 2026.
Reading a few of these pages together will give you a fuller view than relying on one article alone. That matters even more when you are comparing routes, costs, rituals, and timing from the UK.
Why this matters for your planning
If you are searching for an Ihram for men, you usually want one thing: clear guidance you can trust before you travel. That means the information needs to be practical, easy to follow, and tied to the real questions UK pilgrims ask before they leave.
A strong Ihram for men should not just repeat key terms. It should help you understand what to do next, which pages to read after this one, and how to move from general research to a real travel plan with fewer gaps.
