Islamabad - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
The climate is humid and very wet during the monsoon. Light clothes are recommended during this period but generally office dress code is mandatory. - Oct 2023
Business. There are more formal events in Islamabad than any other place I’ve ever worked, but they’re all social and not compulsory. It seems like the British Embassy throws a ball every other month. It’s tradition at Embassy Islamabad for men (including Americans) to wear shalwar kameez with sandals on Fridays. There are many tailors in town where men get custom shalwar kameez produced. The dry cleaner/tailor who operates out of the commissary also makes custom shoes. Women vary in their approach. Some USDH women go crazy buying lots of custom-made local outfits that they will never wear again after they leave Pakistan. It’s not necessary: standard, modest, American-style women’s business dress is perfectly acceptable in Islamabad. Women should anticipate wearing pants more than skirts. A few well-tailored local tunics and ankle-length pants will be helpful for the very few situations where women might need to wear local dress. There is a female tailor on the diplomatic enclave that most Embassy women use for that purpose. Overall, though, while many people (men, in particular) come to Islamabad expecting to come away with a new wardrobe of bespoke suits, the quality of custom tailoring is very hit and miss (and most compare it unfavorably with what’s available in India or Thailand). People have had better luck having favorite clothing items copied exactly in luxury fabrics. - Jun 2022
Business. - Feb 2019
Conservative. As a woman, it's been annoying not to be able to wear my normal work wardrobe. - Jan 2017
Business casual at work. If you are meeting outside contacts, depending on who they are, women may want to have their legs covered. While out and about, you'll want to cover your legs and shoulders (this is for men and women). Women may also want to avoid tight clothing to limit scrutiny/stares. - Sep 2016
Conservative. No shorts in public, even for men. Women don't need to cover their hair but should avoid tight clothes and always cover their arms and legs. But you'lll find Pakistani tunics (shalwar kameezes) are extremely comfortable, so get yourself a few! - Sep 2015
Modest. Business. - Aug 2015
pretty casual. Women wear local clothing on Fridays some. Most women don't wear dresses and high heels. - Aug 2015
On the Embassy, you'll see western business dress. Outside, it's mostly salwar kameezes. - Apr 2014
Business attire for work, more casual otherwise. Women need to be mindful of the local culture and dress modestly when going out to restaurants and other public venues in the city. - Feb 2014
At the chancery, like in DC for most people, at USAID, local wear is welcome, in the street covered enough. Islamabad is not too strict (you can show elbows and knees) but more coverage is needed in the other cities. - Dec 2013
Suit and tie, otherwise conservative Western casual. Women and men need to cover below the knees. - Mar 2012
Conservative in public. - Aug 2011
At the embassy it is pretty casual. In public it is casual. I wear a button-down or polo shirt and khakis most days. - May 2011
Pakistani women wear salwar kameez or at least kurtas that go to mid-thigh. In the summer it's fine to wear sleeveless kurtas. At the Embassy, some women dress really western (and in my opinion, inappropriate).To go to markets, women should be a bit more covered. But you don't need to wear a scarf in Islamabad. For men, long pants and short sleeved shirts are fine. Shorts are not a good idea in public. - Jan 2010
With modesty. - Oct 2009
Conservative. Business casual. - Oct 2008
