Kuwait City - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business attire at work, depending on your section. In spite of its reputation as a quasi-liberal democracy, Kuwait is a fairly conservative Muslim country. Most Kuwaiti women are completely covered in public. That said, foreigners are given significant latitude. Its wise to dress modestly and avoid attracting attention. Jeans and a tee-shirt are never a problem. - May 2023
Depends on the work environment. Generally business casual is a way to go. Formal dress is required for big representational events. We typically wear pants/long dress when we go out in public. - May 2023
Business casual for Embassy staff. Casual for everywhere else. I just know that the women should be more modest. - Apr 2022
Teachers and government employees usually dress business professional. Military contractors dress more casually, often in tech wear and polos. - Feb 2020
At the Embassy, work attire is mostly suit/tie if you're in a job that requires you to leave the embassy or welcome guests to the embassy. If your not client facing, slacks/dress shirts are fine. Locals tend to get very dressed up to go out at night/dinner/parties/etc. There are lots of events associated with the embassy and outside of the embassy where formal attire is required. There are lots of opportunities to dress fancy and go out. - Nov 2018
The embassy is formal but not over the top. Shirt and tie are the norm for men. Kuwaitis wear either western clothing or "dishdashas." Its very. very hot here in the summers, so consider linen, etc. Its far more permissive for women here than in Saudi or even Doha. No need for an abaya or hijab, but shorts and tank tops are definitely not advisable due to the attention you will get. - May 2017
Business casual at work. No religious garb is required. Although many muslim women dress conservatively. Meaning, a tunic with pants and a hijab, etc. For time to time, there may be an opportunity to dress up more. - Mar 2017
There is a wide variety of dress here. Women and men tend to have their knees and shoulders covered. Not all local women cover their hair, some wear niqab (covering all but the eyes), others wear western dress. Westerners wear a wide variety, too. I've seen men at the mall wearing a range from baggy shorts and t-shirts all the way to dishdashas. Formal dress is rarely required, but there is a regular concert series and events for which you might want to dress up occasionally. - Aug 2016
Business, business casual unless you're at the gym. - Mar 2015
Very informal (but I work at an oil field). I think in the government offices, it's suit and tie (maybe more formal than in the U.S.). Don't think smart casual has caught on so it's Dishdashi's (robes) and suits. - Dec 2013
Conservative while keeping in mind that it's hot. - May 2013
Suit and tie to work. Women should dress very conservatively, so as not to attract unwanted attention. As an Arab friend told my wife soon after we arrived: If an Arab man speaks to a Western woman in public, he has ill intentions." You will run into the occasional Kuwaiti who went to college in the U.S. and just wants to chat. Men should not wear shorts in public unless they are exercising, and even then, make sure they are long - no running shorts, dude. - Feb 2013
Generally conservative. - Jan 2013
Modest. Women should cover elbows and shoulders to be respectful, but this is not required. - May 2012
Definitely shorts should come below the knee for both men and women. You would stand out for sure if you had exposed knees or shoulders. No tank tops or low-cut shirts. Showing any cleavage out in public would be extremely inappropriate here, and you would get unwanted attention. I wear skirts that come to my knees to church, but I wouldn't wear them to the malls here. Regular shirts and cap sleeves are fine. - May 2012
Do not show the knee, cleavage or shoulders, and wear nothing see-through or tight. Many a Kuwaiti teen pushes this envelope, but it makes the locals uncomfortable. Police stop non-Western expats who break this code. - Jan 2012
Business casual/normal business attire, depending on where you work. Women dress modestly. Well....sort of. Tanks are ok, shorts/mini-skirts are not, unless your legs are covered with tights. Interesting, huh? You can show your shape, but you are limited in showing your skin. Kuwaitis are very fashionable. Women dress up just to go to the mall -- wearing Gucci pumps and Prada bag with an Abaya (traditional dress) decorated with rhinestones. - Jul 2010
Business casual in the office. This is a Muslim country, so people tend to cover a little more than we would in the States. I have gone out in sun dresses on the weekends and felt very comfortable. It all depends on the person. - Jul 2010
At work it's business attire. In public, modest dress, make sure your shoulders are covered and your shorts and skirts are not too sort. You will likely feel out of place in hot-pants or a tank top. - Jul 2008
Work is business casual. Public is conservative. No bare shoulders, no skirts or shorts above the knee. - Jun 2008
