Ihram guide: what to wear and what to avoid

Ihram is more than clothes. It is a state of worship that begins with your intention. The simple clothes remind every pilgrim that we stand before Allah as equals. This guide explains what men and women wear, and the main rules.

What men wear

• Two white sheets: one wrapped around the waist (the izar) and one over the shoulders (the rida).
• No clothing that is cut and sewn to the shape of the body, such as shirts, trousers, underwear or socks.
• No head covering. Men must keep the head uncovered.
• Sandals that leave the top of the foot and the ankles uncovered.
• Most scholars allow a belt or a money pouch to hold the izar in place.

The Prophet ﷺ was asked what a person in Ihram may wear. He said not to wear a shirt, trousers, a turban or a hooded cloak, and not to wear anything perfumed with saffron or wars. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838)

What women wear

• Normal, loose, modest clothes that cover the body, in any colour. There is no special uniform.
• A hijab that covers the hair.
• No face veil (niqab) and no gloves, based on the same hadith: "a woman in the state of Ihram should not cover her face, or wear gloves." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1838)
• Many scholars allow a woman to lower a cloth over her face when non-mahram men are near, as long as it is not a fitted niqab.
• Comfortable shoes and socks are allowed for women.

The main rules while in Ihram

From the moment you make the intention until you finish your Umrah, avoid the following:

• Perfume on the body or clothes (including perfumed soap and wipes).
• Cutting or removing hair or nails.
• For men: covering the head, and wearing fitted, sewn clothes.
• For women: wearing a niqab or gloves.
• Marital relations, and making a marriage contract.
• Hunting land animals.
• Arguing, bad language and sin. These are always wrong, but the pilgrim must take extra care.

If something is done by mistake or because of forgetfulness, the rulings differ between the madhhabs. Ask a scholar what to do. Do not panic, and do not guess.

Practical tips for comfort

• Take two sets of Ihram (men). If one gets dirty or wet, you can change.
• Choose thick, soft towelling Ihram for modesty and comfort. Thin cloth can become see-through when wet.
• Practise wearing it at home before you travel, especially tying the izar securely.
• Use unscented soap, deodorant and wipes. Pack them before you leave, as you may not find them easily.
• Protect against rubbing. Long walks in heat can cause chafing. An unscented anti-chafe balm can help.
• Use a safety pin or Ihram clips on the top sheet if you find it slips. Many scholars allow this.

See Ihram sets ↗ See Ihram belts ↗ See unscented soap ↗

Read next: Umrah step by step and the full Umrah packing list.

Last updated: 2026-11-15