Dress in Jordan

Out of respect for local custom, dress for both boys and girls should be modest and neat. In general, Jordanians do not dress as casually as Americans do. Many wear traditional garments and others wear contemporary clothes. For girls, skirts and pants should be loose-fitting and come past the knee. Shirts should cover the shoulders and chest and should extend over the hip. Girls also need to bring large-sized, lightweight scarves that can be used to cover their hair when we visit mosques and some churches.

Boys should make sure to bring at least two pairs of lightweight long pants and a few collared shirts for off-campus trips, visiting religious sites, or meetings with special guests. Keep in mind that men in Jordan do not wear shorts shorter than the knee, and generally wear them a bit longer. Only undergarments end above the knee, which is what you will look like you are wearing if you wear shorter shorts.

Jordan in the summer can be hot and we will be spending several days away from King's Academy on a camping trip, extended field trips, and hikes. All students should come prepared with good walking shoes, strong sunblock, insect repellent, wide brimmed hats, and lightweight long-sleeve shirts to keep the sun off of their head, arms, and shoulders for our field trips. Tank tops or sleeveless shirts are not appropriate attire for either boys or girls. Shoes can be open-toed, but bring at least one pair rugged enough for hiking through Petra. All students should also come with a bookbag-type backpack for our overnight camping trip in Petra and Wadi Rum. This backpack needs to hold your toiletries and a change of clothing. We will be visiting a Turkish bath as part of this trip, so a bathing suit is essential.

While at King’s Academy, students are welcome to wear shorts, but these should come to the knee; all clothing should be free of rips.

If you plan on using the fitness center at King’s Academy, you need to bring exercise attire, but remember shorts should not be too short and tank tops or midriff-baring shirts are not appropriate attire for either sex. As mentioned, if you plan to use the pool, all swimsuits likewise should err on the side of modesty. No Speedo-style briefs for boys or two-piece bathing suits for girls.