Dress Code

Dress Code

What you wear says a lot about what you think about yourself and those you are visiting, so most of the time you should dress in a nice casual way. That is, wear something that you would wear to a moderately priced restaurant back home.

For men, jeans are ok, for ladies a comfortable, relaxed knee-length or longer skirt and blouse. It is import to not dress in a way that shouts “money” or
dress down in worn-out clothes that say “I pity you”.

You should bring nicer clothes to wear in church and relaxed clothes for everyday wear. Most of all, do not dress in an immodest way. A good rule of thumb is not to wear anything that calls attention to any part of your body. This includes too much jewelry and dangle type earrings and necklaces (children will pull them).

As a visitor in Uganda remember that you are representing an entire culture through your appearance and behavior. Whether you feel it is for westerners or Christians, be modest in your representation. Again, MODESTY is the best policy.

WOMEN
Everyday wear should consist of dresses or skirts and blouses. If you participate in physical labor, loose-fitting long pants are acceptable. However, when the work that requires long pants is finished, please change back into a skirt or dress. This is necessary to show respect to the Ugandan culture where women almost always wear skirts. Shorts are NEVER acceptable beyond sleepwear.

Some ideas are listed below:

Skirts/Dresses:
• Loose-fitting
• Length should be below the knees. Legs are very provocative in the Ugandan culture. Keep yourself safe and don’t live up to the stereotype of Americans!
• Many fabrics can be sheer in the sunlight. If a skirt does show some light or is
questionable, please wear a slip.

Shirts:
• Loose-fitting
• Must have sleeves
• Should be made of a breathable fabric to avoid heat exhaustion
• During the rainy season avoid white! We do not want to have a wet T-shirt contest!
• T-shirts are acceptable outside of church. If the shirt has writing on it, Christian messages are preferred to avoid cultural misconception through display on your clothing.

Pants:
• Loose-fitting
• Breathable fabric
• Loose-fitting
• Durable
• LOOSE-FITTING!!!

MEN
Fortunately for men, the culture is much more relaxed in dress. Both pants and shorts are acceptable as well as any shirt with sleeves.

Remember a few things:

• Keep clothing loose.
• T-shirts are acceptable outside of church. If the shirt has writing on it, Christian messages are preferred to avoid culture misconceptions through display on your clothing.
• Always wear a shirt! Although in many cultures it is acceptable for a man to be seen by a women when he is not wearing a shirt, it is not so in Uganda. It is extremely embarrassing for a man to be seen by a woman without shirt for both the man and woman. Physical labor is the only exception to this rule, where it is appropriate to have your shirt off.

Footwear for Men and Women
• Remember there are many parasites that would love to make a home in your skin.
• As often as possible wear closed-toed shoes.
• If you must wear sandals please, for your own safety, do not wear them in the bush. The danger of jiggers, ticks or other parasites is too high.