What Do People Wear in the Sahara Desert?

When you think of the Sahara Desert, the planet’s largest hot desert, what comes to mind is a vast ocean of sand, endless dunes of burning hot that stretch across the horizon. But there is something you may not have considered: what does the average person actually wear to survive — and even thrive — in such an extreme place?

The answer might surprise you.

The Key Is Protection — Not Cooling Down

You would think that in a part of the world where summer temperatures regularly reach upwards of 115°F (46°C), people would wear as little as possible. But everything is exactly the other way around. Locals frequently cover up more of their bodies, not less.

Classic desert attire is focused on shielding the body from the sun, sand, and heat. It works, it is only contemporarily cycled: the fashion of the centuries of trial and error, one you realize might have looked stylish, after all.

Clothing Items Used in the Sahara

1. Long, Loose Robes (Djellabas, Gandouras, or Jalabiyas)

These are full-length clothing and are unisex. They’re usually constructed out of lighter weight, breathable materials such as cotton or linen, and are designed to be slightly baggy to allow for maximum airflow. The robes shield against rays while securing a layer of cooler air against the skin.

2. Headwraps and Turbans (Tagelmust or Cheche)

The tagelmust has typically been worn by Tuareg men, a nomadic people who are sometimes called the “Blue People” because of the indigo dye of their clothing; it is a headwrap and face covering in one. Protects you from sunburn, dust storms and other unpleasant weather. A woman may also choose to cover her hair with various types of fabric, like a silk scarf, headscarf, or veil of lace, to coordinate with her ensemble, as a fashion statement, or out of modesty.

3. Layers (Yes, Really!)

It might sound counterintuitive, but layering is actually a good thing in the desert. A lightweight lining absorbs sweat and cools a body as it evaporates; an outer cloth shields against sun and sand. They also keep moisture from evaporating when you sweat.

4. Leather or Fabric Sandals

You’ll also need sturdy, breathable footwear. Many of the people wear leather or weave shoes, also on sandals. They’re rugged and open to air, which can help prevent heat rash or burns from hot sand.

5. Sunglasses (Modern Addition)

Not a desert tradition, sunglasses are worn today by those that have them, protecting the eyes from the intense sunlight and glare.

Clothing = Culture

In the Sahara, what people wear is not just a matter of physical comfort — it is deeply connected to identity and heritage. The styles and colors frequently indicate regional, tribal or family affiliations. For the Tuareg, indigo’s stains can be a sign of beauty and status — their garments turn their skin blue. Women’s jewelry and scarves are also forms of social status, style and tradition.

The Takeaway

So, the next time you imagine the Sahara, don’t think only of heat and sand. Consider the rippling robes against the wind, the colorful headscarves against the dunes, the inventive means by which humans adapt through dress. In the desert, style is survival — and it recounts a story far older than the sand.