Seriously- Shorts and Tank Tops

It doesn't matter what you wear and none cares but should not be offensive to Qatari Culture.

Good day

I missed the memo...Thought she was 2o something...

You can't teach experience...

for me it was the best comment of the day:p

__________________________________________

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

what the worst they can do if you wear a two piece?

@seny0rita this is not twitter, and your posts are more than 140 characters long.

@DJones

hey, youre back making forum topics about your situation eh? it seems youre really off to take that job. :)

but let me ask you the same idealogy that you have asked us..what's the worse thing that could happen if you respect this country/culture's ways thus not wearing overexposing clothes? yeah, sure enough you'll sweat yourself away but it would be advisable to put a little more effort on dressing moderately. you know like, it's advisable not to match a tank top with short shorts when youre going to the souq. it's also best for you to do this because you don't want to be getting attention from lowly men around. nu-oh, we don't like that.

unlike some people...really?like for real,for real?

You can't teach experience...

people advertising "hotness" and status on QL...really?for real,for real?

i'm size 8 and still a hot mom at the age of 37, they want to see more, thus the comment :)

expect nothing, do more, love lots, smile often, cry sometimes but continue living....

At the pool at my old compund girls were barely covered...

And Scarlet had excellent advise for ttraveling to the beach...I do the same...I wear swimsuit in tank top but keep pants and overshirt just in case...

It's a game here...Play it right n you be okay....

You can't teach experience...

at Daisy Dukes ;-))))))))))))0 good one mate.

I will hoist that up the flag pole and see who salutes it!!

What company/industry will u be in and what's your position? Perhaps that could help us figure out what clothes you'll need to bring. I'll tell you why and explain how...

As an american who lives in shorts/tank tops myself, I had similiar concerns before coming here. The following helped me decide what to bring.

You see, my company has a relaxed/casual atmosphere and my coworkers would mostly be brits/americans/other foreigners (thus, i was encouraged to pack mostly casual/business casual wear. Currently, I dress in jeans/tshirts and or long dresses/long skirts because i work 12hr shifts. [thats why i asked you the above questions...so if you're going to be working in a strickly business atmosphere as a marketing director for instance, you'll obviously be the 'face' of your company, in which case you'll be expected to dress in business attire and would want to bring suits/pants/dressy capris, blouses, etc...]

In my situation, i need extremely comfortable/durable/practical clothes because i work long hours in operations/support services....get where i am going??

Coming from the states, most of my summer wardrobe is comprised of --sleeveless spring dresses/tanks/camisoles--and yes i brought all of these things!! HOWEVER, i also brought plenty of short/long sleeve CARDIGANS to wear over all my sleeveless clothes and to cover up my bosom!

Overall, you don't have to give up your wardrobe so to speak, you just have to modify/tweak it a bit. So you can bring your daisy dukes but don't expect to wear them outside the house...

The worse thing that can happen if you carry on wearing those type of clothes over here is that you may assaulted by people who think you are being disrespctful to a country that is first of all Muslim and secondly are quite conservative people.

You will as well be embarassing other Westerners who take the time and trouble to dress accordingly.

I will hoist that up the flag pole and see who salutes it!!

My thoughts....

I love clothes and had to pack everything, plus shoes, into two suitcases. I had to think about where I was working, and with whom I'd be working; the environment. It's an American company, and even in the US, skirts above the knee would not be appropriate. I bought 80% work clothes and 20% casual clothes. Those casual clothes are tshirts and comfy bottoms - shorts that are around the knee, skirts that cover the knee and a few capris.

When I'm at home, I wear what I want. The other day I wished I was wearing long sleeves, instead of my tiny sleeves because my arms got a major burn from the sun.

Anyway, like people said it's very hot already outside, and in the mall/offices it's freezing. The best advice someone gave me before I came here, was to buy some shawls/wraps...to cover up in the cold malls/offices and as backup if you feel you're not dressed appropriately.

That reminds me, I used to tell my staff back home, that if they were second-guessing what they were wearing, then change before coming in to work.

***

Veni, Vedi, Visa! ~ I came, I saw, I shopped!

Let me sum it up for you Djones,

when u go to work ...dress formally, when u go the malls ...dress modestly..dont show too much flesh or else a lot of ppl will have strained necks.

In ur apartment, wear what u want or nothing at all and get a license for the booze and drink all u want or go 2 ur friends place nd have all the drinks nd wear what u want...BUT NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE....dont even think about it...or else u r fkd.

U only have to worry about the heat if you are one of the labourers, but then they too wear overalls for work.

QLers, lets not scare the **** out of this girl....let her come to Qatar nd experience it!!!!

If a thousand people can use long pants, then why not you. Can try faded jeans and T shirt. It is more easy going, you will forget the heat

Power to the non believers, it’s a great feeling to have and hold.

D, if you wear shorts and a tank top here in the summer you will suffer second-degree burns on your legs, back and arms when you get into your car.

Mandi

I just find it very strange that they would comment on you wearing a one-piece bathing suit. One piece bathing suits are quite common, especially the older you get. Was it a knee length one-piece? :P

no i am not wearing hijab, actually even my cousins were making fun at me, im a tourist so it's ok to look stupid.

but oh my, i have a feast seeing these aussie men with six abs pack.... wowwww.

expect nothing, do more, love lots, smile often, cry sometimes but continue living....

Were you by any chance wearing a hijab with that bathing suit?

People may judge, but I'm sure you would believe in sticking to your own beliefs, wouldn't you?

when i was wearing a 1 piece swimsuit in bondai beach, somebody said within my earshot "conservative beeyach"

comimg from arab culture of dressing,i already feel naked with my 1 piece swimsuit.

of course people around me doesnt knew where i come from.

i got a dissapproving looks because im covered.

expect nothing, do more, love lots, smile often, cry sometimes but continue living....

Just because some clothes don't meet with some people's approval ratings, doesn't mean it's not perfectly legal to wear it. You may get disapproving looks, but hey you're paving the way.

I've never had any problems with tanktops and hotpants..

Troll-y?? Hmm..

And who (or what) the heck is FFS??? I can guess FS but what's the other F for?

*****************************************

Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Glad that you respect local customs by asking and checking first.

"DJones said ...I DO want to gauge excatly how severe/negative the response would be if I did, say, decide to travel to the beach in a pair of shorts and a tank top with bikini underneath."

- No problem. Have a shawl or some loose piece of clothing to cover up while you're traveling to the beach (in case you have to get out of your car or be out in public - where modest dressing is expected and keeping a low profile is generally a safer bet). Shorts and tank tops are acceptable beachwear.(NB: I said "beachwear" and in the privacy of homes but not in public) Bikinis are fine for the beach too, depending on which beach - preferably not the isolated ones or you'll have a bit too much attention of the wrong kind.

"Some of the clothing I own (and love!)now I wouldn't DREAM of wearing out there. I'd probably be deported... :P BUT, I was at least hoping to hear that some people do still keep some of their original dress habits without too much backlash."

- Yes, but you need to be alert and aware of your surroundings.

*****************************************

Don't want no drama,

No, no drama, no, no, no, no drama

Come on now DJones... the local women would so jealous of your sexy body, complain

The local men would be walking around with a woody on under their dishdash and their wife’s would complain again.

The Asian guys would only want to touch you then jerk off for a month. So so they are only protecting you my dear.. I know it hard being such a hot sexy young women in Doha… Hummmm just dress like that at home enjoy.

Power to the non believers, it’s a great feeling to have and hold.

coming to Qatar

I dont mean to offend you by saying "trumpeting" American status. I was trying to say that status does not give any liberty to do whatsoever you like to do.

Dont be scared, dont be sceptical; Qatar is a freiendlsy

There are lots of Western woman in Qatar enjoyng the life here. ( so many in this QL site also ).

The country is not an obscurantist one like Saudi. It is a mid point between Saudi and Dubai. You have enough freedom, you have your own social circles, private parties, where you can whatever you like.

I thgought to write to you in details, becuse, i see lots of misunderstandings about Qatar in the Western world and we see lots of such questions before landing in Qatar

The answer is simple. Ask yourself WHY you are coming to the Middle East. Then work out in your mind if the "hardships" are worth the effort ..

Yes Alexa, I'm beginning to think Magic Dragon is now a troll ;)))))

-------------------------------------

FFS wear whatever you like. but as with most countries just don't wear hot pants......unless you're in the mardi gras.

There is a huge QL database on dress code and a whole lot of interesting topics for those planning to move to Doha.

Good Luck

Salam

but it sounds offensive!? :o In my opinion, everyone has actually been very helpful. This is serious to me. Even if I talk about it in a light hearted manner.

Whoa, whoa WHOA, Trio; take it easy!! In response to this and the drinking post: What, am I not allowed to ask questions unless they pass some test first??! The REASON I'm asking about these seemingly "odd" or trivial things first is so that I DON'T come over there if I feel I'm going to get locked up or completely shunned for something that I know I may do.

Of course I am interested in other aspects of Qatar life, however, first and foremost I am interested in the translation of what may be an ordinary activity for me in my current location to an illegal action there, and rightfully so! Especially when it involves sacrificing typical past times or attitudes that people my age regularly participate in over here.

So "Rubbish" right back at ya.

Well said Diamond.Totally agree with you.If the conditions won't satisfy him in Qatar better to stay in his own land.

And MD > did u get any complain from any women who wears black stuff that they feel themself poor?There is no force in this issue and whoever wants to wear it she can ,and feel happy since she is following her own way which already she choosed.At least I'd like to tell that I am not poor.:p

__________________________________________

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Seriously, what the ef.

It's hard to be a woman. Ain't it?

Ugh! Just got your answer to my drunk in public question too. I'm going to be stoned to death and/or deported my first night there!! :X Maybe I should move to VEgas instead... :)

...my understanding, DJ, is that in the summer it can get up to 120 degrees, and sometimes even warmer. (Americans relate better to temperatures in terms of farenheit than in terms of centigrade. I always have to use a centigrade to farenheit converter to put things in perspective.) Additionally, the humidity can be very high so I can't even imagine what the heat index must be like. (I don't know that they report heat index here as I haven't been here in the summer, yet, myself.) So don't be fooled by thinking you're going to be in the hot 'dry desert'. The temperatures are already getting to be hotter than I've ever experienced in my life so I'm kind of dreading the promised heat and humidity to come. And, yes, people get ridiculous about how cold they keep the air conditioning so you might be sorry if you dress for the heat when you will actually be spending your time indoors in the cold. I have to step outside of my office several times during the day just to soak up some warmth. Welcome to Doha. I hope you like it as much as I do.

(Sometimes you're the windshield, and sometimes you're the bug...)

DJ, you'll enter the world of the 15th century! The 'progress' is fake and bought from Woolworth. Didn't you know that?

Of course I wouldn't base my decision solely on that! It's just very hard for me to swallow hearing that I have to modify my lifestyle just because I'm a girl. It feels almost discriminatory. I'm trying to remind myself to be open minded and respectful and that the women there dress this way of their own volition, not because a man is telling them they have to. At least I think they do...

The sun is strong here...

I cover my arms and legs with loose cotton clothing to respect the local values and to protect my skin from the sun.

Shorts and tank tops....well if they mean that much to you in a very nice way consider carefully your move to the middle east

Then forget it!

:o ... Evidently, without me as I won't be allowed to wear them anywhere!! =\

With you in it, or without you in it, DJones?

I can donate one to you MD! I will have plenty to go around! :D

Cheers, brit.

I'll keep an eye out for you at the beach.. Have a good night :)

I don't have sandals, brit. But I'll get a tank shirt tomorrow. I think it's a must-have.

Do what I do.. Keep the fag packet in the socks you're wearing with the sandals..

Sleeveless T-Shirt! Thank you, brit. No, I didn't wear them. There is no way to have an extra pack of cigarettes rolled up in the T-Shirt sleeves.

There you go.. Just picture me in it !

I think the song from Dr. Hook is called "Sexy Eyes", not sexy knees. And I'd rather believe in music.

then you better see brit's sexy knees

I have no clue, brit. Can you draw some for me?

Come on.. You must have worn tank-topsin your younger days..

Knees are only sexy from the back.

Are knees really that tempting? I've never seen a sexy knee, I don't think...

Macho!

what do you normally think of if i tell you im wearing a wife beater inside my linen shirt?:)

Tank Top? Sounds like a military kind of clothing?

Poor women? Have you asked them all how they feel? Although I don't wear abaya very often I have never found it uncomfortable.

-------------------------------------

bikinis at most pools just ask first if there is a dress code for it...some places, such as the diplomat club do not allow bikinis.

As far as the shorts and tank tops...sure you can drive in them to the beach..I do, too, BUT...I always carry a short sleeved top and capri pants with me just in case of an accident. You don't want to be standing on the side of the road trying to talk to the other person, in your shorts and tank top or you'll cause another accident.

As far as long sleeved tops and long pants...you can wear short sleeves and pants can be capris or long shorts...its not as miserable as everyone back home makes it out to be...but if you are that concerned...take Diamond's advice and stay in America...

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the main difference between a dog and man.

-Mark Twain-

Men are covered here, too. The only difference is that they are allowed to wear shiny white whereas the poor women must wear black. Also men mostly have white cars, women prefer black cars. It's all about colors, not religion.

I'm certainly considering it.

Can I wear a bikini at the beach and pool? Or will I get death looks without a 1-piece??

Perhaps it would be better to stay where you are where you can enjoy your choice of wardrobe. If you are going to find it difficult or have an objection then this may not be the place for you.

-------------------------------------

There have been more stories recently of women being approached in malls and asked for their ID documents by local men. There reason is that the women were inappropriately dressed. Although in the past I have seen many females wearing shorts and strappy tops the level of tolerance seems to be dropping. And during Ramandan - which starts late August - tolerance is near zero. Last year I got shouted at because I had white trousers on!!! You have to be respectful - if you are going to the beach or one of the hotel pools I think you will be fine in shorts/strappy tops/strappy dress - but if you are eating in the restaurants, going to the malls I would cover up. And as many people here have commented they put the aircon so high in the malls you will want to be covered! And realistically you won't be going for a midday walk - it is already 45C during the day here and will go up to the mid 50's so going for a wander is not a good idea unless you want sunstroke.

You can't teach experience...

what are you planning to wear here?plaid?

seriously,no need to overhaul your wardrobe.bring nice cottons long sleeve tees and linens trousers.those short shorts belong inside the bedroom and so are those sleeveless and strapless blouses.

Yes, it would be like you said not to open the doors to "evil" , meaning to tempt . And men have a dress code as well, the have to cover at least from the navel and all the way over the knees

Right, I understand it's from the religion that this practice is observed, but what is the reasoning? So as not to make temptation out of yourself? Are men supposed to cover too?

It does not matter what age you are, that sort of dress is bad in an Arabic country.

I will hoist that up the flag pole and see who salutes it!!

it's not only knees / shoulder, I guess that is the bare minimum .... I is for the believing women a religious obligation to cover completely . And there is much wisdom behind it.

Hmm.. well I don't mean to "Trumpet" my American status as if to say I'm going to do whatever I want with total disregard for Qatari customs. I DO want to gauge excatly how severe/negative the response would be if I did, say, decide to travel to the beach in a pair of shorts and a tank top with bikini underneath.

Some of the clothing I own (and love!)now I wouldn't DREAM of wearing out there. I'd probably be deported... :P BUT, I was at least hoping to hear that some people do still keep some of their original dress habits without too much backlash.

I guess I'll just have to see how it goes when I'm out there.

Maybe I should do some more research on Islamic Customs, but can anyone explain why women are required to cover shoulders/knees in the first place? I'm very curious. Thanks.

dont trumpet you are from States.

You have to respect the local customs, please.

secondly, unlike in your country, no one walks around the streets during summer. It is too hot. Your house, your car, the local store all are air conditioned. So you dont even feel like to throw away the dress, unless you are a labourer who work in the streets

You can't teach experience...

it would be more respectful and appropriate to dress modest ,after all you are a guest here in Qatar. BUT there are people that don't really care and run around "half naked " and it seems like nobody does anything about it.

So if you have no shame, do as you please.

besides like everybody said, it is to hot to be outside ....

I was used to the torrid heat of south east Texas before Qatar, but it was gentle compared to here where the sun is so harsh you need to protect yourself by covering up if you're out in it for any time at all. No weak shafts of watery sunlight here!

***********

"There's this thing called being so open-minded your brains drop out". - Richard Dawkins

There is no rule that says, 'No short pants and tank top in Qatar'

Do you really want to walk around??? In the Sun????

We don't walk, we have cars.

In closed places, they have air conditioning... so it's quite cold.

But you gonna stick out like a sore thumb....

Buy some light thin clothes...

Seriously...

welcome to doha...

You can't teach experience...

Does not matter where you come from, this is an Islamic country. Be respectful. I wear linen and cotten and that is cool. I wear long pants and longs sleeves in the summer months.

I will hoist that up the flag pole and see who salutes it!!

Your not likely to be walking about anywhere outside in the summer ,at least during the day . Malls, public places ,,,,cover up or face the consequences.