What to Wear at the Dead Sea
What you wear to the Dead Sea matters more than at a typical beach. The 34.2% mineral concentration interacts with fabric, metal, and skin in ways that require specific preparation. The right clothing protects you from the elements and from the minerals themselves.
Swimwear
Wear old swimwear in dark colors. Dead Sea minerals, particularly the high concentrations of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, can permanently stain light colored fabric and stiffen elastic fibers over time. Many experienced visitors designate a specific swimsuit as their Dead Sea suit and do not wear it elsewhere.
Women can wear bikinis or one piece suits. Men can wear swim trunks or board shorts. Rash guards provide additional sun protection for the upper body. On the Jordanian side, particularly at public Amman Beach, modest swimwear (one piece suits, rash guards, or swim shorts covering the knee) is more culturally appropriate.
Footwear
Dead Sea visitors should wear old, dark colored swimwear because the 34.2% mineral concentration, particularly magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, permanently stains light fabric and degrades elastic over repeated exposure, which is why experienced visitors designate a specific swimsuit exclusively for Dead Sea use.
Footwear
Water shoes or reef sandals are not optional. They are essential. The Dead Sea seabed contains salt crystal formations that are sharp enough to cut bare feet. Flip-flops work on the sand but not in the water, where they tend to float off. Neoprene water shoes with a solid sole provide the best combination of protection and grip.
Sun Protection Clothing
- A wide brimmed hat (not a baseball cap, which leaves ears and neck exposed).
- UV protective sunglasses with a strap to prevent loss.
- A lightweight cover-up or UPF rated shirt for between sessions.
- SPF 50 or higher waterproof sunscreen for exposed skin.
What to Leave Behind
- Expensive jewelry: minerals corrode gold, silver, and damage gemstones.
- New swimwear: the first Dead Sea visit is not the debut for a new suit.
- White or light colored towels: use dark towels that will not show mineral stains.
- Cotton clothing that absorbs water and becomes heavy: synthetic quick dry fabrics are preferable.
Complete Dead Sea Packing Checklist
- Old, dark colored swimwear
- Water shoes or reef sandals
- Wide brimmed hat
- UV protective sunglasses with strap
- Waterproof SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Lightweight cover-up or UPF shirt
- At least 2 liters of fresh drinking water per person
- Sealed fresh water bottle for emergency eye rinsing
- Dark towel
- Moisturizer for post-float application
- Waterproof phone case (optional)
- Change of clothes for after
The essential Dead Sea packing list includes water shoes to protect against sharp salt crystal formations on the seabed, old dark swimwear that can withstand mineral staining, at least 2 liters of fresh drinking water per person, and SPF 50 or higher waterproof sunscreen, all carried in a bag suitable for temperatures that regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius.
What This Means for Visitors
Pack deliberately for the Dead Sea. The minerals that make the water therapeutic also make it hard on fabric, metal, and unprepared skin. Ten minutes of packing the right items prevents hours of discomfort. The Dead Sea does not care what brand you wear. It cares that you are prepared.
FAQs
Will the Dead Sea ruin my swimsuit?
Dead Sea minerals can permanently stain light colored swimwear and stiffen elastic fibers. Wear old or dark colored suits designated for mineral water exposure. Rinse swimwear in fresh water immediately after your session and wash with mild detergent.
Do I need water shoes at the Dead Sea?
Yes. Water shoes are essential, not optional. Salt crystal formations on the Dead Sea seabed are sharp enough to cut bare feet. Neoprene water shoes with solid soles provide the best protection and grip for entering and exiting the water.
What should I wear on the Jordanian side of the Dead Sea?
Resort beaches in Jordan permit standard swimwear. At public Amman Beach, modest swimwear is culturally appropriate: one piece suits for women, board shorts or knee length swim shorts for men, and rash guards for additional coverage.
Can I wear jewelry in the Dead Sea?
Leave jewelry at the hotel. Dead Sea minerals corrode gold, silver, and other metals, and can damage gemstones. Even brief exposure can cause discoloration that is difficult or impossible to reverse.
