Discussion: Formality across cultures
We all have a general sense of what “formal” means — but I’ve noticed it’s far more dependent on culture and location than we might think. Living in the Middle East, the contrast with Western standards is quite clear. For example, in many Western countries, a tuxedo is strictly tied to black-tie events. In Egypt, though, we don’t really have that same structure. The tux is mostly reserved for the groom at weddings — and even then, it’s sometimes treated more flexibly depending on the setting (photos vs. the main event, etc.). Another interesting contrast is with Saudi Arabia. There, the traditional thobe is considered formal wear, while a full suit can come across as more foreign or purely professional. In Egypt, it’s almost the opposite — the suit aligns with what we see as formal, while the thobe feels more traditional and not always suitable in certain formal or professional environments. It’s fascinating how something considered proper in one place can feel out of place just a short distance away. Have you noticed similar differences in other cultures or countries?