Heading off to seminary in Israel for the year? You’ve never packed for this long of a time and it can be overwhelming. What do the girls actually wear? This guide will help!
This is a list written by seminary students of a Bais Yaakov-type of seminary in Israel. As moms we’re familiar with the “We have nothing to wear” refrain and we thought the girls were very generous when listing what is a “must have.” After explaining that laundry is only done every third week, however, the list starts to make a bit more sense. -The BCP Team
UPDATED AUGUST 2025 by seminary students.
Though this list can be used as a guide, it’s always best to speak to a former student of the seminary your daughter will be attending to verify what the girls in that specific seminary actually do wear. This list is as extensive as it gets and is very generous in listing the quantity of clothing. You do not need to buy everything; you can use many things that you already have in your closet (sneakers, shoes, basics, t-shirts…) and this lists very generously the amounts of clothing. If you plan on doing laundry once a week (vs. every second or third week), you can cut the list significantly. Most girls have trouble getting to laundry machines often or are simply lazy to do it weekly.
Also note: Storage space is usually limited!
By starting now, you can shop slowly, starting to look out for the products you want and get things on sale.
You can download the packing list here. However please read the invaluable notes below for more detailed info about each item and or category. You can also find a much more expansive and detailed excel document below.
UNIFORM SKIRTS:
In the majority of Israel seminaries, the uniform is a dark skirt paired with a blue shirt (most Bais Yaakov type seminaries). Always confirm with former students.
Many seminaries request navy skirts, but the girls all seem to wear black anyway.
If you went / are currently in a high school that wears navy or black pleated skirts (long and short) those skirts can be used. Most girls wear long pleated skirts. You can pack a shorter one for trips (use an older one; it’s not necessary to buy one special for this reason) Some suggest getting one skirt a size bigger.
- 4-5 Uniform skirts
UNIFORM SHIRTS:
The majority of the time the girls wear sweaters or t-shirts over their button-down shirts. They wear t-shirts more often than sweaters because it’s quite hot many of the months and they don’t like to wear a plain shirt. This is also the reason why most girls wear collars, dickies, or uni-shells under the t-shirts or sweaters. If your daughter does not want to wear something over her button-down, she would need more shirts and less sweaters/t-shirts. (Editor’s Note: as moms, this sounds like a lot, but the girls wrote this much so we’re going to leave it in)
- 6-7 Uni shells or sleeveless shirts
- 2 Dickies
- 2 Full shirts with collars – if you like to wear full shirts
- White blouse or dickie for Rosh Chodesh
- 8 Sweaters / Sweatshirts (no hood)
- 10 T-shirts
THESE ARE SOME OF THE ONES THAT WE LOVE: - Quince has a great selection with different styles to choose from.
- This black sweatshirt is a favorite.
- This basic knit sweateris a good staple. Wash it inside out so it doesn’t pimple quickly.
- This ribbed pullover is really one size fits all.
- This crewneck t-shirtis perfect for over the uniform dickie.
- This t-shirt from Rhythm is thicker and better quality than the Gap with a nice fit. The ribbed and solid are both good.
EXTRA TOPS: - Polo shirt or any shirt with collar for trip days. (size up for the one linked) (We like this polo and this polo, too.)
- Shirt for tearing kriah (for first day)
SHABBOS:
- 2-3 Nicer outfits for Yom Tov or Simchas. The rest of the Shabbos clothing should be skirts and tops that can be easily washed (not dry clean). They like comfortable outfits/sweaters with simple black Shabbos skirts. Seminary girls go away every Shabbos so they should be easy to pack. There can be some winter and some summer outfits, but best if some is transitional clothing that works for all year round and in-between weather.
- 4-5 Winter outfits
- 4-5 Summer outfits
ADDITIONAL CLOTHING:
- 4/5 Winter Sweaters for Motzei Shabbos, not tight-fitting
- 4/5 Summer Tops + more if you stay for Pesach
- Keep Chol Hamoed in mind. You really don’t need much clothing aside from uniforms and Shabbos clothing.
BASICS:
(Editor’s note: Again, there’s a lot on the list. Laundry isn’t done often and things keep getting lost.)
- 6-7 Pjs (keep in mind the temperature shifts… it gets very hot and very cold)
- Tank Tops (if you like to wear a layer under clothing)
- 2-3 Slinky Skirts
- Shells
- 25 Pairs (or two weeks worth of) of underwear
- 6-8 Bras
- 8 Black tights (if you don’t wear socks, get more tights and less socks)
- 20-25 pairs black socks (or two weeks worth). The girls wear these under long skirts.
- 5 Pairs short socks (for night)
- 10-12 Nude stockings (You can buy more of most brands in Israel.)
- 2 Slips
- Rain jacket / windbreaker
- Winter coat with hood (All outerwear should be waterproof as it rains a lot)
- Bathing suit / Cover up
- Baseball Cap (some tour guides don’t let you join without a cap)
- Bag/Purse – most girls use a small crossbody bag
- Fuzzy bathrobe/towel bathrobe is really good to have to throw on after the shower
- Leggings and exercise t-shirts (including ones that can be worn outside like this Under Armour top)
- Sweatshirts/hoodie
SHOES:
Shoes get ruined fast because you do a lot of walking.
- Loafers or sneaker shoes for every day
- Shabbos Shoes
- Lace up sneakers for trips
- Flip flops or waterproof slides or *Natives for the shower
- Cozy slippers to walk around the dorm
- Water shoes for trips*
LINEN & TOWELS:
Most people buy pillows and blanket from former students or directly from Blanket Express. You can also buy linen and towels but most bring their own.
- A throw blanket if you don’t like people sitting on your bed.
- 2 Full sets of linen
- Mattress protector
- Sleeping Bag Liner for Shabbosim
- Pillows
- Blanket
- 3-4 Shower Towels
- 3-4 Hand Towels
- 2 Beach Towels
- 2 Laundry Bags (so you can wash the bag and use the other)
- Mesh Bags
ODDS AND ENDS:
- Brush / Hair Accessories
- Blow Dryer / Iron – Note the voltage is different – bring a converter
- Camera (Canon has some great refurbished ones)
- Overnight Bag -a small wheelie/carry-on works (make sure it’s big enough to fit several changes of clothing)
- Siddur/ Tehillim
- School Supplies (bring some paper/notebooks and pens so you don’t have to run out the first day). Otherwise, buy in Israel. It’s best NOT to bring along American looseleafs because you’ll have to use American paper and it’s not available.
- Seforim (usually bought from the school/former students)
- Water Canteen for trips (buy in Israel)
- Lenses / Lens Solution
- Makeup / Makeup Remover
- Sunscreen and face creams
- RH & Yom Kippur Machzor
- Gifts for hosts: If you plan on going often to family (an aunt, brother…), sometimes it’s easier to take care of these in advance if they won’t take up a lot of space.
- Journal, if you want to keep one during the year.
- Hanging shoe organizer (find out what the rooms look like and if it’s better to hang the shoes)
- Photos/Collages/Family Photos
- An alarm clock is not necessary/most use their phone
- IMPORTANT: Bring along thin hangers and tiered skirt hangers due to limited closet space.
TOILETRIES:
While you might like the familiarity of the hair products you’re used to, don’t stock up at home. You can buy many of the same brands in Israel, and these are formulated for use with the harder Israeli water. Also, if you’re used to using 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner or skipping conditioner altogether, that probably won’t work in Israel. The harder water will leave your hair feeling much more coarse and dry, so make sure to condition every time you wash.
All toiletries are sold in Israel, but it may not be the particular brand you like (like pads). Bring along things you are particular about, and buy the rest in Israel. Things that are small and easy to pack (i.e. nail scissor), buy in the U.S. (we removed the line about q-tips)
Cell phone plan – most schools specify where to buy a phone. See school rules.
• Mini toiletries for travel
EXTRAS THAT MIGHT BE APPRECIATED:
- Kosher Lamp (buy in Israel for the right plug)
- Lay-flat travel backpack
- Earplugs and/or eye mask
- Dry shampoo
- Melatonin
- Seasonal Allergy medication/drops/spray
- Toothbrush covers
- Wrinkle release spray
- Fabric refreshing spray
- Dryer sheets (very important and not sold in all local Israeli grocery stores)
- Laundry bags with backpack straps
- Power cubes/strips (Israeli style)
- Disposable shower caps (also good for packing shoes)
- Noise canceling headphones or earbuds
- Art supplies or any other compact hobby supplies
- planner/calendar
Have a daughter or relative going away to seminary? See this great post too!
Have a son going away to yeshiva? See this post!
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