The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Boasting 28,000 stores world-wide, Swedish clothing brand H&M opened its first branch in Cairo in 2008. Since then, three more, slightly smaller, outlets have popped up over the city, including on the first floor of Heliopolis’ Sun City Mall.

Their Sun City branch sports the same gleaming, colourful window displays and iconic, bright red signage advertising the clothing items within. With the absence of masculine ensembles, it is evident that this particular outlet is limited to ladies’ and children’s wear. The kiddies section stocks some adorable toddler outfits including sequined party dresses for 199LE, boys button up shirts for 99LE as well as the essentials such as underwear, pyjamas (149LE), little converse style trainers (99LE) and even clothing for older children up to 14 years.

As a general rule, H&M supplies its customers with reasonably priced, high-street trends. Sun City’s H&M is no exception and stocks a range of women’s clothes and accessories, aimed at the younger,  fashionable clientèle. The same designs are used to cater for curvier women with their a plus-size and maternity range. For example, an essential pair of elasticated jeggings were priced at 199LE. 

Other essentials included a vast denim jean collection (199LE+), sporting indigo, stone wash, black and ripped jeans in various shapes and shades. For the more adventurous, there is also a collection of brightly coloured skinny jeans, including a pair of multicoloured ones (199LE) and a black, denim and velvet, crocodile-skin patterned pair (149LE).

Basic, plain long sleeved tops, tank tops and t-shirts come in a wide spectrum of colours and start at just 79LE, whilst crop leggings were on sale for just 20LE. We spotted a number of light jumpers; simple, cream cable knits go for 99LE, whilst feminine ones with sequin collars are 199LE and are available in pale grey, black and cream. Some heavier knit jumpers were advertised in the ‘spring collection’ for 229LE. An on-trend, washed out denim shirt was 249LE, a leopard print blouse was 149LE and a white denim, cropped biker jacket with a studded collar was 269LE.

Concerning themselves more with everyday, casual wear, we didn’t see many party dresses although we’re certain they do stock a small number. We did, however, spot some black glittery shorts for 129LE, blazers in an assortment of colours for 349LE and cream chiffon blouses with or without sequin shoulder detailing (149LE/229LE), which could be dressed up if needs be.

Their accessory section is well stocked with a range of hair pieces, costume and casual jewellery. Hoop earrings with spikes hanging from them were priced at 49LE; chunky, vintage looking rings with huge turquoise stones are 49LE; and glitzy, collar necklaces are 129LE. Their scarf and snood collection is also seemingly endless, encompassing both subtle, plain designs along with outrageously colourful, patterned scarves (79LE-159LE). Clutch bags are also aplenty (159LE), whilst larger bags for everyday use are slightly more difficult to find.

Unfortunately, this H&M lacks an underwear section and has just a very small collection of  footwear, particularly compared to their City Stars branch. However, we saw some suede, heeled ankle boots (349LE), black pumps with gold studded toes (199LE) and both glittery and plain lace-up trainers (269LE).
On the whole, Sun City’s H&M is well stocked with a range of clothing to suit most tastes, however, their other outlets around Cairo may deliver better in certain areas.