Dress code

Dress Code of Iran, Females planning a trip to Iran should consider this question: What should I wear? This information aims to give practical advice, dispel preconceptions and reassure.

Perhaps the most visible mark of Iran’s Islamic leanings is the conservative dress. Although normal Western–style clothing is acceptable in private homes when in public women are required to cover their bodies and hair.

Since the revolution of 1979 all women in Iran, including foreigners, have been required by law to wear loose–fitting clothes to disguise their figures. They must also cover their hair.

This form of dressing is known as Hijab, a term that refers in general to ‘modest’ dress, and is also used to refer specifically to the hair – covering.

Signs in public places show officially acceptable versions of hijab the chador, an all-encompassing, black garment, or a manteaux and a rusari (scarf) covering the hair, neck, and décolletage. The girl must start to wear hijab when they reach puberty.

As a foreigner, a female traveler is officially expected to cover her hair. Usually, more tolerance tends to be shown towards foreigners over the detail of the dress code than is the case for Iranian women. However, this does not include leaving one’s hair fully uncovered.

‘Acceptable’ outfits may include a loose dress or shirt worn over a loose skirt or pants and a scarf in the summer, and a woolen coat and scarf in the winter (calf-length is acceptable if worn over pants). All colors and modest designs are acceptable.

It’s not unusual to see young women in the larger cities wearing figure–hugging manties (often tightly belted trench – coats), skinny jeans, high z x heels, and colorful rosaries that have been arranged to offer plentiful glimpses.

But in the smaller cities, towns, and villages this rarely happens- the chador is common and those who don’t wear it are clad in an ensemble of shapeless coats, black pants, sensible shoes, and a maqna’e (nun-like headscarf, or wimple). Color schemes are uniform.

Head Coverings

You should keep your scarf on in Iran. Silk scarves aren’t much use, as they tend to slip off, the only way to make them work is to them under the chin babushka – style.

Wool can work, but not if it’s too fine and slippery. Your best bet is textured cotton, which tends to adhere to hair more effectively and slips less. Make sure that your scarf is wide enough to cover all of your hair and long enough to be able to throw over your shoulders.

MANTEAUS

The majority of manteaus are made from polyester or cheap cotton. The trench – coat style is the most popular version for fashion–conscious Iranian women, but it can be hot and uncomfortable – remember that your matters will need to stay on in restaurants, cinemas, shops, and other interior public spaces.

Loose-fitting cardigans going down to the mid-thigh are a comfortable, alternative form of outerwear. These can be worn over T-shirts or jumpers (sweaters) but bring them from home – they’re hard to source in Iran.

In summer, you’ll need to wear something light – long peasant blouses and tunics made with natural fibers work well, as do shalwar kameez, along shirt or tunic worn over baggy pants. If you’re coming overland from India, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to purchase these along your journey.

All manteaus are worn over trousers, jeans are perfectly acceptable. Do not skirt. You wear it on your trouser.