Iran Dress Code
How to dress has always been a part of Iranian culture. Iran is vast country with a variety of ethnics and each of them has their own way of culture of clothing, dancing and traditions. This differences have kept Iranians to think deeply about what to dress and how to be fashionable even when they are restricted. There is a 2500 year history of Persian clothing evolution, but do not panic we do not go through all; we just talk about Iran dress code after the Islamic Republic Revolution. There might be very confusing information about what to dress, read this article before coming to Iran.
What is Hijab?
The word Hijab comes from an Arabic root which means to cover or conceal. It is the requirement of covering the whole body except the face and hands. In an Islamic context, Hijab applies for the females who have reached puberty.
The History of Hijab in Iran?
To dress was always a part of Iran culture long time ago even before Islam came to this country. Until the revolution in 1979, people were free to choose their dress code. They usually wear very colorful and loose-fitting clothes; on the other hand some also desired to keep their hijab. However, after the revolution, the Islamic government announced the mandatory Islamic dress code. Since then Iranians have used their best talents to make the new conservative dress code more fashionable in a way that they feel comfortable.
How is Hijab in Iran?
Unlike what is sometimes believed to be, Iranian women and men use a variety of colorful dresses in everyday life. Clothing of different colors that depends only on the individual’s style and nobody interferes in the selection. Although the general form of coverage in Iran has some limitations, it is not as difficult as the others’ Arab countries. Females over the age of nine must wear a hijab. There is no uniformity, however, regarding its type and the amount of coverage it provides. The black chador (the loose head-to-toe covering) is the most covered mode for women although it can be seen rarely in the streets and women just wear it when they want to go to the mosques. Foreign ladies have to wear it only in some mosques and shrines (it is handed over at the entrance).
It may not be bad to know that Islamic hijab in Iran has let women to invent a lovely and beautiful style of dress that you will not probably see the same anywhere in the world. This type of women’s cover, which is undoubtedly the most appropriate form of cover for foreign travelers, is made up mostly of a manteau and a scarf. A manteau is a half/full-length, long-sleeved overcoat that is easily worn on simple clothes, which is readily available in the shops. If you do not want to buy any, bring a knee-length, loose tunic that can be worn with long skirt or trousers (jeans are acceptable).
The scarf (shawl) is also a tiny piece of fabric using to cover hair and neck though not all of them. Be assured that even showing half the hair of a woman in Iran will not cause any problems. Although Islamic law allowed the presence of hands only to the wrists, nevertheless in Iran today such rules are implemented relatively and without rigor. This means that a woman in Iran can usually leave her aid without covering. . If you travel in summer, light fabrics are strongly recommended. Sandals are allowed and are very suitable in summer times.
There are few restrictions about men’s dress. Only shorts, even knee-length are unacceptable. Shirts with elbow-length sleeves and T-shirts are fine.
Are the women tourists supposed to wear hijab in Iran?
Yes, the rule also includes those who want to travel to Iran. If you take it as a new interesting experience you will enjoy it and you will be shocked how Iranians get through this with different fashion methods. Do not forget to have a scarf (Shawl) with you when you enter Iran.