Iran Dress code - What to wear in Iran

Iran Dress Code At a glance:

For Women:

Headscarf: It’s a must

Long sleeved shirt: OK

Colorful dresses: OK

Loose fitting pants and cardigans: Recommended

Sandal with or without socks: OK

Shorts and Three-quarter pants:Not allowed

For Men:

Short sleeved shirt: OK

Sandal with or without socks: OK

Shorts: NO

Three-quarter pants: Not Proper

Tie: Not Normal but No Problem

More Casual Than You Expect

Tourists are generally encouraged to dress conservatively when going through the Middle East; however dress code in Iran seems more Precarious and Uncertain. That is a result of individuals’ recognition from Iran, those who have typically just observed the dark Chador on International News channels.

But the truth is Iranian attitude to dress code is more casual than you might expect, but there are definitely rules you need to follow. As an Islamic country, Iran has its own rules for dressing in public.On religious principles it’s obligatory for women and men to cover their body more than usual dress codes of western countries.

Iran Women Dress Code

Like all females aged nine and older, women who travel to Iran will need to wear hijab while in Iran. That means covering hair, arms and legs and wearing clothes that disguise your body shape when in public.

Headscarf

As a woman, you should cover the hair with headscarves, do remember to have a headscarf with yourself as you have to wear it the moment you enter Iran. The headscarf accompanies you all time you’re in the country except in hotel’s room. If your headscarf falls (which happens often!) don’t worry and quickly put it back on again.

The dress code in Iran, may be uncomfortable, especially during warmer months so it’s better to use super light materials. Technically, all hair should be covered, but you will soon notice that this isn’t the case in practice and if you are not happy with the colour or design of your headscarf you can buy very nice headscarves in local shops with very low prices; beautiful colours and patterns, call it a memento of Iran!

Manteau

Bring something long and loose from home and if you want to look less like a tourist, shop for “Manteau” (an over coat that covers your bottom, at least) once you arrive.

Colours

About clothes colouring there are some wrong beliefs that they must be dark, but there are absolutely no rules about the colour of your clothing so wear as bright as you can and enjoy your time.

Chador

Despite the common misconception, “chador” is not compulsory, the only exception is when you visit some mosques and holy shrines, where you can borrow one onsite or even, if fancy takes you, buy a ready-made one from a nearby bazaar.

Men Dress Code in Iran

There are fewer rules for men. The dress code for Men in Iran is almost the same as other countries but there are a small differences in some cases. Shorts are not acceptable but there isn’t a problem with wearing shorts on the beach or just in places which tend to have a vacation nature. A lot of male travellers ask about wearing T-shirts and ties when they in Iran, yes, is the answer, they are acceptable and there are no problem if you guys wearing T-shirts or ties while in Iran.