Dress Code in Iran
What to wear when visiting Iran as a tourist?
Women visitors have to observe the hijab law and Iran female dress code, which at the time of writing applies not only to Iranian nationals but to all women.
The dress code in Iran is more casual that what you might expect, but there are a few rules on how you would better choose your clothes when travelling there. On religious principles it’s obligatory for women and men to cover their body more than usual dress codes of western countries. However, for tourists and foreigners the rules are not strictly observed and in the worst case scenario you might get a kind comment about your “Hijab”.
Iranian law requires that all women wear Islamic hijab upon reaching puberty, but it doesn’t specify the form. Women visitors have to observe the hijab law and Iran female dress code, which at the time of writing applies not only to Iranian nationals but to all women. However, If you find others around you being more relaxed about hijab, you can do the same.
Technically, all hair should be covered, but you will soon notice that this isn’t the case in practice. There is no problem with some parts of your hair being out of scarf but there should be a scarf on some part of the head.
About clothes coloring there are some wrong beliefs that they must be dark, but there are absolutely no rules about the color of your clothing so wear as bright as you can and enjoy your time.
Any shades of blue and green, from pastels to deeper hues, and browns and creams are generally acceptable. Turquoise is a favorite of mine, and matches the lovely multi-color tiles in the Isfahan mosques.
Generally, women have to wear clothing that conceals their body parts. In Iran you can see most women wearing “manteau” that might be in different colors and even tight or short.
Your other choice can be “tunics” and pants. If you would prefer to wear a skirt, it should be at least mid-calf or longer, with nontransparent, darkish hosiery underneath.
Ankle length skirts are unusual but acceptable. There is no problem with wearing skinny jeans and high boots but avoid Carpi pants, They are too short and not acceptable. Open toed sandals with nail polish are fine.
During late autumn, winter, and early spring (October to March), these requirements are easier to follow, as women visitors can wear a raincoat over pants.
In the warm and hot months (April until late September), my advice would be to choose a linen jacket or even an oversize but ton-down blouse to get to Iran and then have your first shopping experience hunting for a cool overcoat once you get here.
Despite the common misunderstanding, “chador” is not compulsory except when visiting some mosques and holy shrines, where you can borrow one at the gate or even, if fancy takes you, buy a ready-made one from a nearby bazaar.
The rules about what you wear are just for outside the houses and for private indoor places there are no rule. Feel free to choose your dress code when invited to an Iranian house.
Iranian women dress as they desire in the houses but some religious women follow the Islamic rules about their clothing even in private places.
Anything middle-of-the-road is acceptable, with only two no-nos: avoid shorts at all times, as well as loud, bright shirts and tops (e.g., Hawaiian shirts).
All other leisure wear is acceptable, although be aware that tracksuit bottoms are only used indoors or in gyms, so wearing those pants in the street is likely to attract puzzled glances and smiles.
Short sleeves are acceptable when sightseeing and shopping but not for formal or business occasions.
As in the West, a suit is the generally acceptable dress code in Iran for men on business and formal occasions and “manteau” and a scarf for business women.
The main obvious difference is the almost general absence of a tie, at least in government organizations and government-affiliated companies.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t a wear a tie, because Iranians are aware of the different dress styles and may even expect you to follow your own—foreign leaders and diplomats always do. Iranian private businessmen are more likely to wear a tie.
What should female tourists wear in Iran?
Ladies must always wear a headscarf in public. Expect females from around 6-9 years old to also wear the headscarf. Read more…
What should visiting men wear in Iran?
Anything middle-of-the-road is acceptable, with only two no-nos: avoid shorts at all times, as well as loud, bright shirts and tops (e.g., Hawaiian shirts). Read more…
Can I wear jeans in Iran?
Yes. you can wear jeans or trousers but you must not wear shorts in the Islamic republic. Of course, they are okay to wear in private places. T-shirts are fine but you are not allowed to wear sleeveless vests in Iran. Just stick to shirts and T-shirts.
What should I wear at the beach or waterpark in Iran?
According to the dress code in Iran for tourists, you are supposed to hide your body shape even in public beaches or pools. Of course, in women-only pools or only-women beaches, you can wear as you wish!
What should I wear in Iran in winter?
For cooler weather (and it does get very cold during winter), a long cardigan or coat is imperative. Bright and light colours are just as acceptable as black, grey and navy.
SURFIRAN is an Iranian tour operator and travel agency offering tour packages to those interested in Iran. It provides the tourists with services needed to travel to Iran, offers tours across the country, and assists the tourists in obtaining Iranian visas.
WhatsApp: +98 (910) 928 3853