Dress code in Iran: what to wear in Iran?

Tourists in Iran should follow Islamic dress codes, which apply to all, men and women. Women must wear long, loose-fitting clothes covering their arms and legs, and a headscarf is obligatory in public. Long tunics, maxi dresses, or manteaus are great pieces. Men should not wear shorts or sleeveless shirts, but rather long trousers and short- or long-sleeve shirts. Bright colors are fine; tourists often find the dress code less strict than they might have imagined, particularly in major cities such as Tehran or Shiraz.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are for public spaces. The dress code can be more casual in private homes or some tourist accommodations. Seasonal changes also make a difference—lighter fabrics are suggested for summer, whereas warmer clothes are essential in cooler months. Make sure to follow the dress code while traveling there as it is both a cultural thing and it will help you feel comfortable.

Understanding the Dress Code in Iran

When visiting Iran it is important to familiarize yourself with the country’s dress code. Iranians have very strict rules for what they can wear at home, and that also translates to tourists visiting the country. While these rules are embedded in the country’s cultural and religious traditions, tourists can easily get around them by observing a few basic dos and don’ts.

Dress Code Obligations for Locals and Tourists in Iran

Both Iranian citizens and tourists are expected to respect the Hijab in Iran while they are in public spaces. However, the enforcement and consequences may vary. Locals are subject to stricter regulations and may face penalties for non-compliance, while the dress code in Iran is generally relaxed for tourists. Nonetheless, it is important for tourists to show respect for the local customs and abide by the guidelines.

Women’s Dress Code Guidelines

In Iran, the dress code is conservative for women. The hair and body should be covered. The most prominent of these is a hijab (headscarf) that covers the hair and neck. Although it does not need to be tightly wrapped, the headscarf must be worn whenever in public — including on streets, in shops, and on public transportation. Besides the headscarf, women are required to dress modestly:

Headscarf: All women must wear a loose-fitting scarf that covers their hair and neck. It can be any color or any pattern, just not something too flashy. It’s a loose draped scarf, loosely covering your hair but not wrapped tightly.
Tunic or Long Shirt: Top should cover the hips with long sleeves. Many wear loose-fitting tunics, covering their body paired with long coats called mantos. These are all pretty standard options for everyday wear.
Pants or Long Skirt: To the long top, women must wear pants or long skirts to cover their legs and avoid exposing their bodies. Jeans and baggy pants are fine, and a maxi, a long skirt, is also on trend. These clothing items should be so loose that the shape of one’s body is not visible.

Read also: Female traveler in Iran

Men’s Dress Code Guidelines

In Iran, the dress code for men is not as strict as for women, but it is still rooted in Islamic modesty standards. Men are required to wear modest, non-revealing clothing. Here’s what men should wear, in detail:

Pants: Shorts are banned in public, no matter how hot it is. Full-length pants are needed, these can be anything from jeans to dress pants. To be clear, that does not mean very tight trousers. There are no specific restrictions on what underwear to wear, but be warned that tight clothing may cause a lot of stares, and this clothing is viewed as inappropriate when it comes to major tourist destinations.
Shirts and Tops: Short-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are permitted, while men are generally not allowed to wear tank tops or sleeveless shirts. Shirts must cover the upper arms, including sleeves. There is no need for long-sleeve shirts, but you are better off with something that covers the full arms.
Footwear: No hard and fast rules on shoes, although it’s better to wear shoes that go hand in hand with modest clothes. Common styles of casual footwear include sandals or sneakers, but avoid flip-flops in general unless you plan on remaining completely in public, as they can be too casual for most venues.

Accessories and Footwear

Footwear as a part of Iran dress code for tourist and locals is not subject to the same level of scrutiny as clothing. Sandals and flip-flops without socks are accepted for both men and women.

Considering the accessories, almost any type of is acceptable for both men and women. However, it is suggested not to use the symbols such as Israel Star, Satanism symbols, or anything that insults Islam.

Iran dress code law

To uphold Islamic values, Iran’s dress code law is based on the same principles, commanding both men and women to wear modest apparel in public. For women, this means wearing a hijab (headscarf) and garments that cover both hair and neck, and covering the body with loose-fitting clothes. Shirts and tunics or coats should be long, and skirts or pants should cover the legs completely. Shorts are not permitted for men, long trousers are required. Sleeveless tops or tank tops are not allowed, though short-sleeved shirts are.

Clothing to Avoid When Traveling in Iran

Based on Iran hijab law and regulations that governs Iran, it is advisable to avoid wearing revealing clothes or tight-fitting garments. As a part of Iran dress code female travelers should avoid short skirts, sleeveless tops, or form-fitting attire. Instead, they can put on loose-fitting garments that cover the arms and legs, along with a headscarf to cover the hair. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.

Practical Tips for Dressing in Iran

Before traveling to Iran, it is advisable to get familiar with Iran hijab law and research the specific dress code requirements for the regions you plan to visit. Different cities or regions may have slightly different interpretations and levels of enforcement.
When packing for your trip, choose clothing items that show respect to Iran dress code law. The recommended items are loose-fitting, lightweight fabrics that provide coverage while allowing for breathability in the country’s warm climate.
Layering is an excellent technique to adapt to different situations and locations. Carrying lightweight scarves or shawls can be useful for covering the hair when needed. Additionally, carrying a small umbrella or hat can provide shade and protection from the sun while complying with the dress code.
If you are unsure about specific dress code requirements or have any concerns, it is always helpful to seek advice from locals or your accommodation provider. They can provide valuable insights and guidance to ensure you dress appropriately and respectfully during your trip.
To enter the holy shrines Chador (the most radical version of female hijab in Iran) is needed, it will be given to you upon entrance.

FAQs about Iran dress code

How to dress as a tourist in Iran?

Being worried about Iran dress code for tourist, I should say that it is not that complicated to obey the dress code in Iran. Anything that simply covers your hair and body plays the role. Generally speaking, Hijab in Iran is not so strict neither for locals nor for tourists. A headscarf, long sleeves, and loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms and legs is ok for women and long pants and shirts with sleeves is ok for men.

Are there any dress code rules for children in Iran?

There is no specific dress code in Iran for children. Boys typically wear short or pants with t-shirt or shirt, while girls wear different type of dresses, skirts or pants. Older girls try to cover the body more but the youngers have a more easygoing style.

Can you wear sandals in Iran?

Hijab in Iran has no rule for the footwear. Any type of shoes, sandals and flip flops is acceptable and wearing socks is not a must. Depending on the activity you will have in Iran, try to select the most suitable footwear.

Can you wear leggings in Iran?

Leggings and skinny pants, despite common misconceptions, are very popular in Iran. If you are wearing leggings or skinny pants, be careful to use a longer top that cover to mid-thigh.

Can you wear ripped jeans in Iran?

The general Iran hijab law says that women do not show their legs in public. Despite this fact, Ripped Jeans or Capri Pants is used by the women and men in Iran.

Can you wear shorts in Iran?

As a part of Hijab in Iran, wearing shorts is completely prohibited for the women. Likewise, the only serious limitation in Iran dress code law for guys is that they are not allowed to wear shorts in public. In fact, it is better not to be surprised by seeing rare guys wearing shorts.

what should i wear at the beach or waterpark in Iran?

Following the hijab guideline that says naked or semi-naked body is strictly forbidden to be exposed in the public, at the beach only the covered swimsuit are allowed. When you are in segregated pools or waterparks in Iran, it is allowed to wear a one-piece swimsuit or a tankini, while bikinis may not be accepted.

are there any color restrictions for clothing in Iran?

There is no color restriction and the colorful clothes are highly acceptable

Let us know your experiences of your Dress code in Iran in the comment box below, we will be happy to hear from you!