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Modern Iranian Dress
The Iranian culture is one that draws upon old and new elements of style in sometimes a paradoxical way. Modern Iranian men and women all over the world dress mostly in Western clothes. Iranians who live outside of Iran tend to blend into the crowds, wearing local fashions. Iranians as a whole can be considered very brand-conscious and fashion aware. It is true therefore that Iranians who live in LA may dress differently that those living in Paris. The older generation of women also tends to be almost painfully fashion conscious, wearing make-up and chanel at every occasion. The new generation of Iranians that has grown up outside of Iran is much more subtle and follows the trends in their respective environments. Due to the pressures of the Islamic dress code, women in Iran tend to overdress underneath their "manteaus" (overcoats). In general, you will also notice much more make-up on the women as a way of self-expression and rebellion.
Islamic Dress Code in Iran
Currently in Iran, the Islamic dress code is still observed all over the country. The code calls for women to cover their hair, necks and arms. Modern women in Iran today, wear a "manteau" or overcoat, similar to a uniform (left). The overcoats have long sleeves and usually come below the knee. The length of the overcoat does change with the times. For a while, really long ones were in and a few years ago, women tried to get away with very short coats, as well. To cover the hair a scarf or shawl is accepted. This can be worn by folding the two opposite corners of a scarf to get a triangle and tying the scarf around your head. Trousers or dark stockings are worn under the overcoat.
For men, short sleeves and "Western" clothing can be a cause for concern. Generally, shorts, T-shirts and ties are not worn in public environments. You will find many Iranians who dress very Western for private functions and events. Therefore the fashions really depend upon the destination and purpose of your trip. When dealing with government agencies, schools, embassies, and the like, obeying the rules is highly recommended.
The Iranian culture is one that draws upon old and new elements of style in sometimes a paradoxical way. Modern Iranian men and women all over the world dress mostly in Western clothes. Iranians who live outside of Iran tend to blend into the crowds, wearing local fashions. Iranians as a whole can be considered very brand-conscious and fashion aware. It is true therefore that Iranians who live in LA may dress differently that those living in Paris. The older generation of women also tends to be almost painfully fashion conscious, wearing make-up and chanel at every occasion. The new generation of Iranians that has grown up outside of Iran is much more subtle and follows the trends in their respective environments. Due to the pressures of the Islamic dress code, women in Iran tend to overdress underneath their "manteaus" (overcoats). In general, you will also notice much more make-up on the women as a way of self-expression and rebellion.
Islamic Dress Code in Iran
Currently in Iran, the Islamic dress code is still observed all over the country. The code calls for women to cover their hair, necks and arms. Modern women in Iran today, wear a "manteau" or overcoat, similar to a uniform (left). The overcoats have long sleeves and usually come below the knee. The length of the overcoat does change with the times. For a while, really long ones were in and a few years ago, women tried to get away with very short coats, as well. To cover the hair a scarf or shawl is accepted. This can be worn by folding the two opposite corners of a scarf to get a triangle and tying the scarf around your head. Trousers or dark stockings are worn under the overcoat.
For men, short sleeves and "Western" clothing can be a cause for concern. Generally, shorts, T-shirts and ties are not worn in public environments. You will find many Iranians who dress very Western for private functions and events. Therefore the fashions really depend upon the destination and purpose of your trip. When dealing with government agencies, schools, embassies, and the like, obeying the rules is highly recommended.
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