Travel Safe: How to Dress in Iran

After spending ten months traveling around the world, I must say that Iran was one of my favorite countries to travel. It is a lovely country with rich, cultured background and extremely friendly people. I will strongly encourage anyone to visit this wonderful place in the world. However, many are concerned about the safety, especially for solo female travelers. I have visited Iran twice, once on my own and the second time I brought my friends. We were absolutely safe on our trips and many other travelers were too. Here is some advice on what to wear in this Islamic country.

For Females

1. Hijab (Scarfs) — Hijab is a MUST for every female and you are required to have them once you have landed at the airport. You are not allowed to pass immigration if you don’t have one. So, be prepared! A typical hijab is around 150cm by 30cm and color doesn’t matter as long as it’s not transparent. Mine was a gift from an Islamic friend, so it’s black. You are supposed to hide all your hair. I personally tried an experiment. If you want to keep it in the APPROPRIATE position, you need to adjust it every ten minutes which will keep you really busy. You will see many girls’ hijabs are falling with half of their hair shown. But anyway, it’s by law that you have to have one on your head in any public area.
2. Clothes — You definitely need a long-sleeve shirt, no matter what the temperature is. Low cuts, tank tops are not allowed; of course, you can wear anything as long as you don’t show any of your skin of your upper body except your hands. Another thing to remember, your top has to be long enough to cover your whole hip even if you are wearing trousers. Just imagine that you are wearing a short dress with a pair of long trousers underneath, that’s the idea! Or wearing a long dress that covers up to your ankle will also do the job! Leggings or anything tight is not advised as you are supposed to hide all the curves of your body!
3. Shoes — Shoes are relatively easy, compare to the long list above. Keep your feet and toes hidden and no slippers!

For Men

I know, it’s unfair. In fact, I do not notice a lot of dressing rules for men; long trousers and a long-sleeved top will be fine. Again, no slippers, please.

Remember these rules in public areas and you are free to wear anything (or nothing!) in a private place. Indeed, not every local follows these rules. It depends on the individual and where you are going. In some cities like Mashhad, the holy city, people are more conservative. When I was traveling there, a woman came to me and helped me to adjust my hijab. In the capital, Tehran, people are a bit more open. You can always see girls’ falling hijab or wearing a tight dress. However, as a foreigner, it is important that you don’t create an impression that you are an EASY target for men. This will save you from lots of trouble and unpleasant experiences.

And finally, one very important thing to remember!

This is a country with an entirely different cultural background. So our “COMMON SENSE” doesn’t work here. For example, don’t try to shake hands with someone of the opposite sex; don’t try to kiss (even if you are couples) in the bus stop; don’t try to comb your hair in public (for girls only). It may sound strange in our society, but I believe that traveling is always about learning and respecting each other’s culture, especially when you are in a foreign country.