Iran Dress Code – What to Wear in Iran Like a Local

From hijab to chador and how to cover the upper and lower body, the Iranian dress code has rules. Here’s what to wear in Iran, what to pack and what you can find once you are there.

Iran is an Islamic country, and anyone who decides to visit there must keep that in mind regarding how to dress. From the hijab headscarf and the full-body chador to the everyday wear in between, the dress code for women in Iran doesn’t have to be complex or confusing for a tourist. 

To prepare you for dressing appropriately in Iranian cities, public spaces, and places of worship, I asked my Iranian friends in Tehran who run the Come2Persia travel agency – who get asked these questions often – for some insider tips on what to pack for Iran as a tourist and what you can buy when you arrive. 

Wearing Hijab in Iran

The hijab headscarf is the main item you need to pack for Iran since you will need to wear it when you exit the plane and enter the country. You’ll wear a hijab every day in public, and it soon becomes second nature. However, there are many misconceptions about the rules and social etiquette of the hijab and its practice in Iran among locals and tourists.

While many women in Iran adhere to the hijab based on their personal beliefs, all women must cover their hair with a headscarf. Since this is enforced, you must follow it as a visitor. 

My tip is to bring one headscarf with you and enjoy shopping for more at local markets. It’s a misconception that you have to wear black or dark-coloured hijabs, and you can choose colours and patterns to match your outfits. 

Everyday Iran Dress for Women

What might be useful is looking at how the majority of Iranian women dress. Many Iranian women are ultra-fashionable, and it pays to notice how local women dress according to the custom. It also means not needing to buy so many pieces of clothing before coming to Iran and buying your clothes here after observing and choosing which way suits you best.

Iranian women dress very fashionably and wear bright colours. They usually wear black to funerals and mourning ceremonies; however, in a more conservative setting, you may see women in black.

Tips on How to Dress Like a Local in Iran

Covering the Hair

Women in Iran must cover their hair, typically by wearing a variety of head coverings. As a tourist, a shawl or headscarf would suffice, and there are several ways to wear it. You can look up videos online on how best to wrap a headscarf, how to keep it in place, and how to wear it in the most comfortable manner.

You do not need to cover your hair down to your forehead. In Iran, many women and young girls cover their hair halfway and show a little bit of hair. A bun would help hold the shawl in place, and you can buy clip-on headpieces in Iran that help create a bun or elevated part of your hair from which to wear the scarf like this.

It is not compulsory to cover your neck. There is a very cute way to wear your headscarf with your neck showing, much like a turban, and it is considered the best way to wear a headscarf in Iran during the hot summers.

If your shawl falls down, do not be afraid. It happens all the time, and there is tolerance.

In a private place, wearing the hijab is not required. However, be sure to put it back on if you leave your hotel room and go to the lobby or reception, for example. It’s often easy to forget when you do something quickly in the confines of the hotel. 

Covering the Upper Body

According to Islamic rules, women must cover the entire upper body, up to the neck and wrists and down to the belly, and fully cover the behind. However, there is flexibility, such as 3/4 length sleeves on shirts. As long as you cover your upper arms and your cleavage, it is okay.

There are many choices as to what to wear depending on the season and the weather:

In spring and summer, you can wear a long shirt extending down to your behind. However, it must not be transparent.

You must avoid wearing a tight shirt accentuating the breasts.

Another option, not only restricted to summer, is the manteau – a long tunic made of cotton or wool.

In fall, a cardigan and a top underneath would be a great option.

You need to layer up in wintertime, just as you would in other countries.

Covering the Lower Body

According to Iranian social norms, it is expected to cover the lower body from the hips down to the ankles (a little above the ankles does not raise eyebrows) and to wear something loose-fitting.

Skirts: You can wear a long skirt or a midi skirt with leggings. Short skirts are not acceptable.

Jeans: Tight jeans would be acceptable as long as a long shirt or cardigan covers the behind. However, wearing them in more religious towns in Iran is not advised.

Leggings: They are very common in Iran, and come in various colours. Like tight jeans, it’s important to know the setting.

Cropped pants and capri pants: Cropped pants must cover your legs to your ankles (or slightly above), and capri pants must meet the same standard.

Stockings: They should be avoided because they are transparent. Generally, anything that is see-through must be avoided.

Footwear and nail polish: In Iran, all forms of footwear, including sandals and boots, are acceptable, and one can walk around with polished toenails.

In Iran, people do NOT wear flip-flops outside the bathroom. It is very unusual to see somebody wear them outside.

Wearing the Chador

The Chador is a very traditional and conservative outfit. It is an overall dress without sleeves and usually comes in black. Many women will wear this outfit in religious cities and villages in Iran, such as Qom, Kashan, Mashhad, and Yazd.

Tourists are not expected to wear a chador in Iran, except at holy shrines and some mosques, where one will be provided at the entrance.

Dress Code in Iran for Men

While men do not have as many restrictions as women on the Iranian dress code, what is against the norm (not religion) in Iran is for a man to wear shorts and sleeveless shirts. Men wear such apparel at home; seeing a man wearing them outside the house is abnormal.

Therefore, long-sleeved shirts and long pants that cover the knees are the best clothing choices for men travelling in Iran.