Iran dress code for women requires them to cover their whole bodies apart from hands and feet. Covering the hair and neck with a headscarf is also mandatory.

Iran is an Islamic country and wearing the hijab is the law for women. Iranian women have found their creative ways to handle the mandatory hijab and things are a lot looser than you might think. Over the years, scarves have become looser, pants have become shorter and makeup is full-on but still, there’s a restriction on what you could wear in Iran.

Do tourists have to wear a hijab in Iran?

Absolutely! The dress code in Iran for tourists is pretty much the same as locals but you’re free to take things a lot easier. No one is going to come up to you and give lectures about the hijab and if you fail in the most obvious way, the worse thing that could happen is probably a hint.

Is this your first time to Iran? Read our Ultimate Guide to travel to Iran 

Whenever I see foreign female tourists in Iran, it always seems like they’ve packed their most unpleasant piece of clothing to this part of the world. They have a very strict idea of Iran’s dress code rules. I’ve read many times from their experiences that they also felt extremely unattractive in their outfits.

Here are some tips to make things clear and easy so that you don’t have to dress up like your grandma and also avoid any trouble while traveling in Iran.

Tips on what to wear in Iran

#1 Wear colorful clothing in Iran in the summer

It’s a false belief that the female dress code in Iran comes with the limitation of color. There are absolutely no restrictions in color. While unfortunately, there is a tendency for dark-colored clothing in Iranian women – something I personally don’t appreciate at all – just come to Iran during summer and you’d see Iranian girls rocking brights and neons all the time. So if you’re into colours, bring them along. They are probably the best items to wear during summer in Iran.

Dress code in Iran: What to wear in Iran
Me and my girls celebrating a friends birthday outdoors. We certainly love our fair share of colours.

#2 Skinny jeans are allowed!

You’ve probably been warned a dozen times that you’re clothing has to be loose fitting so that it doesn’t reveal your body shape. Hence why I see most tourists in cargo pants and slouchy trousers.

While this is stated as the Islamic dress code in Iran, things are not observed that seriously. Shops in Iran are packed with skinny jeans and tights, and Iranians girls don’t show any intimidation in wearing them. So why should you?

Iran dress code: Iranian woman in hijab in Yazd
Taking a break from a road trip to Chak Chak (Yazd Province).
Tip: Remember, you’re a tourist anyway. The worse that can happen is a simple request. Something I’ve never heard of happening to foreigners. Things are easier on you than you think, so don’t make it harder than it is.

#3 Wearing Tunics and Cardigans are the best

So you want to look appealing, follow Iran’s dress code, and not have to go buy a new set of clothing for your Iran trip. right?

Dig a little deeper into your closet and you’re bound to find either a long-sleeve, a 3/4 sleeve tunic or cardigan in there. Tunics are a great option for summer trips to Iran. As long as they cover up your bum you’re good to go (I’ve seen tourists wearing shorter ones with loose trousers too). If you don’t have a tunic, you might find a long tank top that can be layered up with a light cardigan. You might even have a dress that could fit the criteria that can be paired with skinny jeans.

The key is to be creative with what you have. Apart from a few pieces all of the clothing worn in Iran is western designed.

You can always check my Instagram for outfit inspiration by yours truly. 🙂

Iran dress code: Iranian girl in Yazd
Sedy rocking bright pink polka dots in front of an old wooden door in Yazd.

#4 Wear a Manteau in Iran if you fancy one

Iranian women either cover up with a chador (The black material worn on the head that covers the whole body) or a manteau (A trench coat type of clothing that comes in a variety of materials and styles). Since you’re likely to opt for the manteau buying one at the beginning of your trip could be a good idea. The fashion industry has been growing in Iran lately and there are a lot of designers who focus on bringing new materials and forms into the Manto.

Keep in mind that wearing a manteau in Iran is not mandatory. Basically, anything mid-thigh would do.

Iran dress code: Iranian girl in Chak Chak
Aida in blue, wearing a Manto that was handmade by her mum.

#5 Expand your scarf collection

Scarves have been quite trendy in the past couple of years. You will probably bring the ones you have along but shopping for scarves in Iran could be a good idea. First, they are probably cheaper than most countries, they come in a huge variety and you’ll be able to wear them in Iran as a headscarf and rock them as a neck scarf back home! It’s also a good way to help out local shops and manufacturers.

Iran dress code: Iranian girl in front of Jameh mosque of Yazd
Alaleh in a bright yellow scarf with the gorgeous background of Yazd Jame mosque!

#6 The heavy make-up situation!

Unfortunately, there is a gravitation towards heavy make-up in Iranian women. Some see it as a protest against the compulsory hijab. The fact is you’ll see many women wearing layers of make-up on a daily basis.

This is to say if you’re into makeup, you won’t be alone here!

Iran dress code: what to wear in Iran
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#7 Sandals & painted nails are just fine

Sandals and open toes are perfectly fine for both women and men to wear in Iran. You’ll see many people wearing sandals in the summer. Whether you’ve got painted nails on your fingers or your toes, you’d be just fine.

#8 What about cropped trousers & capris?

So let’s say you’re here for a business meeting and you’d want to wear something a bit formal with your super high heels. As long as your cropped trousers are right above your ankle, you’re good to go. Capris that come below your knees should be avoided.

#9 Maxi dresses and skirts?

Maxi dresses or skirts, in general, are not common among Iranian women, but that doesn’t mean you cannot wear them in Iran. Lately, they’re actually becoming a bit more popular. I think a light maxi dress that is not too thin to be sheer is a great alternative for summer. If your dress is sleeveless, you could just layer it with a cardigan or kimono and you’re good. Keep in mind that if you’re going bare legs underneath, then you’d want to make sure your dress doesn’t come with slits. If the weather is a bit chilly, wearing leggings underneath could also be an option.

For skirts that are not maxi length, you’d need to wear leggings or stockings. Midi skirts are great for the winter to match with leggings and boots. They are fashionable, smart and can be dressed up or down depending on your shoes.

You’d want to avoid pencil skirts or bodycon dresses that reveal your body shape in a really obvious way.

#10 Can I wear high boots in Iran in winter?

High boots during the winter with leggings or skinny jeans are very popular and totally ok.

What to wear indoors in Iran?

Last but not least, all of the statements mentioned above are exclusive to outdoor and public appearance. If you get invited to an Iranian house, feel free to wear whatever you like.

Dress code in Iran: A Girl's Guide to Dressing Up for Iran
Who can blame us for selfies when we get backdrops like this?

How old should a girl be to follow the Iran dress code?

So according to the Islamic faith, some would say over the age of 9 or 12. But like I said, things in Iran have a whole different system. Lately, I see a lot of girls who are well over 9 and still don’t cover or at least not completely. So if you’re bringing along your daughter and you’re bit concerned and confused about what she must be wearing, I’ll make things easy for you.

If you’re daughter still looks childish and doesn’t really have female features, then be easy on her. If she’s really tall, then perhaps it would be better for her to wear a loose scarf, but she can get away with short sleeves and capris. You don’t want her running around in tank tops or shorts, but if it was winter and she was fully covered on the body, she can also ditch the scarf.

They are not required to wear a manteau or long tops, so make sure they are comfortable in what they wear or they won’t be enjoying themselves. Some of them will take the scarf as a fashion trend and probably rock it better than you in no time. But don’t be paranoid and go easy on them.

Iran dress code for men

Dress code for men in Iran is nothing serious. It’s basically no shorts and no tank tops. It’s ok to wear shorts if you’re somewhere close to the beach but it’s best to be avoided in towns and cities.

A Girl's Guide to Dressing Up for Iran
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107 thoughts on “Dress code in Iran for tourists | What to wear in Iran?

    • Matin says:

      Thank you! I had a look at your website and it seemed pretty interesting. There should be a lot more blogs and websites related to Iran travel in English out there. Keep up the good work! 😉

  1. sfgooner says:

    Great article. I just got back from my trip there and it was interesting to see the different trends compared to my last visit 8 years ago. I’m curious, do you have a site for your graphic design?

  2. Krista Sirola says:

    Hi Matin, thanks for a useful article! Just wondering, since you mention tights. Would wearing leggings be too revealing? How about thick tights and a slightly shorter than ankle length skirt?

    • Matin says:

      Hey Krista. A lot of girls wear leggings with the manto here. If you’re wearing it with a manto or anything that comes to below your knees it’s totally fine. As for wearing it with a Maxi skirt it’s beyond expectations, so go for it 😉

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  4. Darren Orris says:

    Greetings! I am curious to know how welcome an ex military male would be in Iran. I have always been fascinated by Iran and it’s rich history. Having traveled most of the world for the past 30 years, I can tell you that I have never bought into the propaganda of various ‘bad’ countries. We are, after all, human beings living together on this planet. )))

    • Travestyle says:

      Hello Darren! I’m sure you’ll be most welcomed in Iran. I don’t really know if being an ex military will have anything to do with your visa, but once you get that, it’s going to be all just fine 😉

      • Darren Orris says:

        Thank you for the kind responses! I will look into The visa situation. I have a few Iranian friends I have met through my travels and all have been friendly, warm and open minded. I intend to visit soon. I am currently in Cambodia and I love it. The people here are very friendly and very happy. Even though they are amongst the poorest (monetarily speaking) people I have met in S.E. Asia/Asia, they share everything with each other and ‘foreigners’ as well and they are genuinely happy, loving and kind people. There is a strong sense of community here and I am very fortunate to experience this culture.

          • Travestyle says:

            Yes I believe the article is accurate. I don’t know where you’re from or what kind of a trip you’re planning to have in Iran. If you’re American it’s pretty clear that you need to go for the agency. If you’re European (except British) then you can apply for a visa at the Iranian embassy of your country or anywhere else and plan your trip as you please. 😉
            I hope things work out well for you 🙂
            And you’re a lucky guy. Cambodia is beyond amazing!

          • Darren Orris says:

            Thank you again for your input. Yes I am American so I concur that the best option would be an agency. As far as my trip is concerned, I really just want to meet people, experience and learn some of the culture, eat some amazing food and see some of the beauty of Iran. I have traveled all over Europe and Russia and most of S.E. Asia and Africa. Of all the places (of which many I have very fond memories) I have been, I think I love Cambodia the most. Amazing history, rich culture and wonderful people. I am positive that I will find much the same in Iran. People are people and once we remove all governmental control and propaganda, religious extremist ideology and just allow ourselves to be human. I find that it is quite easy to connect with each other on a base level that transcends all of the rhetoric. Cheers!

          • Travestyle says:

            I would recommend planning your trip with Yomadic.com as they seem to be offering a more localized tour but they are all full for 2015. Nowadays Iranian agencies offer a whole lot of variety so you can find quite a few options. I work with Irandoostan.com and they pretty good at their job and work specifically on incoming tours to Iran. Check our their website and if you got in contact with them you can say I sent you 😉 My surname is Lashkari, so they’ll know me by that.

  5. Ariana says:

    Hi,
    Most of the clothes on the pictures seem to be spring/autumn clothing. Can lighter fabrics be worn when it’s hot? What’s the weather like in October?

    • Travestyle says:

      Hello Ariana, You’re absolutely right. When I wrote this post it was winter in Iran and therefore my friends were all in thick clothing. I have only moved back to Iran, so this summer is actually my first after a few years. Yes, light fabrics are the way to go in the crazy summer heat. Light tunics are great and I’d recommend kimonos and cardigans for layering. Octobers in Iran are not really cold, sometimes they’re even hot if summer has decided to linger for longer.
      Perhaps I’ll do another post on summer clothing soon. 😉
      Let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with. Cheers!

  6. Alisa Carnall says:

    There is something seriously wrong with any country that enforces a certain code of dress on anyone, let alone on a tourist. I have Iranian friends and love the beauty of Iran. However, I would NEVER visit because it goes against my ethics and morals to dictate to anyone how to live their lives and I refuse to be dictated to as to what I wear. These women do NOT look “modest” to me, they look overdressed and controlled by a society that dictates what is right and wrong for women. Modest is just another word for controlled.

    • juvus says:

      Fair enough. So I am guessing if these ladies were to come to your country to visit, it is only fair that they should be allowed to do so dressing as they would in their country. We don’t want to offend the tourists.

    • Greg says:

      Oh the irony when you don’t even realize that you get dictated what to wear everyday by fashion companies in your free and democratic country!

    • Darren Orris says:

      I would say there is something seriously wrong with anyone that visits another country and doesn’t respect it’s traditions and laws. I currently live in S.E. Asia and can not count on both hands the amount of insensitive and uncaring tourists from around the world that show great disrespect to the laws and even the social norms. In Thailand, I have seen tourists going topless on the beach. In many countries it is perfectly acceptable, but in Thailand it is not. It is a different culture. I have seen people going to sacred Buddhist temples wearing Bikini tops, shirtless men and wearing shorts. Lately, here in Cambodia there has been a few arrest and subsequent deportations of people who think it is acceptable to pose for nude photographs in the ancient temple of Angkor Wat. Even in the U.S. (supposedly liberal and democratic) it is unacceptable to go to a church in a bikini. Why would anyone think it ok just because it’s another country? Your reasoning is flawed and I suspect based on ideology.

    • Travestyle says:

      Alisa, like I said in the article this is in no way trying to justify the compulsory hijab in Iran. All the women in the pictures including myself are against that, so I’m with you on this one. However while all of these girls believe in freedom of choice, some of them choose to dress this way no matter where they are. These women are beautiful, independent and more open-minded than you think. And they are powerful because they struggle and fight for the freedom you’ve been granted. And believe me they’ve come a long way, and I’m extremely proud of them.
      Let them define their modesty, as there’s no absolute definition for the word and it definitely varies from culture to culture.
      I’ve seen so many foreigners who were thrilled to visit Iran and found it a life-changing experience. I don’t think any of us necessarily agrees with all the laws enforced in the countries we travel, but we do, because that’s what brings connections and communications and urges for change.
      But of course we are free to choose and while you would be certainly welcome to visit to Iran, you also have the right to avoid it. 😉
      Cheers!

  7. Najeeb Bhutto says:

    I have travelled iran 5 times , the reason is that people of iran are very hospitable and friendly and enviorment and places are very beautiful , specially like aradabil , sari ,amol, chaloos,and up up to aroomia very nice view and very natural beauty.traditions and culture is very nice only one thing is needed that tourism is not supported too much i mean if u r new u have to manage every thing urself means there are no travell agencies who book tours this thing must be taken step on it according to me iran can earn good revenue by tourism from locals as well as forigners.

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  10. Diana Diana says:

    Many of these photos are made in the iranian winter. I just came back from our 2 – weeks trip. Luckily I found a long thin dress before , which I could wear on 30 degrees. In yasd I even had a thin light bluse. There in the quarter, where all this small hostels are located, they sell thin long bluses there in dark colours for the tourists – found that great ! We made a trip to the north, where it became harder, because its more humid (sweating !). You see more woman there with open shoes – they seem to be more relaxed, in teheran some are overfashioned. The Majority feels comfortable in dark coulours or tschador, in different shades of black 🙂

    • Travestyle says:

      Diana, you’re absolutely right. I took these photos from my friends on a trip we had during winter. But in my explanations, I’ve actually given more tips for summer than winter.
      I totally get what you mean by overfashioned. haha!

  11. Pingback: A Girl’s Guide to Dressing Up for Iran | Dr. Manhattan's Diary

  12. Kulifay Bálint says:

    Is this even compulsory for non-Muslims? Seems rather pointless to me to demand it from a Christian tourist, for example.

    • hanous says:

      Yes it’s compulsory. the problem is if they say only Muslims should follow the dress code then they wouldn’t be able to enforce the law (since there are no immediate ways to verify if someone is a Muslim or for example an Armenian/Christian then it will be impossible for an officer to say if the law is being broken or not) furthermore one half of the population will convert to other religions if the government say followers of other religions can wear what ever they want 🙂

  13. Valeria says:

    Hi Matin ! Just came across your blog and wanted to say thank you for giving us some tips about your wonderful country. I just visited Iran like month ago and planning to go back in march. I highly recommend Iran to all my friends and I did really fall inlove with it’s people and culture.

  14. Behjat says:

    Well, here I go again. As much as I try to tell people things are different in Iran, and much easier for people to travel to, as I try to get paper work done for my American husband to go to Iran with me, I’m wondering if what I tell people is true?
    We have been married for more than 35 years, both american and Iranian marriage. My husband has been trying to go with me every time I went to Iran, to meet the rest of my family, and see the wonderful country I remember and left behind more than 50 years ago. But every time I started the process, either some political problem between the two country changed our mind or I became so frustrated with the unfair amount of paperwork we had to do, and all the other requirements, I gave up. I abandoned the process every time, rather than being subjected to so much red tape and unfair inequality between what is required from an Iranian woman married to a foreign man verses an Iranian man married to a foreign woman.
    The first time we started the process was five years after we were married, and the last time was a few months ago, which is 30 years later. Of course, he thinks, we should comply so he can see Iran and meet the rest of my family, but it is I who gives up every time. I, as an older, educated, and free woman who has lived in this country for more than 50 years, refuse to be subjected to such an unfair treatment.
    This is 21st century, and I expect more from Iran than Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, or any other third world country. At least if these requirements were expected from people who were politically involved, I can understand, but my husband is a dentist and I’m a retired teacher and not politically involved in either country, but this is the norm.
    Let me give you an example of what is required from us, just so a member of my family can send an invitation to my husband, to travel to Iran.
    My father died when I was 27, I am 72 years old now. In order to register my marriage in my birth certificate, I either need a copy of my father’s death certificate or his permission for me to have been married. Please read the numbers again. He died 45 years ago, and I’m 72 now. I have to send his death certificate, 4 pictures, my birth certificate, Iranian and American marriage certificates, my husband’s birth certificate, a certified letter that he has not been married before, a couple of pages of paperwork, and money to Iranian interest in Washington DC. These are just to enter our marriage in my birth certificate.

    Once we take care of this step, I have to send certified copies of my birth certificate, our marriage certificates, his and my pictures, my citizenship certificate, a certified letter from our police department showing that my husband has no priors, a certified letter from his doctor or health department showing that he does not have HIV or other illness, to a member of my family in Iran. Once my sister or brother has these, he or she can take them to wherever, to get permission and the form to be able to send an invitation to my husband.

    Guess what, it takes months to have all these in place. Once we have the invitation, we have to send it and everything else I mentioned again back to Iranian interest in Pakistan’s embassy in Washington DC, in order to get visa for my husband to travel to Iran. Now you can see why I gave up every time I got started the process.

    My father died more than 45 years ago, I’m a 72 year old woman now. I didn’t get my father’s permission when I got married the first time, and I was a very young woman then, why now? It is nobody’s business but mine who I’m married to, why all these stupid requirements, if they are not trying to keep women in 7 century? Why what they require from an Iranian man, varies from what they require from an Iranian woman?

    Iran is a beautiful country with wonderful, kind and hospitable people. Why not make it easier for people who are not politically involved, to travel there? When people who have never been there hear about Iran, they think turbans, vail, mullas, dirty streets, and a frightful place with nothing else to offer. I want everybody to see that Iran is the place of beautiful women, handsome men, delicious food, incredible ancient places, and so much more. It is up to the new and young generation of women to try and change things. Iranian women should not feel equal to men only when they live outside of Iran, they should be and feel equal when they live in their own country.
    Just because my husband can hardly wait to see the place he has heard about for over 35 years, I’m going to give up and comply with all the unfair requirements, in order to get a visa for him, but never again.

    • Travestyle says:

      Behjat, I’m so sorry you have to go through all this. Even though visa regulations for Iran have eased very much, they are still very strict with Americans. But it’s really the both way around.
      I wish you could just join a tour or something, so your husband can get a visa without needing a marriage certificate. I’m totally aware of the difficulties women with non-Iranian husbands go through. I do really hope it changes. I know it’s a big process and everything but it’s totally worth it. I’m sure your return to Iran will be a memory you will never forget. 😉
      Don’t give up just yet. Cheers!

  15. AKK says:

    Thanks for the helpful blog post – I’ve just read it ahead of my second trip to Iran. I just wanted to explain why I think some female tourists may choose to wear non-colourful clothing. I have (and will, in future visits) tried to wear non-colourful clothing as I want to look as inconspicuous as possible. I already look very different to local Iranian women, and do not really want to draw further attention to myself. I suspect this maybe one of the reasons other female tourists do the same.

    Anyway, thanks for the helpful blog. I will definitely have a look at your other posts. Merci.

  16. Esther Ng says:

    Hi Matin. My mother and I are planning to travel to Iran during June this summer. We were wondering if it’s okay to wear a long dress and then cover up with a waist-length cardigan. And do you have any other suggestions for what to wear to Iran during summer? Thanks!

    With best wishes,

    Esther

    • Travestyle says:

      Hello Esther,
      A long maxi dress is totally fine as long as it doesn’t have cuts on the side that would show your legs. Anything loose and breezy for the summer is your best option.

  17. Esther Ng says:

    Hi Matin,

    Sorry for asking another question. I saw some pictures online of women tying their headscarf into a turban. I was wondering if this sort of hijab is allowed in Iran since it exposes the ears and the neck fully?

    Many thanks,

    Esther

    • Travestyle says:

      Hello Esther,
      Turbans are not really considered appropriate and not common in Iran. Sometimes girls would wear hat during the winter with turtle necks but I guess that can’t be done in the summer. But I’ve seen plenty of turbans on tourists, so I guess you’ll be fine with it. Just make sure your top is not very open on the neck. 😉

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  19. laialy says:

    Hi…umm…I was just wondering if it’s expected for a thirteen year old to follow these rules???

    And if so is knee long skirts and tights underneath acceptable or not????

  20. laialy says:

    Hi…umm…I was just wondering if it’s expected for a thirteen year old to follow these rules???

    And if so is knee long skirts and tights underneath acceptable or not????

    • Travestyle says:

      It has very much to do with her looks and how petite she is. If she’s got obvious female features then she should be following the rules. If she still looks very childish then perhaps she can only adjust to them to some extent. Knee long skirts and tights would be acceptable for her. 😉

  21. Alex B says:

    This is super helpful! I’m going to Iran in November and have been stressing about what to wear (my closet consists solely of tank top and short sleeved shirts. Definitely feeling a bit better about choosing clothes now that I’ve read this 😀

    • Travestyle says:

      Hello Alex. I’m so glad you’ve found the post helpful. I can totally understand where you’re coming from. No body wants to purchase a full wardrobe after having spent so much on a trip. You can definitely still use the clothing you have an perhaps only buy a few layerings to top them off. Wishing you a pleasant journey to Iran. 🙂

  22. Lisa says:

    Hello,

    Thank you so much for this useful, informational article.
    I will be coming to Iran in two weeks and I bought a sort of manto. But I also want to look a bit more modern (when I will be in Tehran and Esfahan) and I was wondering if I can wear my loose sweater which covers my bum and thighs, wear a skirt under it for some extra length and leggings? Or will I take it too far then and offend/disrespect people by wearing that?

    thanks 🙂

    Lisa

    • Travestyle says:

      Hello Lisa. That would be absolutely fine. Even if your top doesn’t cover your thighs, wearing a skirt would justify it. Don’t forget that you’ll be a needing something warm for this time of the year. You could also wear a midi skirt with leggings and ankle boots. 😉

      • Lisa says:

        Hi, thank you so much for your reply.
        I do have my merino base layers with me (I’m also going to do a 3-day hike in the Alborz Mountains where, as I heard, it’s already snowing, so I’m covered for all temperatures 😉
        Just didn’t want to insult people by not dressing appropiately.

        Again, thank you very much for your site and stories. I have written so much of your tips in my travel guide, I am sure they are going to be contributing to my trip!

  23. Eowilinde says:

    Hello, I’m planning trip to Iran next month, November, so can you give me some tips on what to wear? How many degrees? Do i have to bring jacket etc.? Thank you. 🙂

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  25. Daniela says:

    Dear Matin,
    In August me and my husband will be in Iran.
    We plan to couchsurf sometimes.
    I’m wondering what to wear at night in private houses as a pyjama? It’s going to be very hot in August. Are long sweatpants and a t-shirt ok? I just don’t wont to be unpolite in case our host is more conservative.
    I’m sure we will join your food tour!
    Thank you for your great blog!
    Daniela

    • Travestyle says:

      Hello Daniela, if the family you’re staying with are conservative than sweatpants and a t-shirt would be fine, if not, wear whatever you would wear back home. If there are women in the house, just see how they dress. But you certainly don’t have to wear the hijab. People who are willing to host foreigners are usually very open about these sort of things. 😉
      Have a great trip! 🙂

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  27. Noemi Purkrábková says:

    Hi, thanks very much for the article, it’s really helpful:) I have one question – how is it with swimming for example in the Caspian sea as a woman-tourist? I surely understand I can’t take regular (at least for me) swimsuit, but also don’t really know what to wear, when I want to stay polite.
    Thanks a lot!
    Noemi

    • Saiena Shafi says:

      There are separate times/shifts for men and women by the Caspian Sea. So, you can wear a swimsuit when you go to a women only beach/time.

    • Matin says:

      There are some separate sections for men and women and but you’d have to find a good one as many of them are extremely dirty. There’s also a women’s beach in Kish island which is great.
      You might also find men and women swimming in the caspian sea in unofficial areas but they are normally in their clothes.

  28. Pingback: Travelling to Iran: What to Wear? | TravelGeekery

  29. Claudia says:

    Hi, I just came across your blog and found this post very helpful. I will be going to Iran in October and am really looking forward to it. I heard only good things.
    Just one more question: Would it be ok to wear knee-length skirts (loose fitting, not pencil skirts) with colourful non -seethrough stockings?

    • Matin says:

      Hello Claudia. I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog. Knee length is fine during winter but I’ve normally seen it worn with either ankle boots or high boots. I personally don’t think it will be a problem. 😉

  30. Ayu says:

    thank you for sharing the information, I am looking for casual fashion hijab for body fat, and I think find the answer here. Nice Website 🙂

  31. Clem' says:

    Hello Matin,

    Thanks for this very useful article. I am finally planning on traveling to Iran a whole month this May after dreaming about it for 3 years !!
    I have a question about the manto : should it be able to closed with buttons ? or it can be worn completely open and the goal is just to hide the back/bottom ?

    Thanks for your help !

    Clem

  32. Siew says:

    Hello Matin,
    So glad I found your blog. It’s a a big help to my upcoming first visit to Iran in March 2019.
    Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  33. Luca says:

    Hi Matin,
    can I ask you about women swim wear in Iran? Do we need burkini? Also for ladies’ beach – Kish/Caspian? Or could we have bikini there? And what about hot springs – for example Sarein? Or spa/hammam? Burkini or bikini? Thank you. Luca

  34. Edith says:

    Hello Matin, thank you for your blog I found right now. I am from austria. My husband is german. We will visit your wonderful country in Dezember 2018. We wanna go by our motorhome. I was a little unsure about wearing maxi skirts and maxi dresses, because on german websites there is no information. Only about long trousers and tunikes and so on. And I love my gypsy-style. So I’m very happy that I can wear my long skirts and dresses also cardigans oder ponchos. So thank you so much for all the information. I wish you all the best. Greetings from germany. Edith

    • Matin Lashkari says:

      Hello Edith. 🙂
      So happy that you’re relieved about your maxi dresses. You should absolutely feel comfortable in what you wear to enjoy your experience in Iran. 🙂
      Have a lovely trip. Cheers!

  35. Olga Korunka says:

    Wow….this is such a helpfull and amazing interesting blog about so many things in Iran. Since i have had some truly kind and interesting guests from Teheran i have become very interested in visiting your country.
    I will definitely try to read as much as i can, i have become more than curious about your beautifull country!

  36. Varan (mahdi) says:

    Hello dear matin If you’ve seen old photographs in Britain at least 150 years ago, when all women and girls wear too much clothes and very little, they can see a woman’s body and even more hide their hair, but from 150 years ago to It’s about to change, and the girls in the world want to show their bodies if you notice that in Europe and the United States, men are more covered and wearing more masculine than men, if they already had the body to cover their bodies and only for love The original of his wife shows that there is a jewelry girl’s body that should not be displayed to everyone in public Or you do not see why in 200 years the world changed so much so that femininity, which is beautiful and beautiful, should be seen everywhere, for the lustful men who see the girl as a commodity and the girl is buying and selling in the world … I am a Mahdi. But before my name was varan I was the English el-principle, but I came to Iran now, and I met the Iran-Shiite religion. Please, even when you introduce Iran, the religion that is in Iran is Shi’a 12 propaganda advertisements, I would like to thank you very much.Always be successful in your life, and be happy and healthy

  37. Maggie says:

    Hi Matin,
    thanks a ton for your blog and more important – this post! I’m going to an Iran-trip this Wednesday and god knows how many articles I read about women’s dress code. I think I got it down now, but I still have one question: Do you think that wearing a dress (very loose, goes mid-thigh), a light cardigan on top and black, non-see-through-leggins are ok to wear? I got other clothes packed as well, but I’m wondering… I guess in Tehran it might be ok, but not in more conservative areas?
    And another non-clothing-related question: How is the internet-situation in Iran right now? Are any pages or something like Gmail banned?
    Thanks in advance for replying 🙂

  38. Gillian Osborne says:

    Thanks for this Matin! So helpful! I have a question though – if I wear a thigh-length loose shirt with loose trousers, do I also need to wear a manteau? Or is it enough to have my body covered by the shirt?

  39. Kristina says:

    Hi Matin,

    I’ve wanted to visit Iran for years now, and hopefully it will happen next year. I have actually became interested in Iran because of a Cyrus the Great. We have learnt about him in school and I would really like to see Pasargada the most because of that. I would really like to hear Iranian view on him 🙂

    Also, thank You very much for your tips about a dress code. I am planning to visit Iran in May next year so I’m also thinking about what to bring. As far as I’ve seen on the internet, the temperature in May will be around 28°-30°C? Is that correct or will it be even hotter?

    My main bottom items will be maxi (ankle long) skirt and ‘elephant’ very loose pants. So I was wondering, is it ok to wear on top just loose long sleeve shirts and blauses that don’t cover the back/butt? Or would that be a problem?

    Thank you very much for your answer in advance and I hope I’m not bothering you 🙂

  40. Layla says:

    Hello, Matin,
    I am half Iranian on my father’s side. I have never been to the Middle East and I unfortunately do not speak Farsi or Arabic, as my father did not teach them to me (he speaks both fluently). How difficult would it be for someone who doesn’t speak a word of Persian (I know “chai” and that’s it, which is sad) to navigate Iran? As I am female, would I be allowed to travel in Iran alone, or would I need to be with my husband, who is American? Thank you.

    Layla

    • Matin Lashkari says:

      Hi Leyla jan,
      Yes! you can absolutely travel on your own in Iran. Many women do it, both Iranians and foreigners. And no, not knowing Farsi will not cause any trouble. You’ll always find someone who can speak a little English and who’s willing to go beyond their way to help you. 🙂

  41. Pingback: Iran Travel Tips: Practical Things to Know Before You Go

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