What to Wear in Iran

Top style tips for Iran

  • Local Islamic codes of behavior and dress are enforced by law in any public place e.g. hotels and restaurants.
  • We recommend pale or dark colors, avoid bright reds.
  • Ensure you bring a versatile travel jacket. We love the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket because it has over 23 pockets, removable sleeves and RFID protection.

Shoes to pack for Iran

  • Make sure you take light comfy footwear for daytime (and remember your feet may swell in the heat) – we love Hotter shoes, for total comfort along with style.

Clothing tips for women

  • People often mistake Iran for an Arab country, where burkhas are sometimes worn. This is not the case and you could risk offending locals if you dress in full head-to-toe Arab clothing.
  • But women must wear hijab clothing at all times, when in public. This constitutes a headscarf and a manteau, which is a long dress-like shirt over pants. It must cover your bottom and have long sleeves and a crew or slightly V neck, nothing low cut.
  • Trousers must cover your ankles, but wearing sandals and showing your feet is fine. Try the Lindsay Phillips Switch Flops range – using interchangeable shoe and flip-flop bases with snap-on decorations, you can change your look in an instant whilst still packing light.
  • Female visitors to Iran must have their picture taken with a headscarf covering their hair for their visas.
  • A simple scarf, long or short, is fine and you will see pretty, brightly colored silk type scarves tied under the chin and also longer pashmina style scarves too.

Clothing tips for men

  • Men should wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
  • For great versatile travel jackets with multiple pockets including RFID security options, we love the SCOTTeVEST range.

Other things to pack

  • Don’t drink or even brush your teeth in tap water. Consider taking a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle.
  • A lightweight day sack or shoulder bag will come in handy to carry your sightseeing essentials.
  • Look after your mobile phone with a phone bunjee – it protects against loss, theft and damage.
  • To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for the local voltage (230V).
  • If you're aiming to travel with just carry-on baggage, try the CabinMax soft-sided rucksack – it's light, roomy and has plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
  • Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don't forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home! Browse the many bazaars for treasures, including copper or silver plates and vases, miniature paintings or wooden marquetry.