Iranian Women Defy Dress Code as Fashion Evolves

In Tehran, clothing shop owner Pariya Senyari is adjusting her inventory to cater to younger customers who are increasingly rejecting Iran's strict dress code, which mandates women to cover their heads and necks in public. Senyari, who has been in business for decades, now sells modern items like crop tops and short skirts while still displaying long coats to avoid issues with authorities.

This shift in fashion is part of a broader change in public attitudes towards the compulsory hijab, particularly after the protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in police custody after being detained for an alleged dress code violation. Although many women in Tehran are seen without head coverings and in contemporary clothing, legal restrictions remain, and authorities continue to enforce public morality laws, recently announcing arrests related to hijab violations.

Retailers like Alireza are cautiously expanding their collections to include modern styles while still offering traditional options.