Dress modestly

Even if the dress code for tourists is more relaxed, you should still dress modestly, even on those hot summer days. For women, this entails wearing a long skirt or leggings, a headscarf, and a long-sleeved top or tunic that is long enough to cover your bum. Colors and prints are not an issue. Short-sleeved shirts are OK for guys, but pants must be long (no shorts in public). This is definitely one of the things to know before traveling to Iran.

Jeans, even thin jeans, look great with long-line, long-sleeved shirts (either button-ups or pullovers). Full-length leggings topped by a dress that falls to your knees or longer are also suitable. A long cardigan or coat is essential for chilly weather (and it may become extremely cold in the winter). Colors that are bright and light are just as appropriate as black, gray, and navy. In major cities like Shiraz and Tehran, people will be considerably more receptive to slightly shorter shirts or more form-fitting apparel. When traveling through villages and more rural settings, it's necessary to be modest.