Hip in Hijab - A khaareji's dilemna

Hip in Hijab - A khaareji's dilemna
by Temporary Bride
17-Dec-2009
 

I am researching the hijab or ‘enforced standard of dress for ladies in the Islamic Republic of Iran’ with the zeal a PH.D student.

My years at a Catholic high school* have taught me how the addition of sparkly jewelry, bright coloured tights and the removal here and there of a few inches of fabric can transform a girl from flying nun to sex kitten under wraps. And I am determined to go to Iran looking respectfully, attractively as much like myself as possible.

*My mom, a committed atheist, enrolled me to keep me from going 'wayward' not because she loves Jesus.

So begins a furious study of stylish but acceptable hijab-wearing.....

My options?

1. Chador aka - the tent, Hefty bag, bin liner, Sith Lord, Barbapapa

I’ve read stories of foreign women arriving in Iran wearing tent-like chadors and being laughed off the streets. Plus you have to hold the damned thing together with your hands or teeth. Screw that. No tent for me. Next option...

2. Manteau and Scarf

Described in official literature from the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Guardian Council as follows:

Manteau: ‘loose-fitting coat that conceals all womanly curves and drapes well past the backside’.

Scarf: ‘must cover all the hair and preserve the female’s modesty’.

Let the games begin.

TIP: type ‘Tehran street fashion’ into Google images. I feel like Anna Wintour pouring over spreads for the Fall issue.

Balatarin
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Flowing Veils

by NajafVisitor on Sat Jan 02, 2010 07:28 PM PST

Iranian ladies who wear the chador have their own way of doing it, and tend to find a foreigner rather laughable (a bit like foreign women trying to wear a sari.) Arabian woman who visit Iran tend to wonder why they don't wear an abaya - a floor length black veil which falls from head to foot, like a chador, but which is fastened at the neck and hands, thus not needing to be held around the body.

But that is just one of those ways that Iranians like to make things difficult for themselves. Coping with the obstacles, makes for a particular style, with many elaborations.

Iranian woman also like wearing their hijab without the front band on the forehead - thus revealing either a few wisps, or a shining expanse, of hair. Adjusting the sliding headcover then becomes a constant passtime. Sticking one's head into the tightfitted, nonshifting "amira hijab" (a more Arab style, often in beautiful colors and with a lace frill) will leave your headcover fixed all day. But that is not the usual Iranian style.


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yolanda

.....

by yolanda on Thu Dec 17, 2009 10:49 AM PST

Is that hard to get a tourist visa to visit Iran for sightseeing ? 

Thanks,

 

Delaram Banafsheh (Yolanda)

"Cactus in the Desert"


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Monda

ramin's link covers it all

by Monda on Thu Dec 17, 2009 08:35 AM PST

Let us know about your final decision.


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ramintork

This cartoon is good research material

by ramintork on Thu Dec 17, 2009 06:50 AM PST


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