(MENAFN) In Iran, dressing rules have long been a source of controversy, particularly for women who have been required to wear modest clothing and headscarves. However, recently, Iranian men have started to challenge traditional dress codes by wearing neckties, which had long been banned in the country as a symbol of Western decadence.
Mohammad Javad, a 27-year-old dentist, entered a fashionable shop in well-to-do north Tehran with his mother to purchase his first necktie. He explained that wearing a tie in Iranian society is seen as similar to wearing a mask during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it alters people's perceptions of the wearer. Despite the negative view of neckties in Iran, Javad believes that they make men look chic and sophisticated.
Javad's decision to wear a necktie was motivated by his desire to impress his future in-laws during their first meeting. He expressed hope that Iranian society will eventually become more accepting of neckties and other Western clothing styles, but acknowledged that it will take time for attitudes to change.
While dress codes have long been a point of contention in Iran, recent events have brought the issue to the forefront of public discourse. The death in custody of Iranian Kurd Mahsa Amini, 22, following her arrest for an alleged violation of the country's strict dress code for women, sparked protests and unrest across the country. The authorities labeled the demonstrations as "riots," and the incident has reignited debates about the role of dress codes in Iranian society.
Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding dress codes in Iran, men like Mohammad Javad are pushing boundaries and expressing their desire for greater freedom in personal expression. The emergence of neckties as a symbol of this movement could be a sign of changing attitudes towards Western fashion and culture in Iran. However, given the deeply ingrained traditional values in the country, it remains to be seen how quickly these changes will take root.
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