Short Shorts & Other Fashion Crimes

As the cooler temperatures seem to be behind us for the time being and summer is here, many people are happy to ditch the pants and heavy sweaters in favour of lighter, more revealing clothes. In Canada, most people don't think twice about wearing shorts and tank tops and enjoying the warm temperatures. Despite this, we all have seen people in public that you wish you could give a 'fashion crime' citation to for wearing clothing that is too revealing (among the many fashion crimes we see everyday). While this may not be a reality in Canada, Iran does have Islamic morality officers who ensure that people are dressed 'appropriately' and penalties can be issued for those who do not comply.

Every summer, the Iranian government engages in a crackdown of the dress code of the country. This year,  the IRNA (state-run news agency), cites 70, 000 police officers being sent out into the community to ensure that all people follow the dress code. 

Why spend government funds on enforcing a dress code?

The highly conservative Iranian government has been steadily trying to reign in the more liberal fashion trends that were introduced to Iranian society in the 1990s. This extends beyond more body-hugging attire and cropped pants and includes flashy "Western" jewellery, and tattoos for men which was becoming more acceptable in Iranian culture. But the crackdown on a more liberal country has also affected the education system as University programs, including many social science-based programs like law and human rights, have been eliminated (this development in itself is troubling enough and is a whole separate issue for debate). The Iranian parliament overwhelmingly (almost two-thirds!) signed a statement supporting the rejection of Western culture favouring a more conservative culture.

According to the police chief of Iran, Gen. Esmaeil Ahmadi Moghadam, "confronting those who are not sufficiently veiled is a legitimate demand of the people," which is in keeping with the clampdown on Western influence. Efforts are also being made to shutdown any clothing retailers who are accused of selling revealing clothing. Despite all of this, the article I read pertaining to this fashion crackdown did not cite any official reports about arrests related to improper clothing.

What is banned?

Ensuring that women are properly veiled is a routine aspect of the annual summer fashion crackdown however men are now being put in the spotlight regarding their personal appearance. Men's haircuts have been scrutinized following recommendations to the Culture Ministry by a fashion watchdog group. Ponytails and the much-mocked mullet style are not allowed according to the new dress code. Jewellery is another item that is of high priority this year as women are not allowed to have their necklaces or bracelets visible in public and only men in their immediate family should be able to see these items.

So your outfit is unacceptable. Now what?

As the issue of gender has been on the minds of my fellow INDEV classmates these last few weeks following a fantastic guest lecture about gender and development, whether you are a man or woman makes a big difference when the police questions you about your clothing and personal appearance. Men receive very lenient reprimands for having an inappropriate hairstyle or outfit and are either warned to visit a barber to have their hairstyle changed or to return home immediately and change into an acceptable outfit. Women, unfortunately, are lectured about Islamic clothing and values when they are stopped by police. If they are able to fix their attire on the spot, that is usually the extend of the interaction. If the woman cannot fix the problem, they are arrested and detained until a family member can bring suitable clothing to the police station for the woman to change into. Before being allowed to go freely, they are required to sign an agreement to "not appear in public again like that".

But you are a young, progressive person

Young people in Iran are used to the annual fashion crackdowns which tapers off after a period of time. However, those interviewed for the article have noticed a more serious nature to the campaign this year. If you are a young person living in Iran and you are in support of the political opposition, you could choose to dye your hair. This is one way young people are able to demonstrate their political beliefs without taking huge risks.

Food for thought as I sit here writing this post wearing.... short shorts.

To read the original article, please click on the link: Iran's Fashion Police Target 'Western' Looks, Men's Hairstyles Along With Headscarves