Why Iran delegates wore suits without ties to Iran’s President’s visit to Uganda

After a period of 11 years, Iran is visiting Uganda with its highest officials led by their current president Ebrahim Raisi, Iranians are renowned for their distinctive style, especially their traditional clothing known as chador (full-body cloak). 

The natives also wear the manteau, a loose-fitting overcoat and the shalwar kameez, which is a combination of loose trousers and a tunic. 

During his state tour of Uganda on Wednesday evening, July 12, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation wore a combination of the manteau and suits without ties. 

As the president rocked the traditional attire to promote the country’s cultural heritage, members of his entourage wore suits. Despite adopting the modern and cosmopolitan style popular among the youthful men in Iran, hawk-eyed fashion enthusiasts noticed that the entourage did not wear ties. 

The trend is synonymous among Iran President Raisi’s staff, who have been seen shunning wearing ties on other foreign tours. Why so?

Wearing suits without ties in the Persian country is largely symbolic and is used to signify rebellion against Western ideals.

The Asian nation banned ties on its soil after the Islamic Revolution in 1979, which was an uprising that led to the toppling of the then Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi.

After the revolution, the tie was perceived as a symbol of Western Culture and Iran’s clerical establishment – headed by Ayatollah Khomeini, banned its sale.

“Shops were banned from selling ties after the victory of the Islamic Revolution and police were deployed to enforce the ban,” Isna News Agency reported.

Multiple reports add that Iran also promoted modest and decent Islamic attire, encouraging men to wear their traditional garments. 

Ironically, while Iran bans the selling of ties, it is not illegal to wear them. Some private sector players wear ties while attending formal parties and weddings. 

University students and bridegrooms are also often allowed to wear ties on special occasions, according to Isna News Agency.

While some private sector members can wear ties, it is largely considered unacceptable for government officials to don them.

Entrepreneurs found selling ties in their business ventures risk having their shops indefinitely closed by authorities, according to some outlets.