Women's Underwear Store Sealed In Iran Due To Male Shopkeeper

A women's underwear store in Iran’s religious city of Mashhad was sealed by authorities due to its having a male shopkeeper, in further economic and social crackdowns by authorities.

Mohsen Seyyedi, the Manager of Inspection and Supervision of Guilds in Khorasan Razavi Province, made the announcement regarding the closure of the shop situated on 17th of Shahrivar Street in Mashhad.

Seyyedi emphasized that the store, which primarily sold women's clothing, “engaged in unconventional behavior through its online advertising.” He stated that the sale of women's underwear should be exclusively conducted by female sellers.

Iranian regulations and restrictions concerning women's underwear stores are deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and legal considerations. The regulations mandate that such establishments must be operated by female shopkeepers, aligning with Islamic norms regarding “modesty and privacy”. Additionally, the advertising and display of women's underwear is generally forbidden.

Iranian authorities have in the past issued warnings to shop owners regarding the display of female mannequins wearing underwear or curve-revealing clothes. 

The crackdown is part of a broader campaign against women's clothing and hijab, intensified following protests following the death in custody of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran's government has imposed restrictions on dress, requiring women to cover their hair and encouraging the wearing of traditional head-to-toe garments.