{"id":6755,"date":"2016-12-27T14:26:20","date_gmt":"2016-12-27T19:26:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/?p=6755"},"modified":"2020-01-15T05:49:34","modified_gmt":"2020-01-15T10:49:34","slug":"women-cycling-clothing-in-conservative-countries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.worldbiking.info\/wordpress\/2016\/12\/women-cycling-clothing-in-conservative-countries\/","title":{"rendered":"What to wear? Tips for women cycling in conservative countries"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\n
\n\t\t\"Woman\n\t<\/div>\n\n

Following the local look in Iran.<\/h3><\/div><\/div>
\n\n
\n\t\t\"\"\n\t<\/div>\n\n

Not exactly following cultural norms in Sudan.<\/h3><\/div><\/div>

Female cyclists: what to wear in conservative countries?<\/h3>\n
\n\t

Do women need to follow special dress codes when bicycle touring in conservatrive countries?<\/h2>\n

In almost all countries, women are allowed to dress as they please when bicycle touring. The exceptions are Iran and Saudi Arabia. When bicycle touring in Iran, all women must obey the official dree code. This means they must cover their heads and wear a long coat or tunic so that the shape of their bottom is not revealed. Woman must completely cover their arms and legs when traveling in Iran.<\/p>\n

For a long time, women were not allowed to ride a bicycle in Saudi Arabia. With the recent relaxation of rules, Saudi women can now ride bicycles<\/a>, but they must be fully covered.<\/p>\n

What to wear bicycle touring outside of North America and Europe?<\/h2>\n

Short shorts and form-fitting jerseys may be the norm in Europe and North America. But you may want to think twice before decking yourself out in revealing lycra when you cycle through parts of Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Even showing off your shoulders and knees may be considered sexy in some parts of the world.<\/p>\n

Is it fair? Not really.<\/h2>\n

Obviously, it's a woman's choice as to what she wears when bicycle touring. In an ideal world, it wouldn't matter what a woman wears. She would feel safe and be treated with the same respect no matter if she were wearing revealing cycle shorts and a sports bra or long pants and a baggy shirt.<\/p>\n

#Reality<\/h2>\n

Wearing cycling shorts and a tight tank top is unlikely to cause outright hostility (unless you\u2019re cycling in Iran or Saudi Arabia).\u00a0 But, sadly, you may attract more unwanted attention if this style of dress is uncommon for women in the country you are cycling through.<\/p>\n

Women cyclists generally have an easier time bicycle touring when they conform to cultural norms. If you don't stand out, you'll garner less attention. This makes sense.<\/p>\n