quoms:

What’s a Tajik woman to do? She wants to step out, but is unsure if her dress is too long – or too short. She wants to wear a head scarf, but what type? And it’s raining. Does she dare wear galoshes?

She no longer has to make such choices on her own, as Tajikistan’s government is now providing a lengthy guide on how female citizens should dress, no matter their age, and whatever the season or occasion.

The 367-page hardback – titled The Guidebook To Recommended Outfits In Tajikistan – outlines acceptable garment colors, shapes, lengths, and materials.

While the 11-chapter guide issued by the Culture Ministry is not law, several government agencies have been tasked with overseeing that compliance is enforced. The new guide is for females only, beginning from the age of 7, but officials have made it clear that they are completing a similar guide for men.

Both miniskirts and maxi dresses are out, according to the recommendations, which state that hemlines should fall a good 15-20 centimeters below the knee, but also at most 20 centimeters above the ankle.

Sleeves must not be shorter than 10 centimeters, and necklines must not drop more than 15 centimeters in front, and 5 centimeters in the back.

Flat shoes are unacceptable, including the cheap and popular felt loafers known as Irinka shoes. And flip-flops and galoshes definitely out; they have been deemed health hazards, for unstated reasons. It is unclear whether women are supposed to always wear heels in Tajikistan, 93 percent of which is covered by mountains.

A colorful head scarf or kerchief is an option, but it “has to be tied behind the head in the national Tajik style” and it should not cover the face and neck. Black head scarves are banned entirely, even for funerals.

Men have also received their fair share of warnings and clothing advice from the government.

Authorities have banned the wearing of bushy beards and instructed male students at the nation’s only Islamic University to don suits and ties, just like the students at other educational institutions in the country.

Thousands of men have reportedly been stopped by police and had their beards shaven against their will.

Culture Minister Shamsiddin Orumbekzoda recently hinted that a guidebook is in the works for Tajik men, “some of whom show up in tracksuits even for official meetings.”

“Soon we’ll make it compulsory for men to wear a shirt, suit, and tie,” the minister added.

yo the next to last paragraph knocked my sympathies sideways at the ankles