The Craziest Fashion Rules Around The World

1. North Korea - no jeans for females

Image source InsiderFemales need to pay attention when packing their suitcases for a visit to North Korea (maybe not the first choice for a half-term family holiday break!)  The dictatorial country forbids women to wear jeans, so put in some extra dresses and skirts and leave the Levi's at home.

2. Chechnya - women have to wear headscarves

Image source TribuneThe conservative Islamic culture, that Chechnya follows, frowns upon women who leave home without wearing a headscarf. There is no specific law that deems it a crime if they  don't but the backlash from the natives isn't worth the hassle the females would have to put up with.

3. Barcelona - don't dare to get the bikini out

Image source Daily MailIn most parts of Spain couldn't care less what you choose to wear, whereas if you find yourself in Mallorca or Barcelona, do not even attempt to change into your bikini unless you are on the beach, the two piece swimwear is banned from these places.

4. Greece - only flat shoes near monuments

Image source Greek City TimesThere is a ban on high heels if you are visiting any ancient and historical sites in Greece, not that you would wear pointed stilettoes while climbing the Acropolis!  There is a good reason for this rule though as it has been put in place to prevent excess tearing and damaging of the sites which are already pretty crumbly!  Oh and no chewing gum either.

5. Uganda - no shorter than knee high skirts

Image source JijiIn 2014, Uganda put a ban on mini skirts as they saw it as a sin to be showing too much flesh.  Since then, women have been forced to wear skirts with the hemline below the knee and preferably to the ankles.  If they wear anything above the knee, they face criminal prosecution.

6. Caribbean - camouflage can't be seen

Image source God Save The PointsA lot of countries in the Caribbean, Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, St. Vincent and St. Lucia have banned anyone, apart from their military personnel, from wearing camouflage clothing.  This extends to bags, shoes and hats with camouflage print.  You could face a fine and even jail for doing so.

7. France - niqabs or burqas are banned 

Image source Wall Street JournalFrance introduced a new law in 2010 stating that face coverings, headgear and veils, as well as full body covering clothing, are banned in public areas in their country. This includes prohibition on masks, balaclavas, helmets, niqabs, burqas, full body costumes and zentais.  Scarves that don’t cover the face are allowed.

8. The Maldives - swimwear can't make a splash

Image source LatestlyYou would associate the Maldives with white beaches and beautiful blue diving spots but you shouldn't forget that this tropical country is Muslim.  That means that western style swimwear can only be worn on 'bikini beaches'.  Public beaches are for the locals who stay covered up.

9. Russia - lacy lingerie is a cover-up

Image source CNNThis is a weird one. To advocate better vaginal health, Russia has banned lacy underwear as they are of the opinion this is the reason that females get infections down below!  How they can monitor what women are wearing in the privacy of their own home is another question!

10. Harrods, London - dress classy

Image source MyLondonHarrods is one of the most iconic department stores, not only in the UK but also in the world.  As it sells designer clothes, insists on first-class service and has a wonderful food department, they have a reputation to keep up which involves only being allowed in if you look smart.  Cut off jeans and scruffy trainers, even if you are a celeb, will not get you past the doorman.

11. Qatar - strictly no leggings

Image source Daily MailYou would think that wearing leggings would be respectful in many countries as the legs are totally covered up, right to the ankle. Sadly, they do not pass the modesty test in Qatar and should not be worn publicly. This rule applies to tourists as well due to the country's strict laws.

12. Royal Ascot, Berkshire - no strappy dresses 

Image source WWDRoyal Ascot in Berkshire is one of the highlights of the year, not just for the horse racing but for the fashion.  Many of the men wear morning suits and top hats and the women really pull it out of the bag in amazing hats and dresses in the most beautiful colours.  Out of respect to the whole occasion, where Royals are usually present, no strappy, strapless or halter neck dresses are permitted.

13. Italy - no skirting around for males

Image source InsiderThis might sound strange - men not allowed to wear skirts in Italy but, just think, a skirt can be a kilt and a proud Scotsman might want to strut his stuff in his national costume in another country.  If he does, it better not be Italy as it will lead to a hefty fine.

14. Delaware - tight fitting trousers is a sin

Image source Know Your MemeTight-fitting trousers are a definite and strict no-no in the State of Delaware. This rule applies to both men and women and if they decide to throw caution to the wind and wear that item of clothing, they could get arrested for indecency!  Has the world gone mad?

15. Spain - no flip flops when driving

Image source Health Plan SpainFlip-flops are the best.  We can wear them instead of slippers in the house, put them on for a walk on a hot summer's day or use them on the beach to walk in the sand.  What we must not do is drive in them in Spain as it is considered a criminal offence and comes with a huge fine of 200 Euros.

16. Australia - pink shorts only until midday

Image source Stuff.co.nzThere is a law in Australia which changes, depending on what day it is and even what time it is!  Pink clothing, particularly shorts, are banned on a Sunday after 12 noon!  That means you can confidently wear them from Monday to Saturday and a Sunday up to 11.59 am.

17. North Carolina - women must dress in dresses or skirts

Image source Tina AdamsNorth Carolina has lots of rules about what their residents can do and not do and even what they HAVE to wear.  Females should wear dresses or skirts at all times made from yards and yards of fabric, to protect their modesty.  This can be a tad warm in the hot weather!

18. Sarasota - no singing in a swimsuit or dancing at prom!

Image source ABC Action NewsThis isn't an April fool or a joke! If you reside in Sarasota, Florida and you want to break out into a hymn or religious song, for goodness sake remember that you aren't allowed to do so if you are wearing your swimsuit.  Not sure when this would ever happen but the rule is there to be adhered to.  If that's not strange enough, no dancing allowed at proms!

19. Australia - Analogous clothing is clear as black & white

Image source Atlas ObscuraIf you are roaming the streets in Australia, enjoying the climate, be sure to follow the rule about black clothing which extends to black make up (if you are into face painting!)  Dressing in this colour could be construed as being a cat burglar (really) so it's not allowed.

20. Forest Park, Georgia - don't expose skin

Image source QuoraBaggy skirts, very loose trousers and shorts that inch down as you're walking along, are considered to be salacious by the police of Forest Park, Georgia and are banned.  The rule has been implemented to prevent youngsters from showing the top of their underwear.

21. Rhode Island - no see-through clothing

Image source EtsyRhode Island is the smallest state in America and it appears they are also small minded.  If you want to wear a blouse with sheer sleeves or a top with a see-through back, then don't put them on here. See-through clothing is outlawed in Rhode Island and you'll be fined if you ignore the rule.

22. California - don't mis-match

Image source Fashion BeansCarmel, known as Carmel-by-the-sea, is a very fussy city when it comes to how they want people to dress, especially the men.  Unbelievably, males will be frowned upon and probably heckled if they wear a mis-matching jacket and trousers.  They should be in a suit - apparently.

23. Ohio - no shiny shoes

Bet you've never heard this one before!  In Cleveland, Ohio there have been many rules set over the years, mainly put in place for safety purposes but this one, which is that women must abstain from wearing patent leather shoes in public so the shine doesn't reflect their underwear, seems a bit extreme to me!

24. India - no army merchandise for sale

Image source RedditCombat styles have been totally banned in India because of  rampant terror attacks. Even shopkeepers have been told by the Indian army to stop selling army merchandise to the general public.  If a person is spotted wearing this style, they are heavily fined as are the shop that sold the clothing.

25. Bhutan - traditional all the way

Image source PinterestBhutanese locals must adhere to the strict dress codes that are in place.  This means a knee length kimono-style robe for men and a long dress for women, have to be accompanied by a jacket.  Luckily, tourists do not have to abide by these rules.

26. Disney - no facial hair and we're not taking the 'Mickie'

Image source WanderWisdomDisney is well known for having one of the strictest dress codes so as not to offend anybody.  They have a real job on their hands as it's the biggest tourist attraction where so many different kinds of people flock to it.  Recently, the rule of no facial hair on men was actually overturned after Walt Disney, himself, came up with the Disney law when the theme park opened.

27. Southeast Asia - tattoos must be covered in temples

Image source RedditFrom Orthodox churches to Buddhist temples, visiting a religious place requires modesty. Both locals and tourists visiting these temples across Southeast Asia, are required to cover their shoulders and knees.  If the person has a Buddha or other sacred tattoo, the body art has to be covered up as it's seen as being disrespectful.

28. Papua New Guinea - wear as little as possible

Image source Culture TripIn Papua New Guinea, the Korowai Tribe, known as the Kolufo, don’t wear clothes or a koteka (a penis guard).  The men of the tribe hide their private parts and under-carriage with leaves.  Wearing clothes is seen as being disrespectful to the whole community.

29. Sudan - male models can't wear make-up

Image source QuoraSharia law prevents women from wearing trousers in Sudan.  If male models are seen to wear make-up at a fashion show, it is considered indecent an offensive.  Anyone who goes against the rules could end up in the courts and receive a custodial sentence, such is the seriousness of the law.

30. Munich -get naked

Image source QuoraOne of the most liberal places across the globe has got to be Germany. Nude sunbathing is common, especially in the former Eastern Germany where there are no longer communist laws.  The people are relaxed with no hang ups and you may be viewed strangely if you don't undress!