Youth Strike Balance Between Conservatism, Modernity

One can easily notice the many cultures that entered Iraq with the invasion of 2003: rap music, tattoos, metal ornaments, ripped jeans and high boots.

The youth are following Western trends in hairstyles and even the way they walk, both girls and boys alike. Rusool Azzawi, a university student, tells Al-Monitor that the “latest trend” followed by girls is Western-style slim-fit pants, with "weird" names such as sahel (baggy jeans), “classic” and boori (skinny jeans).

“Most Iraqi girls maintain a conservative appearance in front of their parents and relatives, for fear of provoking their anger. In private meetings and at university, however, they transform into modern characters who they like,” she explains.

Girls in Iraq, especially university students and employees, are keen on wearing clothes imported from different countries that are new to Iraqi society. These include al-dalaa (a shirt without sleeves), al-tawil (a long-sleeved shirt), al-qasir (a short shirt that just reaches the belly), nosf wardan (a short skirt or shirt), rebeh (similar to nosf wardan) and talbis (trendy shirts). These are local names, created in the street to distinguish between the different tastes.

Sooad al-Qaisi, a salesperson in a shop that sells Western accessories, tells Al-Monitor that “The Internet, foreign TV series and films have allowed the youth to follow the style of Western celebrities and Arab singers.”

According to Qaisi, Iraqi girls used to wear "classic" skirts, cloche skirts, fishtail skirts and short skirts, but they are currently wearing Western pants or the Gulf-style abaya. In universities, institutions and laboratories, however, they prefer to wear pants with a headscarf.

Qaisi believes that “While the headscarf was once a religious duty, it has transformed into a social habit” subject to fashion, with different forms and colors depending on the circumstances.

Indeed, unveiled women are wearing headscarves as fashion, and they let their Western hairstyles — with exciting and attractive colors — peep from under the veil.