Where to buy some long sleeve cotton tops that reach to mid thigh and which aren't figure hugging / revealing?

[Aridane]

Sorry - long title!

I am going to a conservative Middle East country in a few months and, as well as a head scarf, will need to wear ankle length trousers or a skirt and a long sleeved tunic type top.

No problem with the head scarf and ankle length trousers / skirts - both of which I have.

However, it's the tops that I don't know where to locate. They need to be:

• long-sleeved (or at least 3/4 length at a push);
  
  
• mid-thigh length (or at least cover the bottom);
  
  
• tunic like or at least not figure hugging / revealing; and
  
  
• cotton / natural fibre for climate / heat reasons
  
  and coloured tops are fine.
  
  Any suggestions as to where to locate? I'm based in London and am a shortie (5'2") - and ideally would prefer not to order online. I would like to get 4 tops.
  
  Thanks!

[poocatcherchampion]

I need to know this too.

[GirlAnachronism]

im sure I saw some in Next, there are some gorgeous long sleeved tunics at Joe Browns, but i think they only sell online.

[OldBeanbagz]

Have you tried White Stuff and Fat Face? They both do a lot of tunics.

Which Middle East country are you going to? I was in Jordan recently and there's no need to wear a head scarf there unless you're going into a mosque.

[Aridane]

Iran...

[ISpeakJive]

With this description you would think it would be the easiest things to find.
I have been looking for something like this for bloody ages and I am still struggling. They are either too tight, too short or knitted.

I will keep my eye out, OP but I've also looked. The only place that used to have things like this was H & M. Not anymore.

[Ohfourfoxache]

Have you thought about going to a specialist shop?

I know it's a very different situation, I went to a Hindu wedding a few years ago. Not having a clue about what to wear, I was advised to have a look around shops in Southall and Wembley. Might be worth a try?

[FauxFox]

dorothy perkins
wallis
phase 8
matalan

[OldBeanbagz]

Am so jealous now, i went back in the late 90s and would love to go back.

Definately best to cover up there. I remember i wore a black knee length linen jacket and matching trousers. Would have been perfect had it not been August and 40+ degrees!

[UterusUterusGhali]

I'd try a "hippy" shop tbh. You'll find something suitable amongst the tie dye.
eBay does lots of hijab. Also try searching "Lagenlook".
Is there an Anouki near you?

[UterusUterusGhali]

Market stalls too.

[Sallycinnamum]

I recently bought one of these tunics from gap. Didn't realise it was a maternity top but it's really good quality and looks great with jeAns.

www.gap.co.uk/browse/product.do?cid=89633&vid=1&pid=000232112000

They also have non maternity tunics too.

[Seff]

I was coming here to say I want some ones like that but with a low enough neckline for boob access for BF the baby - then realised that tops like that probably aren't what you're looking for!

When I used to visit the Middle East, I wore an abaya over my normal clothes (which were often shorts and a vest top!) but I'm unsure on how conservative Iran is.

[TaurielTest]

I'd try East or Monsoon for something tunic/kameez ish.

[UterusUterusGhali]

I think Iran is pretty conservative, but it's a very young population so boundaries are regularly pushed.

My limited experience of Persians is that they're all achingly trendy.

[BuzzardBird]

You could try some Asian clothing suppliers such as Diya online.

[Aridane]

(Abaya only required for mosque visiting - and are available from mosques. Ironically, though, Seff's solution of wearing an abaya over 'regular' summer clothes sounds the easiest...).

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions.

Will probably start the looking when the weather is less glacial and the lighter weight tops are likely to be easier to find.

If within the next 90 days and before this thread is deleted, I'll post with what I managed to get and where!

[IonaMumsnet]

Morning folks. We're going to move this thread to Style and Beauty at the OP's request in a mo, so that it doesn't vanish after 90 days.

[travailtotravel]

I am off to Irantoo. I am large so this is a problem for me not to show my shape,and as I am large have been advised might be hard to get stuff when I get there. I am going autumn so have opted for the. Long trouser, ankle boot,long sleeve t-shirts with high neck and scarf but with a 'Mac' over the top. This also means I can wear it when I get back, too. I am ridiculously excited about going. I have wanted to go for so long!

[Aridane]

Thanks.

I'm going to resume my search in the shops a little bit later once they are stocking lighter weight clothes. At the moment, what could conceivably be suitable is in winter fabric...

I'm also toying with the idea of just getting one of those raincoat / mac things once I'm in Iran.

When you google pictures of what women are wearing in Iran, they do look very stylish.

I'm very excited too about going! Am keeping mum about it at work as people will think I'm barking (they probably already do) - and it's not as if I'm visiting friends or family in Iran...

[CantStopEatingCheese]

I went to Iran on a holiday in 2004 (no friends of family there just sightseeing). I wore DHs normal button down shirts (he's bigger than me so they were long and loose). It was fine, don't think I was the trendiest woman there (but then again I'm not that trendy anyway). I didn't get the impression that they were that strict with non western women.
Also I'm very jealous, it was one of the best places I've visited (and I've been to a few). People are extremely hospitable and friendly, ancient sites are amazing (but without the throngs of tourists you get elsewhere), food great (if you like meat). Just no alcohol...

[SoMuchForSubtlety]

What about a kameez? Either online eg or from any part of London that has a reasonably large Asian population.

[Aridane]

That's not a bad idea, SoMuchForSubtlety! - lightweight fabric, pretty and modest. Might even get some wear from them afterwards - whether as a summer or holiday item (without the trouser bit) or for wafting around the home.

[Lucked]

East

[southeastastra]

uniqlo

[Apatite1]

Total hijack: please tell me how to visit Iran? I would love to go, in a safe-ish way!