Dress
The traditional dress in Uzbekistan is fairly loose-fitting and free-flowing as it essentially hung from the body, revealing nothing. For the women this tended to mean wearing the khan-atlas on top with simple pants on the bottom. These loose-fitting tops are generally very brightly colored as the pants often times matched. The traditional dress for men is the chapan, which is also a loose-fitting top, generally tied at the waist with a rope and a bit duller than the khan-atlas. For both men and women tight-fitting hats, called tubeteikas, are an important part of their culture. These hats, often embroidered, are a great statement of individual style so come in all colors and designs.
Today, partially due to a long period under Soviet rule, the dress is more westernized, but the traditional dress is still common on special occasions and in some areas on a daily basis. Most of the local people wear western clothing or simple clothing that has been made by hand. Generally, the people wear long sleeve pants and shirts and in the winter months heavy winter hats are common as well.
As a visitor to Uzbekistan, there are few dress restrictions, but a number of suggestions. Since the modern day dress is worn for comfort and convenience, not due to religion, wearing shorts and short-sleeved shirts is acceptable, although you may get some strange looks. Only do the most devout Muslim women feel required to cover their hair and few Uzbek Muslims consider showing your knees or elbows offensive, although the locals rarely wear clothing like this. The only time long-sleeved shirts and pants are absolutely required are in holy sites, like a Mosque, but it is still best to cover your elbows and knees at a minimum, especially for women.