A Saudi lawyer has initiated legal proceedings against a woman for donning a bisht, a cloak traditionally reserved for men, in public.

Yehia Al Shahrani, the claimant, observed the woman wearing the prestigious male robe at King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah. He accused her of imitating men and disrespecting an official attire, questioning sarcastically if men could similarly wear bras.

“The bishts are worn by men only,” Al Shahrani stated emphatically. He recounted requesting an airport officer to file an official report and refer the matter to public prosecutors. However, the officer declined after prosecutors indicated that the alleged imitation was partial. There has been no official comment on the incident from authorities.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia issued directives specifying the formal use of the bisht for certain categories of individuals and state officials at workplaces and formal events. The dress code applies to emirs, deputy emirs, governors, ministers, assistant and deputy ministers, leaders of independent departments, heads and deputy heads of city halls, Shura Council members, judges, prosecutors, and lawyers.

Additionally, the Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Abdul Latif bin Abdul Aziz, instructed mosque imams and muezzins nationwide to wear the bisht during prayers. Preachers are also directed to wear the cloak while leading Friday prayers and prayers during the Eids of Al Fitr and Al Adha, Islam’s two main feasts.