These 5 items are also forbidden in the country

North Korean women are also banned from wearing high heels or other forms of modern, fashionable footwear that are seen as a Western indulgence. Instead, they are expected to wear plain, practical shoes that align with the country’s modest aesthetic. The regulation of footwear is part of a larger effort to suppress individualism and ensure that North Koreans dress and present themselves in a manner that conforms with the regime’s ideological guidelines. High heels, in particular, are viewed as a symbol of Western-style vanity and are associated with individualism and luxury.

While Kim Jong Un’s regime places strict restrictions on personal appearance and behavior, it’s clear that the crackdown on fashion and beauty items is a concerted effort to prevent outside influences and maintain a tightly controlled national identity. By banning jeans, brand-name products, heavy makeup, and even high heels, the government aims to limit the spread of Western cultural values and maintain a strict uniformity among its citizens. For North Koreans, following the government’s dress code is not just about fashion, it’s a matter of national pride and survival.