How to dress appropriately in Turkey
Dress modestly by keeping your shoulders and knees covered when visiting mosques or rural areas. In major cities like Istanbul or coastal tourist resorts, standard casual western clothing is perfectly acceptable, but always carry a light scarf to quickly cover your head and shoulders when entering religious sites.
- Master the mosque dress code. Men must wear long trousers (no shorts above the knee). Women must cover their hair with a scarf, keep shoulders covered, and wear skirts or pants that extend below the knee. Remove your shoes before entering.
- Pack for regional differences. In cosmopolitan centers like Istanbul, Ankara, or Izmir, you can wear jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. In conservative towns in Eastern or Central Anatolia, aim for loose-fitting clothing that covers your chest, arms, and legs.
- Choose fabrics for the climate. Turkey gets very hot. Opt for breathable, natural fabrics like linen or light cotton. Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat and sweat.
- Carry a 'modesty kit'. Keep a large pashmina or light scarf in your day bag. It takes three seconds to drape over your shoulders or head when you decide to pop into a mosque or a local market.
- Can I wear shorts in Turkey?
- In beach towns like Bodrum or Fethiye, shorts are common. In cities, shorts are fine for men, but women may attract unwanted attention. Avoid them entirely in rural areas or religious sites.
- Do I have to wear a hijab?
- No. Only Muslim women who choose to do so wear a hijab. As a tourist, you only need to cover your head when inside a mosque.
- Is swimwear allowed?
- Bikinis and swimsuits are perfectly normal at beach resorts and hotel pools. Do not walk around the streets in your swimwear; cover up with a sarong or t-shirt as soon as you leave the beach area.