What To Wear In Turkey
To sum it up - This is a predominantly Muslim country, so cover up.
- Smart casual for daytime and evenings works really well.
- In the evenings, Turkish women really dress up, but bare arms and plunging necklines are seldom seen as they're covered in public (even in the dining rooms of the grandest 5-star hotels) with lightweight evening scarves or shawls.
- The 4 and 5 star hotels can be extremely sophisticated and glamorous and you may want to pack a smarter outfit to fit right in.
- Istanbul is very cosmopolitan and stylish but if you don't want to stand out on the street, wear modest clothing. Short shorts or short skirts are not a great idea.
- Even in warm weather when you're wearing sleeveless tops, carry a lightweight shawl to put over your bare shoulders. This is great to cover up for modesty when visiting any mosques.
- The best way to see the Old City of Istanbul is on foot so the advice is comfy walking attire that can be removed easily when visiting any of the many mosques.
- In the winter months it gets really cold (and it snows) so wrap up – take a coat, hat and gloves.
- In rural Turkey, women tend to dress much more modestly, dark coloured head scarves, long skirts or trekking trousers and long sleeved shirts will help you to blend in a little more.
- The dress code is much more relaxed in the coastal resorts, because they exist predominantly for the tourist trade. However, you'll be far more welcome if you still bear in mind the Muslim customs. For instance, don't go topless, however comfortable you are with it – the Turkish are not.
- Shorts, T-shirts and swimwear are all perfectly fine for use in your resort. If you know you're going to stay put, then this is the only type of clothing you'll need.
- One final thought a smile and a polite no thank you to any over eager shop keepers is a great way of not feeling pressured and being respected.
Anything we missed?
Send us your tips about what to pack for Turkey - we'd love to learn from your experiences!
Didn't find what you need?
Use our personalised 'advice by email' service - for £55, request more information by sending us an email with details about your trip (where you're going, when and what you expect to be doing there).
Request info about what to wear in Turkey >
