What Do Women Wear in Turkey? A Detailed Guide for Female Travelers

Turkey is a beautiful country with a rich culture and stunning landscapes. As a popular tourist destination, many women wonder what to wear during their visit. This guide will provide insights into dressing appropriately as a female traveler in Turkey.

Cultural Context

Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to dress modestly out of respect. That said, Turkey is fairly liberal compared to other nearby countries. You’ll see local women wearing everything from shorts and tank tops to headscarves and long skirts.

In major cities like Istanbul the dress code is relaxed. But in more conservative central and eastern regions modest attire is appreciated. Use common sense based on the area and situation.

When visiting mosques and holy sites, legs and shoulders should be covered. Many mosques provide scarves, but bringing your own is recommended.

Weather Considerations

Turkey has four distinct seasons with varying climates. Packing weather-appropriate clothing is key for comfort.

• Spring and Fall: Average 15-22°C. Bring light layers like cardigans and jackets.

• Summer Very hot and dry, 25-40°C Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best.

• Winter: Cold and often snowy, 0-15°C. Pack warm layers and winter accessories.

Coastal areas are milder than inland regions. Altitude also impacts temperatures, with higher elevations being colder.

Recommended Women’s Attire

Here are some clothing items that are suitable for women to wear in Turkey:

• Modest dresses, skirts below the knee, lightweight pants
• Tops with short or 3/4 length sleeves
• Light cardigans or jackets to layer
• Scarves/shawls to cover shoulders and head as needed
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Conservative one-piece swimsuits
• Sweaters, winter coat, hat, gloves for cold weather

Choose versatile pieces in muted solids or subtle patterns. Stick to breathable natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk.

What to Avoid

Some clothing that is best avoided for women in Turkey includes

• Shorts, mini skirts, short dresses
• Sleeveless or strapless tops
• Tight or revealing clothing
• Low-cut tops or short crop tops
• Visible underwear or bras
• Bikinis or very skimpy swimwear (on beaches)
• Flip flops or heels for extensive walking

Basically, clothing that is overly tight, sheer, short, or shows a lot of skin should be left at home.

Scarves & Head Coverings

Many Muslim women in Turkey wear headscarves, especially in conservative regions. As a visitor, covering your head is only required in mosques and holy sites.

Some tips for head coverings:

• Bring 1-2 scarves or pashminas to use when needed
• Square scarves that tie under chin or behind neck work well
• Choose lightweight fabrics like cotton, rayon, or silk
• Opt for neutral colors or simple patterns
• Can complement outfits when not in use

Accessories & Layers

Smart accessories and layers allow you to modify your look in a culturally appropriate way:

• Light cardigans or jackets to cover bare arms/shoulders
• Infinity scarves to wrap over low-cut shirts
• Solid camisoles under sheer blouses
• Tights or leggings with dresses/skirts
• Fashionable sun hats for UV protection
• Big sunglasses to avoid drawing attention
• Crossbody anti-theft bags for security

Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes like sneakers or sandals
• Ballet flats or low heels for going out
• Warm boots in winter
• Conservative beach shoes like thong sandals

Swimwear

Modest swimwear is recommended at beaches, pools, and water parks.

• One-piece suits or tankinis work well.
• Swim shirts, board shorts, and swim skirts can be paired with your suit for more coverage.
• Sarongs are useful for covering up between water activities.
• Don’t sunbathe topless.

Nightlife Attire

You can dress up a bit more for evenings out while still remaining appropriately covered:

• Cute yet conservative dresses or jumpsuits
• Dress pants or jeans with nice tops
• Dressy flats, heels, or sandals
• Stylish jackets or wraps for cooler weather
• Sparkly jewelry and accessories

Avoid outfit styles that are too tight, sheer, or revealing at clubs and bars as well.

Shopping for Clothes in Turkey

You can pick up scarves, skirts, tops, and other garments to complement your wardrobe during your trip.

• Markets and bazaars in Istanbul, Ankara, and other large cities feature clothing, textiles, and scarves.

• Local boutiques carry fashionable styles adapted to the culture.

• Malls in Istanbul and along the coast offer international brand-name and fast fashion options.

• Turkish lira prices are very reasonable for clothing items.

Dressing Comfortably Yet Respectfully

The key is finding that sweet spot between upholding cultural values while still feeling like your authentic self. Focus on modesty, respect, and appropriateness for the situation. With some pre-planning and mix-and-match outfits, you can dress comfortably and fashionably during your time in Turkey.