There are many things to consider when you’re getting ready for your trip to Türkiye. You have to think about the time of year, the kinds of activities you’ll be doing most frequently and the general climate in that part of the country. We don’t have to tell you that it gets hot in some parts of Türkiye, and some regions have quite cold climates. Even if you have never been there before, you probably already know that. The question is: What can you wear in Türkiye? There are a few things to keep in mind when packing for your trip. Depending on where exactly you plan on going in this amazing country, your packing list will look a little different, but these general tips will help no matter where you go:
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1. At Beaches
While we’re not encouraging you to take your shoes off in a mosque, the rules for appropriate beachwear can differ slightly. If you’re looking for a more relaxed beach experience, head to a more touristy destination, like the beaches in Antalya. For more conservative beach destinations, like along the Black Sea, you may want to keep all your beachwear on the modest side. Many beaches in Türkiye will have signs up about appropriate swimwear. If you plan to go to a more remote location, keep all swimwear no more than knee-length and keep your shoulders covered.
2. In a Mosque or Religious Sites
For those on a tour of Istanbul, Ankara or any other major city in Türkiye, you may have to visit a mosque or two. While you can’t wear shorts in a mosque, you can wear a long skirt or pants. You can even wear a dress, as long as it hits below the knee. In more conservative cities, like Konya, you’ll want to be more covered up, but in Istanbul, you can relax a bit more. A loose pair of pants and a long-sleeve shirt or light sweater should cover you, even in the more conservative mosques. For women who want to wear a headscarf, it’s best to bring one from home, as most mosques won’t have them for sale on-site. Men should keep in mind that hats aren’t allowed in mosques.
3. What to Wear in Türkiye in Summer & Spring
Summer in Türkiye is brutal, no matter where you are. Most parts of the country will be hot and humid, but thankfully, a few pieces of clothing can serve many purposes. Your go-to pieces should be made from a light, breathable fabric like linen, cotton or silk. Avoid leather, wool or synthetic materials and choose a light-coloured shirt or blouse over a darker one. If you’re visiting the Black Sea or any other coastal area, opt for a knee-length or longer skirt instead of shorts. While it’s warm during the day, you can also bring a light jacket or shawl in case the evenings are a little chilly.
4. What to Wear in Türkiye in Winter & Fall
Winter in Türkiye is cold, especially at higher elevations. While you may be able to get away with a light jacket in the cities, you may want more warmth when you’re out in the countryside. Wool, fleece and other heavy fabrics will keep you warm, as will thicker cotton shirts. You may want to invest in a lightweight down jacket for those chilly nights, too. In southern Türkiye, like in Cappadocia or Antalya, you’ll want a light jacket and a sweater or scarf. In spring and early fall, you may want to bring an umbrella or light rain jacket. Parts of the country, like the Black Sea, are known for their rainy weather.
5. Türkiye Traditional Dresses
If you have the opportunity to visit one of Türkiye’s many festivals, you may want to look into buying a traditional dress. We recommend doing a little research before you buy a dress, as some are more traditional than others. If you’re visiting a more miniature village or town, find out what the locals wear. What is appropriate in Istanbul may not be in a smaller town, so be sure to do your research.
