Turkey has had many influences. From the Ottoman empire, to Christanity, to the spread of Islam, you can expect the country to contain a lot of diversity.
In this blog we will look at fashion in Turkey. Even better, if you want to experience all the fashion shops in Turkey yourself, why not start by applying for your visa to Turkey.
Turkish Fashion Brands
There are so many fashion shops in Turkey to choose from with designs from different fashion designers and textile companies. If you’re a fashionista from glamorous New York, or just like clothes in general, you have come to the right place.
Let’s take a look at some of these exquisite labels.
LC Waikiki
LC Waikiki is was originally from a french company but a textile company in Turkey bought it from the French in 1997. It has only grown since then and is now one of Europe’s top brands.
Their products are of good quality and at affordable prices available for everyone.
Mavi
Mavi is one of the most popular fashion brands in Turkey. They specialize in jeans, and not just the angsty skinny jeans you see daily. They have something for everyone, no matter what shape and style.
Celebrities such as Kate Winslet have rocked a pair of jeans from Mavi.
Sail Laker’s
Sail Laker’s is a popular band when it comes to shoes for both men and women. Their designs are comfortable and are of high-quality. You can even shop from them online.
Machka
If you’re looking for something more specialised and luxurious, shopping from Machka is just for you. Machka creates designer clothes that highlight femininity.
Defacto
This fashion company is all about stylish yet affordable clothing for Turkish women and men which can fit any budget. They also have online stores in case you would like to shop online, plus they have stores in thirty other countries throughout the world.
Damat Tween
Damat Tween is a brand that focuses on quality clothing for men especially business attire such as suits, and also accessories for men.
It’s a famous Turkish brand but still manages to cater for people of different budgets. Celebrities like Michale Jackson and Brad Pitt have worn suits from Damat Tween, and so can you. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.
Kigili
Kigili is a clothing brand catering to Turkish men, yet all men from any background can shop from them.
Kigili focuses on clothing with a modern approach for men in the 21st century.
What To Wear For Different Occasions In Turkey
Whether it’s a fashion week you’re attending or you are simply on vacation, Turkey has a few dress codes for different occasions and sometimes its important that you dress appropriately.
To The Beach
Enjoying a sunny day at the beach in Turkey is no different than anywhere else in the world. The same thing goes for being on cruises or resorts in Turkey.
Being a Muslim country, you would expect people to be covered up even at the beach but that is not always the case in Turkey. You are more than welcome to wear flip-flops, any kind of swimwear, bikinis, shorts, tank tops.
Just keep in mind that you may not be able to wear these things when entering bars or restaurants.
If you are in places like Marmaris or Antalya you may even find women sunbathing with no tops on. If you are a woman and want to bask in the sun topless, why not? But keep in mind that it may attract some unwanted attention.
To Major Cities
The attire you wear in big Turkish cities depend on the city itself. For example, Istanbul is much more laidback compared to Anatolia or Ankara.
In Istanbul you find people dressed in casual styles, or in hijabs, just like any other city in the world. You could even go the extra mile and find a bag to go with your outfit.
Places like Antolia or Ankara are a bit more conservative and religious, so people there are more likely to adopt a modest dress code, showing little skin.
To Mosques
When visiting religious places such as the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, it is important that you dress modestly by covering your knees and shoulders (wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts), and covering your hair if you are a woman.
Luckily, some mosques have scarves available which travelers can borrow if they do not have anything to cover themselves. Alternatively you can always buy a scarf from the many shops in Turkey and find something that suits your style.
What To Wear For Seasons In Turkey
The weather is another thing to pay attention to when traveling to a foreign country. Afterall, the last thing you want is to be wearing shorts and sandals when it starts snowing. Yikes!
But fear not, we will now look at what you can expect to pack for all four seasons in Turkey.
Summer
Without a doubt summer is the warmest season in Turkey. Temperatures range in between 30 and 40 degrees celsius. For travelers, it is okay to wear typical summer clothing especially in the more westernized cities like Izmir, Istanbul, and Pamukkale.
However, the central and eastern regions of Turkey are more conservative. It is advised that you wear cool cotton clothing, or anything that allows you to dress modestly yet still keep cool in the heat.
Winter
Winters in Turkey can be bitterly cold. You can wear anything warm from leggings, leather clothing, scarves, thick coats, and boats, especially when venturing outside into the snow.
In simple terms, you would wear anything that keeps you warm. Don’t let the cold stop you from having fun.
Autumn And Spring
Autumn and spring are the best seasons to travel to Turkey. You can think of them as Goldilocks seasons; not too hot and not too cold. The temperature around these times is warm although there might be a chilly wind here and there but nothing big enough to worry about.
It’s always a good idea to pack clothes that can fit any weather condition in case it does get a bit chilly especially if you will be at places of high altitude.
When In Turkey, Dress As The Turkish Do
Life’s too short to wear boring clothes, so why not spice it up a little and vamp up your wardrobe the next time you’re in Turkey?
