What to wear (or not wear) as a woman in Turkey?

[Anonymous]

I know that Turkey (specifically, Istanbul - but maybe with some side trips) is very European and modern, for a predominantly Muslim country. I'll be visiting a friend in a couple of months (by myself, as a female) and looking to get some ideas of what is acceptable to wear.

For example, leggings. I often live in them here (yes, I know they're frowned upon as not being pants), but I workout in them, and wear them for comfort because it can be hard to find comfortable clothing for my athletic legs/thighs.

Will I be bothered wearing say, compression leggings and a t-shirt? Tank top? Going for a run? Provided actual skin is covered and I'm not revealing flesh, what would be ok?

[Anonymous]

You should ask the friend you are visiting.

[Anonymous]

bring scarves in case you need to cover your shoulders and to visit mosques, other than that enjoy!

[Anonymous]

I'm Turkish. You can totally wear anything you want in Istanbul. Leggings, mini skirts, tank tops, anything. You are likely to be in either the city center and touristy areas and I'm sure you'll see Turkish women dressed far more provocatively than you.

[Anonymous]

If when you're out and about in Istanbul you hear a man make a "tut tut" sound towards you, its not disapproval, its the opposite, its like a wolf-whistle. Whatever you do you don't want to "tut tut" back...

[Anonymous]

I'm so jealous, OP, Turkey is my favorite place ever. I agree with the PPs that you can pretty much wear anything, but you should bring something with you to cover your shoulders if you go into a mosque or church. Enjoy!

[Anonymous]

How can you wear a tank top without revealing flesh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How can you wear a tank top without revealing flesh?

The same way you can wear a short sleeved Tee without revealing flesh. It's a matter of degree. The flesh of your arms are visible, but you still cover up your chest, cleavage, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:bring scarves in case you need to cover your shoulders and to visit mosques, other than that enjoy!

No Need. Coverings are available outside Mosques. I've been going there for 20 years. If you do not see The Blue Mosque, you will regret it, imho.

[Anonymous]

With everything going on in Syria with ISIS and the fact that turkey has trouble controlling its border (and turkey is THE gateway for folks to enter Syria to join ISIS), why are you going to turkey??? Serious question.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With everything going on in Syria with ISIS and the fact that turkey has trouble controlling its border (and turkey is THE gateway for folks to enter Syria to join ISIS), why are you going to turkey??? Serious question.

Istanbul is generally okay. I have a number of contacts in Turkey who report that things are becoming more volatile, but that's in other parts of the country. Just be alert to your surroundings. Especially in places like Taksim Square, you'd be very surprised at how quickly a calm situation becomes "complicated."

[Anonymous]

You shouldn't wear leggings in the US or Turkey. Trashy

[Anonymous]

Be sensitive to the cultural mores of any country you are visiting. I agree with the PP who said that your friend would be able to advise you on what is appropriate.

I saw a young lady being told off in Israel/Palestine when she went to visit a church and she was wearing something skimpy on top - nothing outrageous but not modest enough for the nuns who told her off in no uncertain terms telling her to leave and come back when she covered her self appropriately. She was told that she is entering a church not a movie theater.

Having said this, I love Turkey and Istanbul. One of my favorite places to visit.

[Anonymous]

Just returned from several days in Istanbul. It is a beautiful, modern, safe city and you will absolutely love being there!

As others noted, Istanbul is a very chic, fashionable European city, and you will see people dressed in a variety of fashions. If you do wear leggings, I suggest wearing long layers over them (e.g., a long tank top that covers your rear and a wrap sweater, for example) and not wear anything too low cut on top or bottom. It's a progressive city, but there are still cultural norms to pay attention to. If you tour a mosque, such as the Blue Mosque, you will need to cover your shoulders and head/hair. I would suggest you NOT wear leggings to mosques. Women who wore leggings, jeggings or skintight pants were provided a wrap to wear over their clothing while in the mosque. It's not uncommon but you look kind of like an idiot for not dressing properly for the occasion.

Have an amazing trip!

[MikeL]

You have to go to the Haga Sofia(sp?), too.
Absolutely incredible.