Every woman has her own way of thinking and is different from the others, but in one thing all women around the world are alike — every woman wants to be beautifully dressed! Turkish women are no exception.
The everyday clothing of women in Turkey’s major cities is not much different from Western European fashion, such as in Italy, France, or England, for example.
However, there is a significant difference in fashion across different parts of Turkey. For example, in smaller towns and rural areas, fashion completely contrasts with that in large cities.
In the capital and other large cities, such as Istanbul, women enjoy a wide variety of modern clothing in many different styles, while women in rural areas have a much more limited choice. This limited selection is due to the fact that girls there are taught from an early age that wearing a short skirt is wrong. Overall, the concept of “modesty” is extremely important for Turkish women in the countryside, and even if modern boutiques were to open there, there would be no one to shop from them.
This type of upbringing — and specifically clothing habits — comes from the older generation, especially grandparents, who place great importance on traditions and values.
The data represents approximate summaries.
| Style | Share |
|---|---|
| Modern/colorful clothing | ~60–70% |
| Traditional with religious elements | ~30–40% |
| Style | Share |
|---|---|
| Traditional clothing | ~70–80% |
| Modern clothing | ~20–30% |
* Note: Percentages are rounded and represent widely used estimates.
One of the most prominent fans of the turban is Emine Erdoğan, the wife of the Turkish president. She proves beyond any doubt that even when dressed conservatively, she can look nothing short of divine and majestic.
As we have already seen, the majority of the population is conservative, so the favorite clothing item (especially in rural areas) is the classic Turkish trousers, which fuller-figured women pull up all the way to their waist. Some people may find this amusing, but these are traditions and personal choices, and everyone should respect them.
Now, let’s talk a bit about fashion in Turkey’s big cities.
There, the picture is completely opposite. Women dress brightly and more revealingly.
In cities like Istanbul and Ankara, fashion does not follow any strict rules, but there are women who want to respect their traditions while at the same time adding a modern element to their outfits. This collaboration can result in a completely unpredictable look.
Despite the significant differences in various parts of the country, fashion in Turkey shares one accessory in common — the Muslim headscarf. It is popular both in villages and in cities. Modern fashion designers in Turkey have created a wide variety of colorful and patterned scarves, making it easy to combine them with the rest of the outfit.
Another popular item in Turkish women’s wardrobes is the turban. I would say that the turban is fashionable not only in Turkey but also in Europe and America. It pairs divinely with a dress. If you decide to add elegant and delicate sunglasses, it will be even better.
The turban is one of the great revolutions in conservative fashion in Turkey. Women now wear turbans on a massive scale, and the creators of this accessory are climbing the ladder of success at unprecedented speed, while the shares of large, modern secular boutiques in Turkey are going down. Conservative fashion in Turkey is literally flourishing and expanding into more and more sectors — from everyday wear to wedding dresses. Leading fashion designers in Turkey no longer feel the need to create secular fashion because the uniqueness of conservative style makes them so special that it’s hard for them to go unnoticed!
It’s hard to describe fashion in Turkey — it has to be seen and experienced. The richness of styles will surely impress you and make you fall in love with this world!
In major cities like Istanbul, women embrace modern and colorful fashion, while in rural areas, traditional and conservative styles dominate.
About 30% of women go without a head covering, while 63% wear one — 46% of them choose the turban.
Yes, many urban women combine traditional elements with modern ones, creating a unique style.
In large cities — yes, but in conservative regions, short skirts are considered inappropriate.
Yes, especially in rural areas, women often wear traditional high-waisted trousers that reflect cultural values.