Clothing – What to wear

If you are visiting the big cities like Ankara and Istanbul, feel free to wear your normal clothes.  These are liberal places where tank tops and shorts are acceptable and not too big of a deal.  Of course gothic and other subculture clothing that may even be a little unaccepted in our American culture, may not be too good in Turkey.  For the most part, you’ll get eyed and stared at.  However, there was one incident

I was wearing a T-shirt and low-rise jeans (not ultra low) and was squatting down to look at some carpets, when a lady said something disapprovingly and tapped my lower back.  Immediately she was saying that my lower back and probably a little of my butt was showing.  I pulled my shirt and pants up as fast as I could and was very embarrassed.  I wasn’t aware!

This was surprisingly in Ankara, the capital.  So be aware that there are always some more conservative eyes around and to avoid that dress smart and cover up.  DON’T wear overly short shorts, super low rise, or clothing that display your boobs in general public.  If you go to clubs, which they do have some pretty good ones, clothing is a lot more like the clubs here.