Is It Rude To Wear Shorts In Istanbul?

Many tourists ask one question. Is it impolite to wear shorts in Istanbul? The truth is that the city is modern. The city has many modern areas. At the same time, there are many traditional neighborhoods in Istanbul. To feel comfortable while visiting these places means that you need to know what to wear. Follow this guide to understand the dress code in Istanbul.

What Is The Dress Code In Istanbul?

In Istanbul, there’s no strict dress code. People wear various types of clothes. Some wear modern Western clothes. Others wear more traditional clothes. The city has European and Asian influences. You can see them on every street.

Tourists can wear casual clothes almost everywhere. However, it is advisable to wear respectful clothes to cultural and religious sites. Clothes should be clean and comfortable to wear. The streets in Istanbul are steep and hilly. You are going to walk much. Wearing comfortable shoes is essential.

The Best of Istanbul: 3-Day Private Guided Tour will allow you to fully explore the city. A native guide can also advise you on what to wear to each destination.

When are Shorts Acceptable?

Casual City Walks And Hot Days

Short pants are acceptable during summer. The climate is warm during the months of June to September. Short pants are worn by men as well as women in places such as Taksim, Galata, and Kadikoy. It is advisable to wear mid-length shorts. Short and tight-fitting ones are avoided. It might draw people’s attention to you. In the historic neighborhoods, it’s advisable to wear modest clothes to make you more comfortable.

Beaches And Boat Trips

Shorts are to be expected in the vicinity of the sea. You are free to wear them during ferry rides or during the Sunset Bosphorus Luxury Yacht Cruise. Beach wear and light summer clothes are usual attire during that season.

Restaurants and Nightlife

In the evenings, there are some places that call for a smarter dress code. Men can wear light pants or fashionable shorts with a shirt. Women can wear a summer dress or fancy pants. Rooftop bars and good restaurants in areas such as Karakoy and Besiktas stick to the smart casual dress code.

When To Avoid Wearing Shorts?

Visiting Mosques Or Religious Sites

• Shorts are prohibited in mosques. You are required to cover your legs and shoulders.
• Women are supposed to wear long skirts or loose-fitting pants. The head must be covered with a scarf.
• Men are to wear trousers that go below the knees.

If you are planning to visit the Blue Mosque or the Suleymaniye Mosque, then you should carry an extra pair of long pants with you. Some mosques provide scarves at the entrance. You can also keep one in your bag.

Religious sites can be comfortably visited with the Small Group: Best of Istanbul Tour with Hagia Sophia Tickets. The guide will remind you about the dress requirements.

Conservative Districts

In some areas, there are more traditional neighborhoods. Fatih, Uskudar, and Eyyup are some of them. The people there wear modest clothes. Short clothes will attract notice. It will be best to wear long pants and skirts. Tourists are welcome in all places.

How to Dress and What to Pack?

Pack clothes appropriate to various settings. The climate in Istanbul can change quickly.

Here are some tips:

• Light-colored shorts to wear during hot seasons. Knee-length shorts are ideal.
• Bring long trousers and a long skirt to wear to mosques.
• Always carry a scarf/shawl with you to cover yourself.
• Choose loose cotton tops instead of sleeveless ones.
• Wearing comfortable footwear while walking on stonework streets.
• A light jacket to wear on chilly evenings by the sea.

In the Istanbul Combo: City Highlights and Bosphorus Cruise Tour, you get to explore the modern and historic aspects of the city. It is convenient to travel from one destination to another without giving thought to what to wear there.

FAQ

Can men wear shorts in Istanbul?

Yes. Shorts are perfectly acceptable to wear to walk around in or in hot climates. Just don't wear them to mosques or formal settings.

Can women wear shorts in Istanbul?

Yes. Women can wear shorts in areas with tourists and in places near the sea. Avoid very short and tight ones.

In mosques, are shorts permitted?

Men and women are required to cover their knees and shoulders before entering mosques.

Wearing shorts in Istanbul - is this rude?

Not necessarily. In most areas frequented by tourists, there is no problem with that. You are welcome to wear whatever you want there. But be moderately dressed in mosques and conservative residential areas.

You can definitely enjoy every aspect of Istanbul by dressing up respectfully. You will be comfortable and confident enough to take on any task. To discover more about the culture of this city and to familiarize yourself with more customs and traditions, take one of our Private Guided Tours in Istanbul or include a Bosphorus Cruise Experience. You'll get to see the best Istanbul has to offer with expert guidance.