Please sign in to post.

shorts in Turkey?

Is it OK for men and women to wear shorts in Turkey.

Posted by
1547 posts

Yes, did it all the time last year when we were there. These days all over Europe you will see travelers (especially other Europeans) wearing shorts.

Posted by
8293 posts

Do you mean is it OK with us or with the Turks? If the latter, then probably not.

Posted by
990 posts

I would never dream of wearing shorts myself anywhere but the beach--whether I am in Turkey or anywhere else in the world. That's just me. But, unless you are traveling in eastern Turkey or perhaps Konya, shorts are as acceptable as elsewhere in Europe. (Not wanting to open that frequently-opened can of worms, let's just say that shorts are less often worn by adults in Europe than would be the case in the US.)

Short-shorts would be a no-no if you are visiting a mosque, but I have seen tourists in just above the knee length shorts in the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Posted by
473 posts

When we were in the more touristy area, like Kusadasi and Bodrum, I wore shorts and never had a problem or got a funny look. Many other tourists also wore shorts. However, once we got to Istanbul, I saw that all of the local men were wearing long pants. Not wanting to stick out more than I already was, with my blond hair and fair skin, I switched to long pants.

Posted by
27 posts

Most locals will be wearing jeans or khaki pants. Wearing shorts is acceptable but you will stick out as a tourist. That being said, Istanbul is a big tourist hub, so while it will be easy for locals to tell you're a tourist, 100% guaranteed you will not be alone in shorts, as most other tourists (especially Americans and Canadians) will be wearing shorts if it is warm. Areas such as the Aya Sofya and many museums during the summer, most people will probably be in shorts, as those are mostly filled with tourists.

Me personally, I wouldn't dream of walking around Rome, Athens, or Instanbul in long pants on a hot summer day. Those cities can get stifling. During the day you may want to wear shorts while you visit the tourist sights, but in the evening maybe switch the pants to go to dinner, or whatnot, as you'll blend in more.

Your call really. Just be advised that women should not wear short shorts or have their shoulders exposed in mosques. Even if you are allowed in, it is bad form and disrespectful. Think of it as wearing a baseball cap through a sunday chursh service. You just don't do it.

Posted by
10344 posts

Here's an extensive discussion of when and where shorts may be appropriate in Turkey, as well as a discussion of shorts on men versus shorts on women, etc

click here for that

From a quick browse there, it looks like input from a # of people, some of whom seem to have extensive local knowledge.

Posted by
4 posts

I just got back from six days in Istanbul. Many men(and my adult son) wore long shorts that go right below the knee. We also saw many European men wearing the same style. I myself always wear long pants so "tourist" does not jump out at everyone. If you are going to one of the beach resorts then shorts are entirely appropriate.

Turkey is a Muslim country and you must be appropriately dressed to enter the mosques. They have scarves available for women whose arms are not covered and long scarves for the men to wrap around themselves if they are wearing shorts at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and other sights.

Yes, you can wear shorts; but why not dress in a way that is more appropriate and classy as a representative of our country abroad, especially since you are going to a Muslim country.

Posted by
1158 posts

No problem as long as you are not in a church or a restaurant (the last one is matter of self-respect rather than anythingelse).
Whie visiting a mosque wear long pants and a top that is not a tank top or spagetti straps.

Posted by
11507 posts

Shelly,, I will be blunt , if you are young or youngish, and female,, I wouldn't . Only because you will attract attention that your male travel companion would not.

I notice the ones saying "yes do it, or I did" are mostly male. I think if one was male there would be alot less problem with it.My friend and her hubby travelled in Turkey about 10 yrs ago,, so not recently admittedly,, but not a century ago either,, and she definately said she felt uncomfortable wearing shorts anywhere but beaches.