What to Wear for a Turkish Bath: Side Hamam Clothing Guide
What to wear for a Turkish bath? We walk you through swimwear, pestemal, slippers and what to bring for your hamam experience in Side, step by step.
Short answer to "What to wear for a Turkish bath": Put on your swimsuit or bikini under your clothes, as you will mostly use it in the hamam. You will usually be wrapped in a pestemal. Bring a non-slip pair of slippers, a hair tie and a light layer to put on when you leave. Hamam programmes in Side last about 1.5 hours and hotel transfer is often included.
What to wear in a Turkish hamam?
The hamam is a hot, humid environment. Your body comes into contact with water during the kese and foam massage too. So your choice of clothing should be based on practicality.
- Women: Bikini bottoms or a one-piece swimsuit. You may wear a top too if the facility allows it. Practice regarding tops can vary by facility, so follow the staff's guidance.
- Men: Boxer-style swim shorts or a beach short you will be comfortable in inside the hamam.
- Pestemal: Hamams usually provide a thin cotton pestemal. Ask your agency when booking whether you need to bring your own pestemal.
Don't enter the hamam in ordinary underwear. It becomes uncomfortable when wet and is hard to dry. A swimsuit is the most suitable choice for this.
What should I bring with me?
Most things are available at the facility, but this short list will keep you comfortable:
- Spare underwear and dry clothes: You won't want to step outside in a wet swimsuit.
- Slippers: Floors can be wet and slippery. If the facility doesn't provide them, bring your own slippers.
- Hair tie or clip: Long hair easily loosens in the heat and water.
- A light shawl or thin cardigan: In months like October when evenings turn cool, this comes in handy when you leave the hot hamam.
- Water: Drinking water in the heat of the hamam feels good. The facility may offer water, but still have a small bottle with you.
What's better to leave out of the hamam?
- Valuable jewellery: Hot metal can be uncomfortable on your skin. It is also easy to lose in a wet environment. Leave rings, necklaces and earrings at your hotel.
- Phone and camera: Moisture and steam are not good for electronic devices. For privacy reasons too, taking photos inside the hamam is generally not welcome.
- Heavy make-up and strong perfume: Since you will sweat and come into contact with water, these are unnecessary.
- Freshly done shaving or hair removal, sensitive skin: Your skin may be sensitive during the kese. If you feel any discomfort, let the therapist know.
How does the hamam experience in Side go?
The kese and foam massage hamam programme with transfer Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer lasts about 1.5 hours. The experience begins with the sauna, followed by kese peeling and foam massage. This gives you a short, compact programme that is ideal for unwinding after a day in the heat.
Don't eat a heavy meal before the hamam. An empty stomach isn't good either, so a light snack is enough. If you feel dizzy in the hot environment, tell the therapist and rest. If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before taking part.
What are the options if you are staying in Alanya?
If you are staying in Alanya, a little way from Side, these two programmes are also suitable:
- Women-only hamam: Alanya: Turkish Bath for Womenonly with Scrub and Foam Massage A women-only programme of about 2.5 hours in Alanya. It includes kese and foam massage. If you would rather not feel uncomfortable wearing a swimsuit or bikini, and you're looking for a calm, private setting, this programme suits you.
- Hamam and spa experience: Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experiance w/ Transfer A programme of about 2 hours with transfer. Suited to those who want to combine the classic hamam ritual with a spa.
If you think you won't feel comfortable in a mixed hamam, be sure to check with your agency how the sections are divided before booking.
What to wear and do after the hamam?
When you leave the hamam, your body will be warm and relaxed. So choose comfortable, breathable clothing. Linen trousers, a cotton T-shirt or a light dress all work well. In October, days in Side can still be mild, but you may feel a chill in the evenings. Check the weather forecast before you travel.
Drink some water when you leave and don't go straight out into the cool air with wet hair. Finishing your plans after the hamam with a quiet dinner or a short walk is a lovely way to end the day. It's best not to schedule anything strenuous after the hamam.
How do I book?
Choose the programme on TurB2C, then enter the date and number of people. When you enter your hotel name, the details are passed to the agency for transfer arrangements. Times and contents may change, so check the latest information before your visit. If you have questions about clothing, you can ask the local agency when booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do you go in naked in a Turkish hamam?
No. In most tourist hamams, you wear a swimsuit or bikini and wrap a pestemal over it. Practice can vary by facility, so follow the staff's guidance.
Should I bring my own towel to the hamam?
Usually the pestemal and towel are provided by the facility. Confirm with your agency when booking for certain information.
Should I eat before the hamam?
Avoid heavy meals, but don't go on an empty stomach either. Eating something light and drinking enough water is best.
Can I use glasses, contact lenses and a phone in the hamam?
Because of the heat and humidity, it is more practical to leave glasses and your phone in the changing area. If you wear contact lenses, decide based on whether they will bother you.
