What to Wear in a Turkish Bath? 8 Practical Tips for Alanya
What to wear in a Turkish bath? The swimwear and peshtemal rules for men and women, what to bring with you, and how to book in Alanya are all covered in this article.
The safest outfit in a Turkish bath is this: women wear a bikini or swimsuit, men wear a swimsuit or shorts, and over that you wrap a peshtemal (a thin cotton bath cloth provided by the hammam). You don't go in wearing ordinary clothes, so there's no need to pack anything special. The swimsuit you brought for the sea is enough. Small differences exist from one venue to another, so below I've gathered both the general rule and practical details.
What to wear in a hammam, is there a difference between women and men?
The basic arrangement is the same: swimwear underneath, peshtemal on top. Men wrap the peshtemal from the waist down. Women usually wrap it at chest level or feel comfortable in a full swimsuit.
In women-only sections, some guests do go topless, but this is not a requirement. If you're not comfortable, wearing a bikini top or a one-piece swimsuit causes no problem. In mixed-gender venues, a swimsuit is a more comfortable and more appropriate choice than underwear.
8 local tips for going to the hammam
- 1. Put your swimsuit on at the hotel. You won't rush in the changing cubicle and you won't have to deal with a wet swimsuit. If you have a tour transfer, simply wear a comfortable dress or shorts and T-shirt over your swimsuit.
- 2. Check with the venue before you wrap the peshtemal. Most hammams provide peshtemals, but confirm this when booking or at reception. Don't assume you'll have to bring your own towel, and it's useful to take a small towel as a backup.
- 3. Slippers are essential, marble is slippery. Walking barefoot on wet floors can be both slippery and hot. Slippers are usually provided; if not, buy a plastic or rubber pair.
- 4. Leave your jewellery at the hotel. Hot steam heats metal, and necklaces and rings can irritate the skin. Even a small item can be hard to find if it gets lost.
- 5. Tie up long hair. Keep a hair clip or elastic with you. If you don't want to get your hair wet, a thin bathing cap also works, but it isn't compulsory.
- 6. Bring dry clothes, a comb and a water bottle. You'll change your clothes after the hammam. Keep a water bottle with you, as you'll sweat in the heat and lose fluids.
- 7. Don't go on a full or an empty stomach. Heat is tiring straight after a heavy meal. Eating something light before you go is the most comfortable option. People with heart or blood pressure problems, or who are pregnant, should consult their doctor before going.
- 8. Be gentle with your skin afterwards. Skin can become sensitive after a kese scrub, so rest for a while rather than going straight to the beach and staying in the sun for long. Bring a light cardigan, as evenings in Alanya can get cooler at the end of October.
What is a hammam, and how long does it last?
A Turkish bath is a traditional bathing ritual consisting of sweating in a heated marble room, a kese scrub and a foam massage. The duration varies by venue and package. According to the catalogue, the tour durations are as follows: the programme in Side lasts 1.5 hours, the programme in Alanya lasts 2 hours, and the women-only programme lasts 2.5 hours. Check the exact contents and start time on the booking page.
How do you plan your hammam experience in Alanya?
If you're unsure about what to wear, choosing the setting first is the easiest solution. The options in Alanya are as follows:
- Mixed, with transfer, hammam and spa: Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experience w/ Transfer is an approximately 2-hour traditional hammam and spa experience in Alanya, with transfer included in the programme. A straightforward start for those seeing the swimsuit and peshtemal arrangement for the first time.
- Women-only programme: Alanya : Women-Only Turkish Bath / Spa Experience with Hotel Transfer offers a hammam ritual for female guests in a calm and private setting. If you're hesitant about what to wear, this option can be reassuring. The duration is around 2.5 hours.
- Short hammam in Side: If you're staying in Side, Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer is an approximately 1.5-hour programme with kese peeling and foam massage. Transfer is included, and it begins with a sauna.
In all cases, pick-up from your hotel or a meeting point is included. Confirm which areas are covered when booking. You can read details such as the changing cubicle, the changing arrangements and whether a peshtemal is provided in the tour page description.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be naked in a Turkish bath?
No. Cover your lower body with a swimsuit or shorts and your upper body with a peshtemal. You can cover up as much as you feel comfortable with.
What should I bring to the hammam?
A swimsuit, dry clothes, slippers or spare slippers, a comb, a hair elastic and a water bottle are sufficient. The peshtemal and, in most cases, the slippers are provided by the venue; still, confirm this when booking.
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Steam can mist up glasses, so being without them during the hammam may be more comfortable. If you wear contact lenses, consult the attendant or your doctor about the risk of eye irritation.
Is there a separate option for women?
Yes, there is a women-only hammam programme in Alanya. The Alanya : Women-Only Turkish Bath / Spa Experience with Hotel Transfer listed in the catalogue was designed for this purpose. Check the times and what's included before booking.
