What to Wear to a Turkish Hamam: What to Wear and What to Bring in Side?
What to wear to a Turkish hamam: swimwear or peshtemal, what to bring with you, practical tips for women and men, and booking a hamam in Side.
What to wear to a Turkish hamam: the short answer is swimwear, bikini bottoms or shorts underneath, and the peshtemal provided by the hamam wrapped over the top. Bring one swimsuit, flip-flops and a small bag for personal items. The hamam provides the rest, but it's worth checking what's included on the booking page.
In this article I explain, in practical terms, what to wear and what to take with you to a hamam. You'll also find which hamam tours in Side and Alanya make this easier.
What to wear in a Turkish hamam?
The most common arrangement in a hamam is this: in the changing cubicle you put on your own swimsuit or underwear, then wrap yourself in a peshtemal. A peshtemal is a thin, cotton, quick-drying cloth. Because it's lighter than a towel, it's comfortable in the heat and doesn't become heavy when wet.
For women
A bikini or one-piece swimsuit is the most trouble-free choice. Choose a simple bottom and a top that can be removed. Your back stays uncovered during the kese and foam massage, so styles with ties or straps work well. Many people feel more relaxed in women-only sessions. Even so, wearing a swimsuit is a safe choice, as you can decide based on how comfortable you feel.
For men
Swim shorts or knee-length board shorts are enough. Wrap the peshtemal around your waist. Jeans, cotton shorts or button-fly trousers become heavy in heat and humidity, so leave them in the wardrobe.
Will my swimwear be damaged?
Soap suds and hot water won't harm your swimsuit. However, light-coloured and thin fabrics can become see-through when wet. A plain, dark-coloured swimsuit is both comfortable and worry-free. Choosing an older swimsuit rather than a new one for the hamam makes sense, even in October, as you can wear it again for your next beach day.
What should you bring to the hamam?
Keep your bag small. You won't be taking your mobile phone and valuables into the hamam anyway.
- Swimsuit or bikini: The item you'll wear underneath.
- Flip-flops or sandals: A pair that won't slip on wet floors and is easy to take off. Check in advance whether the hamam provides slippers.
- A dry T-shirt or light top: Something to wear on the way out that won't make you sweat.
- Hairband or hair clip: Useful for long hair if you'd rather not get it wet.
- A small bottle of water: To drink after the heat.
- Spare underwear: A dry set is useful on the way out.
Leave jewellery, watches, necklaces and earrings at the hotel. With hot water and soap, the risk of losing or damaging them increases. If something goes missing, the hamam is not liable. Hamams provide lockers, but it's best not to bring valuables with you.
Mixed session or women-only?
Dress rules vary slightly depending on the type of session. In mixed or couples sessions, swimwear and a peshtemal are essential. In women-only sessions the atmosphere is more relaxed, but that doesn't mean you won't wear a swimsuit. The choice is yours.
For this kind of experience in Side, [Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer](\/tour\/side-turkish-hamam-with-kese-peeling-foam-massage-and-transfer-107) is a good starting point. It begins with a sauna, followed by kese peeling and foam massage. Transfer is included and it takes around 1.5 hours. Check who you'll be sharing the session with on the booking page.
If you're staying in Alanya, there are two more options. [Alanya : Women-Only Turkish Bath \/ Spa Experience with Hotel Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-women-only-turkish-bath-spa-experience-with-hotel-transfer-110) is a women-only hamam and spa experience with hotel transfer, lasting around 2.5 hours. [Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experiance w\/ Transfer](\/tour\/alanya-turkish-bath-hamam-spa-experiance-w-transfer-104) is a classic hamam session with transfer, lasting around 2 hours. Whichever you choose, look at the "What's included" section on the page. You'll find items such as the peshtemal, slippers and towels there.
What should you pay attention to before and after the hamam?
In October, the weather in Side is generally still mild, but it can get a little cooler in the evenings. Your body will be warm when you leave the hamam, so bring a light cardigan or shawl. If you have sunburn, it may hurt during the kese. If you've spent a long day at the beach, it's more comfortable to leave the hamam for another day.
Don't go on an empty stomach, and don't go straight after a heavy meal. A light meal and water are ideal. Avoid shaving or waxing right before the session, as your skin will be more comfortable. If you have a heart condition or blood pressure problems, or are pregnant, consult your doctor before entering the hot environment.
How do you arrange a hamam in Side?
On the tour page you'll see the session length, times, and whether the transfer is from your hotel or from a specific meeting point. When booking, spell your hotel's name correctly. Pick-up times may vary depending on the season and traffic, so check your confirmation message.
You can come wearing your swimsuit. This shortens the changing time, so you'll have more time in the hamam.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be naked in the hamam?
No. In hamams aimed at tourists, you wear a swimsuit or shorts with a peshtemal wrapped over them. You decide how much you reveal, so bringing a swimsuit is enough.
Can I bring my phone and jewellery with me?
It's better to leave your phone and jewellery at the hotel. The hot, humid atmosphere isn't good for electronics, and jewellery can be lost. If necessary, use the hamam's locker.
Do the same rules apply to Russian baths or 'Turkish bath' venues outside Türkiye?
No, this article applies to hamams in Türkiye. Russian banyas or 'Turkish bath' venues in other countries may have different dress rules. Check the venue's own rules before you go.
How long does a hamam session last?
Durations vary among the options in the catalogue. [Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer](\/tour\/side-turkish-hamam-with-kese-peeling-foam-massage-and-transfer-107) in Side lasts around 1.5 hours, while the options in Alanya last between 2 and 2.5 hours. Check the booking page for exact information.
