Turkish Bath Outfit Guide: Side Hamam What to Wear
What to wear for a Turkish bath? We walk you through swimwear, peshtemal, slippers and what to bring for a hamam experience in Side, step by step.
Short answer to "What to wear for a Turkish bath": Wear your swimsuit or bikini under your clothes, as you will mostly use it in the hamam. You usually wrap yourself in a peshtemal. Bring non-slip slippers, a hair tie, and a light item to put on when you leave. Hamam programs 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 clothing choice is based on practicality.
- Women: Bikini bottoms or a one-piece swimsuit. If the facility allows, you may also wear a top. Rules for the top may vary by facility, so follow the staff's guidance.
- Men: Boxer-style swimwear or a swim short you will be comfortable in inside the hamam.
- Peshtemal: Hamams usually provide a thin cotton peshtemal. Ask your agency when booking whether you need to bring your own peshtemal.
Don't enter the hamam in regular 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 help you feel comfortable:
- Spare underwear and dry clothes: You won't want to go out 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 heat and water.
- Light shawl or thin cardigan: In months like October when evenings cool down, it's useful after leaving the hot hamam.
- Water: Drinking water in the heat of the hamam feels good. The facility may offer water, but still bring a small bottle with you.
What's better to leave out of the hamam?
- Valuable jewelry: Hot metal can irritate your skin. It's also easy to lose in a wet environment. Leave rings, necklaces and earrings at the 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 welcomed.
- Heavy makeup and strong perfume: It's unnecessary, since you will sweat and come into contact with water.
- Freshly done shaving or sensitive skin after hair removal: Skin can be sensitive during the kese. If you feel discomfort, let the therapist know.
How does the hamam experience go in Side?
The kese and foam massage hamam program with transfer in Side Side: Turkish Hamam with Kese Peeling, Foam Massage and Transfer lasts about 1.5 hours. The experience begins with sauna, followed by kese peeling and foam massage. This way you get a short, compact program that is ideal for slowing down after a hot day.
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 heat, let the therapist know and rest. If you have a condition such as heart problems, high blood pressure or are pregnant, it's a good idea to consult your doctor before joining.
What are the options if you're staying in Alanya?
If you're staying in Alanya, a little away from Side, these two programs are also suitable:
- Women-only hamam: Alanya: Turkish Bath for Womenonly with Scrub and Foam Massage A women-only program in Alanya lasting about 2.5 hours. Includes kese and foam massage. If you don't want swimwear or a bikini to make you uncomfortable, and you're looking for a calm, private setting, this program suits you.
- Hamam and spa experience: Alanya: Turkish bath Hamam & Spa Experiance w/ Transfer A program of about 2 hours with transfer. Suited to those who want to combine the classic hamam ritual with spa.
If you think you won't feel comfortable in a mixed hamam, be sure to confirm with your agency how the sections are separated before booking.
What to wear and do after the hamam?
When you leave the hamam, your body is warm and relaxed. So choose comfortable, breathable clothing. Linen trousers, a cotton t-shirt or a light dress go well. In October in Side, days can still be mild, but you may feel coolness in the evenings. Check the weather forecast before your trip.
Drink water for a while after leaving and don't go straight into cool air with wet hair. Ending your plan with a calm dinner or a short walk is a nice way to close the day. It's good not to schedule a heavy program after the hamam.
How do I book?
Choose the program on TurB2C, enter the date and number of people. When you enter your hotel name, the information is passed to the agency for transfer arrangements. Times and content may change, so check up-to-date information before your visit. If you have questions about clothing, you can ask the local agency during booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do you enter a Turkish hamam naked?
No. In most tourist hamams, a swimsuit or bikini is worn and a peshtemal is wrapped on top. Practices may vary by facility, so follow the staff's guidance.
Should I bring my own towel to the hamam?
Usually the peshtemal and towel are provided by the facility. Confirm with your agency during booking for exact information.
Should I eat before the hamam?
Avoid a heavy meal, but don't go on an empty stomach. Eating something light and drinking enough water is best.
Are glasses, contact lenses and phones allowed in the hamam?
Due to heat and humidity, it's 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.
