What to Wear in a Traditional Turkish Bath

The pestemal — a lightweight woven cotton wrap — is provided at the hammam and worn throughout the visit. It is the defining garment of the Turkish bath.

Beneath the pestemal, most international guests wear swimwear or comfortable underwear. Any style will do, since the pestemal covers what needs to be covered.

Wooden or rubber slippers are commonly used on wet stone. You may bring your own, or borrow a pair on arrival.

After bathing, you rest in a dry cotton wrap. Moving from wet heat to dry stillness is one of the small pleasures of the hammam.