Where East Meets West: Fashion Accessories and Traditional Garments from Turkey.

The bindallı is a long, velvet ceremonial dress traditionally worn by brides during the kına gecesi (henna night) and festive occasions. It is fitted in shape, often extending to the floor with slits revealing matching trousers and an inner blouse. The garment is richly adorned with heavy gold or silver embroidery depicting flowers and vines, symbolizing fertility and prosperity. Worn exclusively by women, the bindallı embodies Ottoman elegance and remains one of the most iconic expressions of Turkish bridal heritage.

The göynek is a traditional Turkish garment for the upper body. It’s typically a loose-fitting, comfortable tunic with a simple, wide-cut shape. Historically an undergarment, it is now worn independently and is a versatile part of a person’s wardrobe. Though primarily associated with women’s attire, some traditional men’s clothing also includes similar tunic-like garments, making its historical usage somewhat unisex in form. The göynek is worn by simply slipping it on over the head, often without being tucked in, allowing its free-flowing shape to be on full display. image source

A yelek is a sleeveless vest forming part of both men’s and women’s Ottoman and Anatolian dress. Cut to the waist or hip, it is usually tailored from wool, cotton, or brocade, and richly decorated with embroidery, braids, or metallic thread. Worn over a shirt or blouse, it adds both structure and warmth to an outfit while also serving as an ornamental layer. In women’s ensembles it conveys refinement, while in men’s traditional wear it offers a dignified yet practical touch.

The pestemal is the traditional Turkish hammam towel, woven from lightweight cotton with characteristic stripes and fringed edges. Soft yet absorbent, it was historically used in bathhouses as a body wrap. Modern designers have adapted its fabric into loungewear such as robes, tunics, or pajama sets. These garments maintain the pestemal’s breathability while offering relaxed, stylish comfort at home or by the seaside. Typically unisex, pestemal-inspired loungewear fuses Ottoman bathing culture with contemporary leisure fashion, embodying ease and heritage simultaneously.

The Zeybek costume is a striking men’s ensemble worn during the traditional folk dances of western Turkey. It includes short, bolero-style jackets, high-waisted şalvar trousers, a richly embroidered vest, and a colorful sash tied at the waist. Distinctive headgear, such as a cloth wrapped around the head, completes the attire. Often decorated with regional motifs, the costume symbolizes courage and the independent spirit of the Aegean warriors. Still performed in ceremonies and festivals, the Zeybek costume is an enduring cultural emblem.

An oya scarf is a traditional Turkish headscarf adorned with intricate needle lace along its edges. Usually made of lightweight cotton or silk, the scarf itself provides coverage, while the oya edging—crafted from colorful threads—serves as both ornament and expression. Different motifs in the lace carry symbolic meanings, from love to protection, making each piece unique. Worn mainly by women, the oya scarf blends practicality with artistry, serving as both daily attire and a cultural emblem of feminine craftsmanship.

Oya lace, once reserved for edging women’s scarves, now adorns a range of modern accessories including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and brooches. Created with delicate crochet or needle techniques, oya uses silk or cotton threads in vibrant colors to form miniature flowers, vines, or symbolic patterns. Each motif carries meaning, traditionally passed between women as silent messages. Now adapted into jewelry and fashion accents, oya lace transcends its folk origins to become a versatile craft, uniting heritage artistry with contemporary accessorizing.

Patik are traditional knitted slippers that function as both socks and house shoes. Handmade by women in Anatolian villages, they are created from wool or cotton yarn and often decorated with colorful geometric or floral motifs. The construction is snug, wrapping the foot comfortably while providing warmth. Patik are especially popular as dowry items or family gifts, carrying symbolic designs tied to protection and prosperity. Worn indoors by both men and women, they remain beloved expressions of Turkish folk craftsmanship.

The kalpak is a high, cylindrical hat made of felt or sheepskin, historically worn across Central Asia and Anatolia. In Turkey, it became a symbol of modern identity when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk famously wore it during the early Republican period. Its structured form and simple black or gray appearance gave it a dignified presence in men’s attire. Though rarely seen today except in ceremonies or folkloric displays, the kalpak remains an enduring emblem of leadership, reform, and cultural continuity.

The fez (fes in Turkish) is the iconic brimless red hat topped with a black silk tassel, once widely worn across the Ottoman Empire. Typically made from wool felt, its cylindrical shape is distinctive, practical, and deeply symbolic of Ottoman identity. Though banned in the early Turkish Republic as part of modernizing reforms, it remains a powerful cultural symbol seen in ceremonies, folk performances, and historical reenactments. The fez was primarily worn by men, representing dignity, tradition, and Ottoman-era cosmopolitan style.