To wear harem pants in Istanbul?

[Happyspud]

Or will I just look like a total idiot. You'd get away with a kimono top in Tokyo or a kilt skirt in Scotland. But would harem pants in Turkey stand out like a sore thumb? I've never been but they are a very comfy and cool part of my summer wardrobe and I want to bring them if I can. I've a lovely plain white top to go with them.

Here's my first biscuit.

Do you always try to dress as a charicature when you visit somewhere?

And more pertinently, would anyone care?

Can’t you just wear skirts or summer dresses?

I personally like to dress like a turkey in Turkey

I get what you mean op - sadly I’ve never been to Turkey so can’t comment on whether it would be appropriate or not

Lol @TheChain. I think it will be too hot.

@mimibunz, I dont have much summer clothes at all. I have the harem pants due to being pregnant almost every summer for 6 yrs and they fit under my bump and kept me cool. Most of my other summer clothes are maternity so don't fit now and I've been flat out in work and am suddenly going in a couple of days.

I guess jeans and t-shirts it is!

I saw a group of Japanese looking tourists in Edinburgh yesterday. One lady was wearing a kilt which just seemed quite cute to me.

I can't see why it would be an issue - harem pants have been in and out of fashion for years now and - shock horror - most people in Turkey just wear normal clothing. I doubt anyone would bat an eyelid unless they're embroidered with thousands of tiny mirrors or something?

I’d say take them and see how you feel when you get there. Probably no one will notice or care. Have a great time!

Or you wore those slippers with the curly ends like a genie

Take them. They sell them on every market stall, you can pick up some to add to your collection while your there.

Turkish people don’t generally wear harem pants. You’ll just look like a regular tourist, wear them, or don’t. No one will care.

Harem pants don't look anything like Turkish national dress. Don't give it another thought.

It will be fine. People will just assume you are a tourist. Which you are.

Of course it’s fine. Maybe avoid a yashmak, curved dagger and curly toed slippers.

@BiscuitDrama, I really can't drum up being offended by anyone wearing beautiful or practical clothing that was originally from a different culture. I certainly don't mind any culture wearing western clothing. But IncandescentShadow saw an opportunity and went for it. Its how mumsnet works.

Great, thanks for the advice! If they sell them to tourists there I'm happy to wear them.

I'm in Turkey right now, and my partner is Turkish. You'll be absolutely fine, wear them :)

Why on earth would you think you can't wear harem pants in Turkey?

Leave the fez at home though!

Wear them with giant curly slippers as previously suggested , a mirrored waistcoat and a tiny Fez. Carry a rolled up carpet under your arm, you'll fit right in ;)

I go to Istanbul at least once a year. The only thing I'd say to watch out for is Sultan Ahmet (where the major tourist sites are) is quite conservative and in recent years I've felt uncomfortable with my shoulders or legs exposed. Hareems seem like a very reasonable choice for a modest outfit in hot weather. I don't think you'll see other people in them, but I don't think you'd offend anyone. Certainly not as much as hot pants and a crop top.

Outside of the old town Istanbul is a modern city with all the high end shopping outlets you would find in most European capitals. Not sure what you were expecting but if you are trying to do the whole 'hey let's blend in with the locals' thing you will probably just get laughed at.

I've not heard of herem pants. I thought you meant haram.

My thighs really rubbed together when I wore hareem pants in Istanbul ☹️

It was very hot though and I am rather big of thigh!

I don’t understand anything about this thread.

@ethelfleda very funny!!