Best Hijab Shops in Istanbul: A Tourist’s Guide

Istanbul is one of the world’s most vibrant hubs for modest fashion, offering an impressive variety of hijabs, abayas, scarves, and modern modest outfits. The city’s shops combine centuries of Turkish textile heritage with contemporary global trends, making it an exciting destination for hijab shopping. Whether you’re looking for luxury designer brands, affordable everyday scarves, or stylish modern abayas, Istanbul delivers an unparalleled shopping experience. For visitors, shopping here is more than just retail therapy—it’s an immersion into culture, tradition, and style.

---

What Tourists Can Expect

Shopping for hijabs in Istanbul is a rich cultural experience that goes far beyond fashion.

• 🧕 Variety of Styles: Expect to find scarves (eşarp, şal, ready-made turbans), abayas/jilbabs, maxi dresses, tunics, cardigans, long skirts, modest suits, and even modest sportswear and swim hijabs. Many shops offer seasonal collections with lighter fabrics for summer and warmer materials for winter.
• 💰 Range of Pricing: From budget-friendly scarves in bazaars and street markets to premium silk hijabs and couture abayas in luxury boutiques. Tourists can balance between bargain hunting in traditional markets and indulging in luxury purchases.
• 🛍️ Shopping Experience: Most shops accept credit cards and offer tax-free shopping for tourists. Larger brands and online retailers also provide international shipping, allowing you to continue shopping even after you leave Turkey.
• ☕ Atmosphere: Some shops welcome customers with Turkish tea, creating a friendly and hospitable environment. In contrast, the bazaars are filled with bustling energy, vibrant colors, and the excitement of bargaining.
• 📸 Photogenic Moments: Many boutiques and bazaars are located in historical settings, offering picture-perfect opportunities. Tourists often capture both their shopping finds and the surrounding cultural architecture.

---

Top Shopping Areas for Hijabs in Istanbul

1. Fatih District (Fevzi Paşa Caddesi & Mahmutpaşa)

The epicenter of Istanbul’s modest fashion scene, Fatih is a must for hijab shoppers.

• 🏬 Fevzi Paşa Street: This avenue is lined with flagship stores of brands like Alvina, Armine, Kayra, and Tekbir Giyim. It’s one of the busiest streets for hijab fashion, offering a mix of high-end and mid-range options.
• 🧣 Mahmutpaşa Bazaar & Grand Bazaar: These markets are ideal for bargain hunters seeking affordable scarves, shawls, and abayas. The lively atmosphere makes shopping here both fun and memorable.
• ✂️ Boutiques & Tailors: Hidden in side streets are family-run ateliers offering custom-fitted abayas and hand-embroidered scarves. Many tourists enjoy the personal service and craftsmanship found in these smaller shops.

2. Zeruj Port (Zeytinburnu)

Known as the world’s first women-themed mall, Zeruj Port is a modern paradise for hijab shoppers.

• 🛒 Houses over 150 modest fashion stores, making it one of the largest modest fashion centers in Istanbul.
• 👗 Offers everything from everyday hijabs to glamorous evening abayas, with sections dedicated to accessories, footwear, and even modest bridal wear.
• 🙏 Equipped with prayer rooms, family-friendly cafés, and lounges designed for women. This adds convenience and comfort to the shopping experience.
• 🌟 Perfect for tourists who prefer browsing many shops under one roof without needing to navigate different districts.

3. Sultanahmet & Eminönü

Perfect for combining sightseeing with shopping.

• 🕌 Arasta Bazaar: Located behind the Blue Mosque, it offers patterned shawls and artisanal scarves. The bazaar is a smaller, less crowded alternative to the Grand Bazaar.
• 🌶️ Spice Bazaar: Famous for its spices and teas, it also features stalls selling colorful shawls and modest accessories.
• 🛍️ Nuruosmaniye Street: Known for modern boutiques and chic modest outfits near the Grand Bazaar. It’s an excellent area for tourists seeking stylish pieces within walking distance of Istanbul’s landmarks.
• 🧾 Cultural Tip: When visiting mosques like the Blue Mosque, modest clothing is required. Scarves are provided at entrances if needed, but many tourists prefer purchasing their own as a souvenir.

4. İstiklal Avenue & Taksim

The beating heart of modern Istanbul, popular with both locals and tourists.

• 🏢 Hosts major Turkish and international brands such as LC Waikiki, DeFacto, Kayra, and Tuğba, many of which carry modest collections.
• 💳 Ideal for mid-range modest fashion shopping. Stores here balance affordability with trendy designs.
• 🚇 Easily accessible by metro and tram, making it convenient for tourists staying in central Istanbul.
• 🎶 The lively vibe of İstiklal—with street performers, cafés, and historic buildings—adds charm to the shopping experience.

5. Kadıköy & Asian Side

A vibrant and youthful district with a lively market culture.

• 🧕 Kadıköy markets sell affordable scarves, tunics, and abayas popular with students and young professionals.
• 👗 Bagdat Avenue: Offers boutique stores with stylish mid-range collections and international fashion brands.
• 🛍️ Malls in Ümraniye and Maltepe feature well-known hijab brands like Armine and Alvina. The Asian side provides a more relaxed shopping experience compared to the crowded streets of the old city.
• 🍴 After shopping, tourists can enjoy Kadıköy’s famous cafés and street food, making it a complete cultural outing.

6. Nişantaşı & Luxury Boutiques

The upscale district of Nişantaşı is Istanbul’s fashion hub.

• 💎 Home to high-end designer stores and couture modest fashion labels. Perfect for luxury shoppers.
• 🧵 Offers luxury silk hijabs, embroidered abayas, and limited-edition collections that highlight Turkish craftsmanship.
• 🌟 Ideal for tourists seeking elegant, premium-quality souvenirs. Many boutiques here also provide personalized styling services.
• ☕ After shopping, visitors can relax in chic cafés and enjoy a more cosmopolitan side of Istanbul.

---

Notable Hijab Brands & Stores

• 🧕 Aker Hijab: A nationwide chain famous for high-quality scarves, modest swimwear, and chic abayas. Their seasonal collections often include bold patterns and vibrant colors.
• 🧵 Armine: Offers luxurious silk scarves, evening gowns, and coats designed for elegance. Known for combining modern trends with traditional modesty.
• 👗 Alvina: Trendy, ready-to-wear hijab sets with a flagship store in Fatih. Alvina is particularly popular among younger shoppers.
• 🕌 Tekbir Giyim: One of the oldest chains for traditional conservative fashion. It focuses on practical and classic designs.
• 👜 Kayra, Tuğba, Nihan, Setre: Mid-range brands offering fashionable tunics, long coats, and modest dresses. These brands cater to both everyday wear and office-friendly styles.
• 🌍 Sefamerve: A top online hijab store with international shipping and concept stores in Istanbul. It’s user-friendly for tourists who want to continue shopping online after their trip.
• 💻 Modanisa: Global online retailer with more than 650 brands, shipping to over 140 countries. Offers a wide variety from affordable basics to designer collaborations.
• 🧣 Independent Boutiques: Smaller shops in Fatih, Mahmutpaşa, and Kadıköy sell handmade, unique pieces. They often focus on artisanal fabrics and local craftsmanship.

---

Styles & Products to Look For

• 🧕 Hijabs: Available in chiffon, silk, cotton, jersey, and lace-trimmed varieties. Choose plain for everyday use or embroidered for special occasions. Seasonal patterns, floral prints, and geometric designs are widely available.
• 👗 Abayas & Dresses: Simple daily tunics, flowing maxi dresses, and ornate gowns with beadwork or embroidery. Many shops provide both casual and evening wear collections.
• 🎀 Ready-to-Wear Turbans: Convenient options for quick styling. These are especially popular among tourists who may not be accustomed to complex wrapping styles.
• 🧥 Outerwear: Long coats (pardesü), modest blazers, and stylish trench coats for cooler seasons. Winter collections often feature wool and cashmere blends.
• 🏊 Modest Swimwear & Sportswear: Popular with beachgoers and fitness enthusiasts; includes swim hijabs, leggings, and long-sleeved athletic tops.
• 💍 Accessories: Undercaps, pins, brooches, handbags, and jewelry designed to complement modest outfits.
• 👠 Shoes & Bags: Many shops also sell matching handbags and footwear, helping tourists complete a full outfit in one stop.

---

Practical Tips for Tourists

• ⏰ Opening Hours: Most shops open from 10 AM to 7–8 PM. Modern malls stay open later, but smaller boutiques may close on Sundays. Always check hours before visiting.
• 💳 Payment Options: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Carry some cash (Turkish Lira) for bazaars and smaller shops where bargaining is common.
• 🗣️ Languages: English is common in tourist areas, while Arabic is widely spoken in Fatih. Use simple Turkish phrases or a translation app for smaller markets.
• 👗 Etiquette: Dress modestly when entering shops and mosques. Bargaining is part of the shopping culture in bazaars—start low but negotiate politely with a smile.
• 🧾 Tax-Free Shopping: Ask for tax refund forms in larger brand stores to save on purchases. This can make luxury items significantly cheaper.
• 🙏 Cultural Note: Many hijab-friendly malls have prayer rooms, so don’t hesitate to ask staff if you need one. Shops in religious neighborhoods may also close briefly during prayer times.
• 👜 Packing Tip: Scarves and hijabs are lightweight and make excellent souvenirs. They are easy to pack and can be used as gifts.

---

Why Shop for Hijabs in Istanbul?

Shopping for hijabs in Istanbul is more than buying modest wear—it’s a window into Turkish culture. Visitors experience the fusion of East and West, from sipping Turkish tea while trying on scarves in Fatih boutiques to discovering hidden treasures in centuries-old bazaars. The variety of styles and price ranges allows every visitor to find something meaningful. Whether you prefer the historic markets of Eminönü or the luxury boutiques of Nişantaşı, Istanbul’s hijab shopping scene caters to every taste and budget.

The experience also provides insight into the evolving world of modest fashion. Istanbul has positioned itself as a leader in this space, influencing trends not just in Turkey but globally. For tourists, this means an opportunity to discover brands and designs that may not be widely available in their home countries.

---

Final Tip: If your time is limited, prioritize Fatih for its variety and authenticity, Zeruj Port for convenience and diversity, and Nişantaşı for luxury and designer collections. Istanbul’s rich mix of tradition, fashion, and culture guarantees that you’ll return home with distinctive pieces, valuable souvenirs, and unforgettable memories of your shopping journey.