Best Abaya Shops in Istanbul: An In-Depth Tourist Guide

Istanbul is a city where East meets West, and this fusion is reflected not only in its architecture and cuisine but also in its fashion. For tourists looking to shop for abayas, Istanbul offers an incredible range of options—from centuries-old bazaars filled with textiles to modern luxury boutiques carrying the latest designer collections. This expanded guide explores the best abaya shops in Istanbul, their locations, styles, cultural background, and practical details, giving you everything you need for a memorable shopping experience.

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Why Istanbul is a Modest Fashion Capital

Istanbul has historically been a textile hub along the Silk Road, and this tradition continues today. With a population that values modest fashion and an influx of visitors from the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe, Istanbul has become a global modest fashion center. Local brands mix Ottoman-inspired designs with contemporary trends, making it easy to find both classic abayas and modern interpretations. The city also hosts fashion events dedicated to modest wear, further boosting its reputation.

Visitors will notice that Istanbul’s modest fashion industry isn’t limited to clothing stores—it extends to trade fairs, fashion weeks, and even dedicated malls. Turkey is also one of the largest textile producers in the world, which means shoppers benefit from high-quality fabrics and affordable tailoring compared to many other countries. This unique combination of heritage and modernity is what makes Istanbul stand out for abaya shopping.

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Top Neighborhoods for Abaya Shopping

Fatih & Beyazıt

The historic Fatih district is often the first stop for tourists seeking abayas. Known for its conservative culture, Fatih has entire streets dedicated to modest fashion.

• 🛍️ What you’ll find: Affordable, ready-to-wear abayas in traditional cuts, wholesale outlets, and small boutiques where bargaining is common.
• 🌟 Highlights: Fevzi Paşa Street, lined with major Turkish brands like Armine, Tekbir, and Setrms.
• ✂️ Extra tip: Near the Grand Bazaar, explore fabric shops and tailors for custom-made abayas. Bring a photo of your preferred design, and local artisans can recreate it.
• 🍵 Cultural note: Shopkeepers often offer Turkish tea, which is part of the shopping experience and a gesture of hospitality.

Şişli & Nişantaşı

If you’re looking for high-end abayas, this is your destination. Nişantaşı is one of Istanbul’s most fashionable districts, known for its designer stores and luxury boutiques.

• 👗 What you’ll find: Couture abayas made from premium fabrics like silk, crepe, and chiffon. Many are embellished with embroidery or beadwork.
• 🏬 Highlights: Designer showrooms and concept stores that combine traditional modesty with cutting-edge fashion.
• 💬 Good to know: Staff here often speak English, making it easier for international visitors.
• 💎 Bonus: This area is also home to international luxury brands, so you can combine abaya shopping with other high-end purchases.

Üsküdar & Kadıköy

On the Asian side of Istanbul, Üsküdar and Kadıköy have modern malls and trendy streets offering modest fashion in a more casual setting.

• 🎨 What you’ll find: Trendy abayas for everyday wear, colorful designs, and a youthful approach to modest fashion.
• 🛒 Highlights: Bağdat Caddesi in Kadıköy is especially known for modern boutiques, while Üsküdar carries popular Turkish brands at accessible prices.
• 🚇 Accessibility: These areas are well connected by metro and ferry, making them convenient to explore alongside sightseeing.

Zeytinburnu – Zeruj Port Mall

For a unique shopping experience, visit Zeruj Port Mall, a women-only mall entirely dedicated to modest fashion.

• 🛍️ What you’ll find: Over 150 boutiques selling abayas, hijabs, evening dresses, and accessories.
• 🌟 Highlights: A vast selection of abayas, from casual to heavily embellished, all in one building.
• 💡 Tip for tourists: Prices tend to be higher than in local markets, but you gain convenience and variety.
• 🎉 Events: The mall often hosts fashion shows, exhibitions, and special sales, making it a lively place to explore.

Grand Bazaar

One of Istanbul’s oldest and most famous attractions, the Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) is also a great place to look for abayas.

• 🖤 What you’ll find: Basic black abayas, colorful styles, scarves, and fabrics.
• 🤝 Shopping style: Haggling is a must—expect to negotiate prices and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• 🕌 Cultural note: Browsing here is as much about the experience as it is about shopping.
• 📷 Photo tip: The bazaar itself is a historic attraction, so bring your camera to capture its stunning vaulted ceilings and bustling shops.

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Famous Turkish Abaya Brands

• ✨ Armine – Luxury abayas and scarves with elegant embroidery. Known for premium quality and timeless styles. armine.com
• 🕌 Tekbir Giyim – Established brand offering traditional abayas at multiple locations in Istanbul. tekbir.com.tr
• 🌸 SETRMS – Offers trendy, ready-to-wear abayas at mid-range prices. Well-loved for modern cuts. setrms.com.tr
• 🧥 Zühre – Famous for chic coats and abayas with a fashionable twist. zuhre.com.tr
• 🌍 Modanisa – A massive online platform with worldwide shipping and thousands of abaya styles. modanisa.com
• 👑 Kayra & Nihan – Rising stars in Turkey’s modest fashion scene, known for bold yet modest collections.
• 🧵 FreshScarfs & Sefamerve – Online retailers offering affordable abayas, hijabs, and accessories with international delivery.

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Styles You’ll Find in Istanbul

• 🖤 Traditional Abayas: Long black designs, often with Ottoman-inspired embroidery.
• 🎨 Modern Abayas: Bright colors, unique cuts, pastel tones, and printed fabrics popular with younger buyers.
• ✨ Minimalist Designs: Sleek, plain, and versatile—perfect for everyday wear and easy to accessorize.
• 👗 Embellished Abayas: Beaded, lace, or sequined designs intended for weddings and formal occasions.
• 🌞 Seasonal Options: Lighter chiffon or cotton abayas for summer, and heavier wool blends for winter.
• 🧳 Travel-Friendly Styles: Wrinkle-free fabrics that pack easily, perfect for tourists who want practicality with elegance.

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Insider Tips for Tourists

• 🤝 Bargaining: Essential in markets like the Grand Bazaar or Laleli. Aim to start 30% lower than the asking price.
• 📅 Best Time to Shop: July and January offer seasonal sales with discounts up to 50%.
• ✂️ Tailoring Services: Istanbul tailors are famous for their craftsmanship. You can buy fabric and have a custom abaya stitched within days.
• 💳 Payment Methods: Credit cards are accepted in most malls and brand stores, but carry cash (Turkish lira) for local shops.
• 💬 Language Tips: In tourist-heavy areas, English is widely spoken. In traditional districts, basic Turkish phrases help.
• 🙏 Cultural Etiquette: Modesty is appreciated. Use fitting rooms when trying on abayas, and ask permission before taking photos inside shops.
• ☕ Hospitality: Don’t be surprised if shopkeepers offer tea or coffee. Accepting it is considered polite and part of the cultural experience.
• 🚖 Transportation: Consider using Istanbulkart for public transport—it makes traveling between districts affordable and convenient.
• 📦 Shipping Options: Many shops and malls offer international shipping, so you don’t have to worry about luggage space.

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Practical Information

• 🕰️ Opening Hours: Most boutiques open from 10:00 – 19:00, while malls often stay open until 21:00 or 22:00. The Grand Bazaar closes on Sundays.
• 💱 Payment & Currency: Turkish lira is the standard. Avoid paying in USD or Euros unless the shop specifically allows it.
• 📍 Where to Go:
  • 🕌 Fatih (Fevzi Paşa Street): Armine, Tekbir, SETRMS.
  • 👗 Nişantaşı: High-end designer abayas.
  • 🛍️ Zeytinburnu: Zeruj Port Mall.
  • 🖤 Grand Bazaar & Laleli: Traditional and wholesale abayas.
• 🧭 Navigation Tip: Use Google Maps or local apps like BiTaksi for easier movement around the city.
• 🛎️ Tourist Services: Many shops in tourist-heavy areas offer tax-free shopping—don’t forget to ask for your tax refund form.

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Final Thoughts

Shopping for abayas in Istanbul combines fashion, tradition, and culture. Whether you’re bargaining in the lively alleys of the Grand Bazaar, sipping tea with a shopkeeper in Fatih, or stepping into a luxurious boutique in Nişantaşı, the experience is as memorable as the purchase itself. With options ranging from budget-friendly everyday abayas to luxury embellished gowns, Istanbul has something for everyone.

For tourists, this is more than just a shopping trip—it’s a chance to connect with Turkey’s deep-rooted textile heritage. You’ll return home with not just beautiful clothing but also stories of hospitality, tradition, and discovery. And if you want to continue your abaya journey after leaving Istanbul, many Turkish brands offer online stores with international shipping, letting you bring a piece of Istanbul’s fashion scene back home.

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Traveler’s Tip: 🗺️ Plan half a day for each district to truly explore. Combine your shopping with sightseeing—visit the mosques of Fatih, stroll down Nişantaşı’s designer avenues, or enjoy Kadıköy’s street food after boutique hopping. This way, your abaya shopping trip becomes part of a larger cultural adventure.

Bonus Idea: 📸 Turn your shopping day into a cultural photo tour. The architecture of bazaars, colorful fabrics, and stylish boutique displays make for unforgettable Instagram shots.