This is what first-time hammam visitors are most unsure about. The short answer: it is easier than it looks, and you cannot really get it wrong — the attendants see it all day long.
For men
The peshtemal is wrapped around the waist, sitting a little above the navel.
- Bring the peshtemal from behind you to the front and bring the two ends together in front of your waist
- Lay one end over the other
- Fold the top edge inwards twice — do not tie a knot; a fold holds better
- It should reach below the knee
A knot looks more secure at first, but when it gets wet it tightens and becomes hard to undo. A fold both holds and comes undone easily.
For women
The peshtemal is passed under the arms and secured at chest level.
- Bring the peshtemal from your back to the front, passing it under your arms
- Bring the two ends together at chest level
- Pass one end over the other and tuck it in
- It can come down to the knee
Alternative: In the women's section, wearing a swimsuit or bikini is common and nobody will think twice about it. You can wrap the peshtemal over it. On your first visit this may feel more comfortable.
If it loosens when wet
It will. As the peshtemal gets wet it becomes heavier and slips; that is the nature of the fabric.
- Adjusting it a few times during your visit is normal
- During the kese (exfoliating scrub) the attendant guides you anyway, so you do not have to deal with it
- When lying on the navel stone (the heated marble platform), you can also use it as a cover
Nobody is looking. The hammam is a relaxed place in this respect.
What do you wear underneath?
| Common practice | |
|---|---|
| Men | Swimwear or underwear; some wear nothing under the peshtemal |
| Women | A swimsuit or bikini is most common; underwear is fine too |
There is no strict rule. Whatever you are comfortable with is right. Bear in mind, though, that cotton underwear takes a long time to dry once it is wet — it is a good idea to bring a spare pair.
Who provides the peshtemal?
Most venues provide the peshtemal, towel and slippers themselves. At some historic hammams the peshtemal may be included in the price and the towel charged separately.
Just ask when you book: "Are the peshtemal and towel included?"
You can also bring your own peshtemal, and some regulars prefer to.
Frequently asked questions
Do you shower in the peshtemal? Yes, in the hammam you shower with the peshtemal on. There is no need to take it off completely.
Does the peshtemal come off during the kese? The area being worked on is uncovered and the rest stays covered. The attendant takes care of this.
Are men's and women's peshtemals different? They are similar in size; some venues give out longer peshtemals in the women's section.
Read more
How the whole hammam visit works, how long it takes and what to bring are covered in our articles what is a Turkish bath and how long does a hammam visit take.
You can browse venues offering hammam services on our hammam page.
This article was written by the Spa Deneyimi editors. Rankings and verification badges cannot be bought.
