Istanbul has developed in so many ways over the years, including shops of all kinds which have seen shifts in terms of services, logistics, etc. For example, now we can (secretly) have Uber instead of taxis, offering a different service upgrade. Local grocery stores closed up, and in their place came the bigger brands and shopping malls with everything you need in them. Hair saloons got bigger and fancier. Moreover, we are basically one button away from delivering everything we want to our houses.
Yet among all these changes, one thing has stayed the same: the tailor (terzi).
For at least ten years I have been visiting our local tailor. From renewing the zip of my jeans to shortening them, I have had a lot of experience with them and every encounter I have had was somewhat the same. I still prefer to go to tailors since I get the service I need and it is reasonably cheap.
First of all, every local tailor shop looks the same. It has a wide glass window and usually a big sign that says “terzi”. You can see into the shop and find the basic types of equipment that tailors use, like a sewing machine, iron, and a clothing rack (looks like a bookshelf). If you don’t go to a tailor in luxurious neighborhoods like Nişantaşı or Bebek (where I assume it’s more expensive), then every tailor is also really affordable.
Pricing
It should be cheap if we are talking about adjusting the length of some garments or adding a basic piece like buttons or zippers. If shortening trousers and/or skirts and changing a zipper is more than 10 TL, try a different tailor because there are so many affordable tailors that make these adjustments in that price range. (An important thing to remember here is that the zipper itself might cost more than the tailor’s work.) An important point to note is if you need your item(s) done faster than normal, you should tell your tailor so that he/she can prioritize it.
Don’t be shy, because they will take advantage of your shyness and might say that they are very busy. If indeed in a hurry, try your luck and ask once more because that has really worked for me. For example, after a bit of pressing, I was able to receive my item after just three hours since it was only shortening the length of a pair of jeans.
Payment:
Another crucial thing to remember is that normally you pay when you get your garment back. Maybe you can pay the half first and the rest when you get it back but usually, they are fine with the first choice. A sad fact is they might raise prices for foreigners, thinking they can earn a bit of extra money from their lack of knowledge in this area. Consequently, always act like you know what is going on, so that they will not even dare. Also, when you get your item back, check it right away and if you do not like it, don’t hesitate to tell them. When you find an error and inform them immediately, it can quickly get fixed. If not they might say that it is not their fault, so be sure and double check.
More info:
Also, if you have a friend that can help you, they can measure the length of the garment you need shortening and then you can put a needle in the place it needs to be cut. This way, you won’t need to do it at the tailor shop, and can instead just give the item and go.
Useful Terminology:
Shortening the length: boyunu kısaltmak
Zipper: fermuar
Take in (e.g. making the waist size of a skirt smaller): Pens atmak
Last but not least, if you are an organized person, wrap your clothing in a bag that stands out and put your name on it before leaving it at the tailor. This is so that they will not mix it with other customers’ garments and maybe even lose it! It has happened to me multiple times, since they often just open the bag, throw the bag away, and put your item with the other pieces that other customers bring. So everything is mixed together and it is not hygienic at all. If you are like me, try to this and maybe the tailor will be careful.
To sum up, tailors in Istanbul might seem too busy to even look at you when you have a conversation but don’t worry, they’re actually listening whilst sewing. Since they are almost always busy, they’re always working on something. When you come in and say “kolay gelsin” they will automatically greet you and will certainly listen to you. Just be very clear about your wishes so that there will not be any mix-ups. It is really convenient to go to a local tailor, so why not give it a try?
Image courtesy of the author.
Unfortunately, many of the tailors in Beyoglu have disapeared. Last time I was in Istanbul I was looking for one to sew a simple dress for me, but I only found men’s tailors. If you know of any ladies’ tailor on the European side I would be very grateful. I am used to getting my tango shoes made to measure here, I know the process 🙂
Hi! I actually do not know any tailors on the European side but if you look up on the map and visit the suggested ones, I am sure most of them will be beneficial for you. If you ever look for a tailor on the Anatolian side, let me know 🙂
Am also interested in getting a female tailor in instanble Who will deliver my designs on office dress according to my Skitch and specifications. If you are one or know some one who’s capable of taking 5 samples of about 10 different designs. Please do Send me your contact detail to discuss more on this thanks
Hello!
I’d like to know if you know the cost of a tailored blazer for man in Istanbul?
Thanks
Hello,
Do you know the price range to make a dress? If so can you recommend a seamstress. I can travel to the Asian side. Thank you
HI! Can you please help me out huge dilemma! traveling tomorrow night to istanbul for a friends wedding on the 13th! Tux im bringing with me got ruined slightly at the tailors! The lapels basically need to be fixed! is there any tailor that does tuxedo’s and can fix the lapels within 2-3 days and give it back to me?
Gonna be in Beyoglu area! Thanks!
Hi. Can you please suggest a Taylor in Kadikoy or Asian side? Thank you so much.