Istanbul is the center of Turkey’s ready-to-wear and textile industry. Areas like Zeytinburnu, Laleli, Merter, and Güngören are key hubs especially for wholesale textile buyers. With a very wide variety of products at reasonable prices, these centers cater extensively to the needs of textile buyers. From women, men, and children’s garments to socks, skirts, blouses, and t-shirts, these bazaars offer boundless choices in sourcing. A step-by-step explanation of the four famous textile centers of Istanbul is presented below:
1. Zeytinburnu Textile Market
Zeytinburnu is an extremely old and traditional textile area of Istanbul, known for its fabric wholesalers. There are all types of raw as well as processed fabrics, including ready-to-sew garment patterns for apparel manufacturers. Some of the specialty items of Zeytinburnu are:
T-shirt fabrics (jersey, cotton, Lycra blended materials)
Kids’ wear (tracksuits, shorts, dresses)
Blouse and skirt fabrics
Men’s shirt fabrics
Stretch fabrics for innerwear and socks
Zeytinburnu is mainly for manufacturers but can also be an appropriate place for small-orders or boutique purchases.
2. Laleli Textile Market
Laleli is famous for its showrooms and ready-wear export shops. It’s a highly favored destination among Russian, Eastern European, and Arab shoppers. Products in Laleli are usually packaged and export-friendly. The most popular product categories are:
Women’s t-shirts and blouses
Sophisticated skirts and dresses (including modest wear)
Men’s suits, pants, and shirts
Children’s 2-piece and 3-piece sets of clothing
Packed undergarments and socks
Laleli, with its contemporary retailers and efficient logistics, is ideal for buyers who need ready-to-ship goods in bulk.
3. Merter Textile Market
Merter is one of the city’s most professional and organized textile centers. It features big showroom centers, headquarters of apparel companies, and garment workshops. Merter is the place to go for quality production and trendy collections. Major products are:
Women’s apparel (blouses, dresses, tunics, trousers, t-shirts)
Men’s clothing (seasonal t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets)
Cool and functional children’s wear
Knit collections and sweater ranges
Quality underwear and socks
Merter is also a suitable place for those interested in collaborating with producers of custom-designed or private label clothing.
4. Güngören Textile Market
Güngören is renowned for its cheap ready-wear, socks, and underwear. Small business entrepreneurs, retailers, and boutique customers looking for fairly priced wholesale products visit Güngören. Some of the frequently encountered items in Güngören are:
Colorful and printed children’s t-shirts
Soft women’s t-shirts and blouses
Cheap skirts and shorts
Simple men’s t-shirts and underwear
Big assortment of socks (men, women, children)
If you wish to buy in bulk at low prices, Güngören is worth a visit.
What Kind of Products Can I Find in Istanbul Textile Centers?
The four large textile centers of Istanbul contain a big assortment of ready-to-use as well as raw materials like:
T-Shirts: Women’s, men’s, children’s; summer and winter designs
Blouses: Chiffon, cotton, jersey, others
Skirts: Formal, casual, modest
Children’s Apparel: Dresses, sets, everyday wear
Women’s Fashion: Tunics, dresses, pants, abayas, outer wear
Men’s Apparel: T-shirts, shirts, tracksuits, jackets, pants
Socks: Cotton, bamboo, Lycra, patterned and basic ones
Conclusion
Zeytinburnu, Laleli, Merter, and Güngören are among the most important textile bazaars of Istanbul. Each has its own niche buyer segment and an extensive assortment of merchandise. Whether you’re a boutique owner, a large scale importer, or a buying agent, these bazaars are a must visit for sourcing superior quality textile products from Turkey.
