Brief History of Clothing Manufacturing in Turkey: Men’s Shirts Heaven

As Jacky Angel, we believe that luck alone cannot determine success, and sustainable positive results can only be achieved by building up on an already established foundation.

We would like to think that our philosophy also aligns with the Turkish clothing manufacturing experience that spans the last two centuries, especially when it comes to producing world-class men’s shirts.

Clothing production in Anatolia has a long history, dating back to the Neolithic period. Early Anatolian clothing was made from animal skins, such as sheep and goat, and woven fabrics from linen, wool and cotton. The earliest evidence of cloth production comes from the Hacilar settlement, located near modern-day Ankara, which dates back to 6500 BC. This settlement is known for its production of knotted wool fabrics and clay figures.

However, the real impact these lands started to make dates back to the early 1800s; when the Ottoman Empire gained robust access to machinery and know-how to introduce artisanship with mass production. Tapping into this heritage, the modern Turkish state built on this foundation, and shaped this internationally renowned industry into what it is today.

From 1800s to Modern Turkey: Men’s Shirts in Anatolia

The modern Turkish clothing manufacturing industry itself also has a rich and illustrious history. The origin of the industry dates back to the early 1800s, when the first textile factories began to be established. The earliest factories produced men’s shirts, and they became known as “Men’s Shirts Heaven” due to the high quality of their products. The industry grew quickly, and by the late 1800s, the country was producing a large amount of men’s shirts for export to Europe.

During the early 20th century, Turkey began to modernize its clothing manufacturing industry, introducing new technologies and techniques that allowed for increased production. This modernization led to a surge in exports of men’s shirts, as well as other apparel items such as trousers and jackets. By the mid-1900s, Turkey had become one of the world’s leading producers of men’s shirts, with an estimated 1 million shirts being exported annually.

This is also when Istanbul started to present itself as a global capital of culture and manufacturing, and is the reason why it is the heart of Turkish clothing industry today. To check out why exactly this is the case, please refer to one of our previous articles that explores the subject in detail.

Today, Turkey is still a major producer of men’s shirts, and many brands around the world source their products from Turkish factories. In addition to being one of the leaders in men’s shirt production, Turkey is now also a major player in the global apparel industry, producing a wide range of garments for export. This includes casual wear, formal wear, activewear and even designer clothing.

The country is also home to some of the world’s leading fashion brands such as Massimo Dutti, Lacoste and Versace - a sample of our clientele that trust Jacky Angel’s exceptional quality and customer service to offer exclusive products to their international customer base.

Jacky Angel, Where History Meets Modernity

Named after our founder, Jacky Angel, Jacky Angel shirts continues to be an influential private label shirt producer in the established Turkish manufacturing market. With more than 25 years of experience behind our back, and empowered by a team of 120 colleagues all equipped with the necessary skills and know-how to craft the best shirts our industry have to offer, we are able to accommodate your business needs in a timely, effective and high-quality manner. Thanks to our understanding of market trends and an eye for quality and elegance, we are able to provide the result you want - and in a way you want it!

Please feel free to contact us for your inquiries or just to say hello via our contact form - we hope to get in touch with you soon!

FAQ

How has technology impacted men's shirt manufacturing in Turkey?

Technology has greatly impacted men's shirt manufacturing in Turkey, with many manufacturers now using automated cutting and sewing machines to increase efficiency and accuracy.

The most popular type of men's shirt produced in Turkey is the dress shirt, which is typically made from high-quality cotton and features a button-up front and collar.

Of course, the country is also known for its finesse in production and does not only produce button-down shirts - in fact, button up seems to be exceptionally popular too! To explore more about the subject, you can click here and read our latest article.