Turkey sets nationwide standards for teachers’ mandatory aprons

Turkey’s Education Ministry has set nationwide standards for the aprons teachers are expected to wear during the 2026-2027 school year.

The ministry’s Teacher Apron Standards Guide establishes a common framework for preschool, primary, middle and high school teachers. It says the designs should be comfortable, practical, functional, simple and aesthetically acceptable, while taking account of school environments and teachers’ daily needs.

A circular signed by Education Minister Yusuf Tekin says school administrators, teachers and other education workers should consider the dignity of the profession, the seriousness of public service and their role as examples for students in their clothing. It also states that teachers must wear aprons while carrying out their duties. Provincial education directorates must provide information and monitor the implementation.

The guide sets separate models, fabrics, measurements and technical specifications for women and men, as well as preschool teachers. For teachers in primary, middle and high schools, the basic specifications include a white color, alpaca apron fabric, a composition of 75% polyester and 25% viscose, a plain-weave texture, a fabric weight of 175 grams per square meter, polyester sewing and embroidery threads, and three pockets.

The ministry said the standards aim to ensure uniformity across public and private schools and institutions under its authority.