Frequently Asked Questions
The questions we hear most about Basakla: production, genuine leather, sizing, shipping, returns and wholesale. Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp or through our contact page; we reply within 24 hours.
Brand & Production
What is Basakla?
Basakla is a contemporary womenswear brand with a design studio in London; every piece is made in Istanbul. The brand focuses on tailoring (blazers, suit sets, trousers), genuine leather and premium denim. Basakla was founded by designer and creative director Basak Ortakaya and designs pieces meant to last beyond a season: "Designed for time, not trends."
Where are Basakla clothes made?
Every Basakla piece is made in Istanbul, in the brand's own atelier network. Pattern-making, sewing and quality control happen in Istanbul; design is led from the London studio. Each garment is labelled "Made in Istanbul".
Is Basakla made in Turkey? Is it a Turkish brand?
Yes. Basakla is made in Turkey — in the brand's atelier in Istanbul — and its roots are Turkish: founded in Istanbul in 2021, with a design office in London since 2023. Turkey's craftsmanship in tailoring, leather and denim is the foundation of the brand, and every piece carries a "Made in Istanbul" label.
What does "Slow by Choice" mean?
"Slow by Choice" is how Basakla produces: we make just enough, never more. Collections are produced in small runs according to demand, which gives each piece the time it needs for fabric, pattern and construction. When a size sells out, a new run is planned; use "Notify me" on the product page to hear first.
Is Basakla a luxury brand?
Basakla sits in the contemporary designer segment, alongside brands such as Nanushka, AERON and The Frankie Shop. What sets it apart is that its tailoring and genuine leather pieces are made in its own production network in Istanbul, with the construction standards of an atelier.
Where can I buy Basakla? Do you have a store?
Basakla ships worldwide from basakla.com. The brand is also stocked by selected boutiques: Un Dimanche à Paris (Paris), L'Atelier Midleton (Ireland), LeMi Store (Samsun) and Lookbook Designers Store (Adana). Basakla has no physical store of its own; for any product question, reach us on WhatsApp.
Who designs Basakla?
Basakla is designed by its founder and creative director, Basak Ortakaya. Trained first in textile dyeing, finishing and printing at a technical textile high school, she went on to graduate in Textile and Fashion Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts at Istanbul Aydin University. She worked as a designer for fashion houses and export manufacturers and on styling teams for magazine editorials and music videos. In 2021 she founded Basakla with a three-piece capsule of genuine leather jackets; in 2023 she moved the design office to London and studied fashion business and creative direction at University of the Arts London. Today the brand runs between the London studio and a family-led production team in Istanbul.
Does Basakla make menswear?
Basakla is currently a womenswear brand. From the FW 27/28 collection, selected tailoring pieces are being introduced for men. Subscribe to the newsletter to be the first to know.
Product, Materials, Sizing & Care
Is Basakla leather real leather?
Yes. All Basakla leather jackets, trousers and skirts are made from 100% genuine leather; no faux or vegan leather is used. The leather is finished and sewn in Istanbul. Leather and lining details are listed on each product page.
How does Basakla sizing run? True to size?
Basakla runs true to size; blazers and jackets are cut with an intentionally relaxed, slightly oversized shoulder. The size guide covers XS–XL (EU 34–42), with bust, waist, hip and length in cm on every product page, plus the model's measurements and the size she wears. Unsure? Send us your measurements on WhatsApp and we'll recommend a size.
Basakla size chart
Measurements are body measurements in cm, not garment measurements. Between sizes? Go down in tailoring and jackets, up in denim.
| Size | EU | UK | Bust | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34 | 6 | 80 | 62 | 88 |
| S | 36 | 8 | 84 | 66 | 92 |
| M | 38 | 10 | 88 | 70 | 96 |
| L | 40 | 12 | 92 | 74 | 100 |
| XL | 42 | 14 | 96 | 78 | 104 |
| XXL | 44 | 16 | 100 | 82 | 108 |
| XXL+ | 46 | 18 | 104 | 86 | 112 |
| 3XL | 48 | 20 | 108 | 90 | 116 |
Does Basakla offer plus sizes?
Yes. Basakla's Plus Size edit offers selected tailoring and denim pieces in XXL–3XL (EU 44–48). Find it under "Plus Size" on basakla.com, and message us on WhatsApp for sizing help.
What fabrics does Basakla use?
Basakla uses wool and wool-blend suitings for tailoring, premium denim for its denim line and genuine leather for leather pieces. Full fibre content and lining are listed on every product page.
How do I care for Basakla pieces?
Dry clean tailoring and leather; store leather jackets on a wide hanger away from damp. Wash denim inside out at 30°C and never tumble dry. Hand-wash knitwear or use a wool cycle and dry flat. Full instructions are on each garment's care label and product page.
Will a sold-out item be restocked?
Basakla produces in small runs according to demand, so sold-out sizes are remade when there is enough interest. Leave your email via "Notify me" on the product page and you'll hear first.
How are orders packaged? Can I send a gift?
Every Basakla piece ships in its own cotton dust bag. Orders of one or two pieces go out in a protective mailer; larger orders ship in a branded Basakla box. Sending a gift? Add a note at checkout — the invoice is emailed to you and never included in the parcel.
Orders, Shipping, Payment & Returns
How long does Basakla shipping take?
Orders ship from Istanbul within 1–2 business days. Delivery takes 1–3 business days in Turkey, 3–6 business days to the UK and Europe, and 5–10 business days elsewhere. Tracking is emailed as soon as your parcel leaves.
Does Basakla ship internationally? Are duties included?
Yes, Basakla ships worldwide and displays prices in EUR, GBP, USD, TRY, AED, SAR and QAR. For orders outside Turkey, import duties and VAT are not included: they are payable by the recipient on delivery, according to the destination country's rules. Delivery takes 3–6 business days to the UK and Europe and 5–10 business days elsewhere.
Is shipping free?
Shipping within Turkey is free on all orders. International shipping is calculated by destination and shown at checkout.
What is Basakla's return policy?
You can return or exchange within 14 days of delivery. Items must be unworn, unwashed, with all tags and hangtags attached. Returns in Turkey are free via Yurtiçi Kargo with the return code we send you. Start a return on our Returns & Exchanges portal or on WhatsApp; full terms are on our Returns & Exchange Policy page. Sale items are returnable; only pieces made specially to order are final sale.
How do I return from outside Turkey?
For international returns, request a return within 14 days on WhatsApp or at info@basakla.com; we send you a return shipping label and the item travels back to our returns address in Istanbul. The return shipping cost is borne by the customer and deducted from the refund. Refunds go to your original payment method within 5–10 business days of receipt. Faulty or wrong items are returned at our cost — please report with photos within 48 hours of delivery.
Can I exchange for a different size?
Yes. Within 14 days you can exchange for another size or colour of the same style, free within Turkey. If your size is unavailable, we refund you, and "Notify me" on the product page tells you first when it is remade.
Which payment methods do you accept?
International customers can pay with Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay and Google Pay. In Turkey, all debit and credit cards are accepted via iyzico, including iyzico instalment options, plus bank transfer. Your invoice is emailed as an e-archive document.
How do I track my order?
A tracking link is emailed when your order ships; you can also use the Track your order page with your order number. No confirmation within 24 hours? Check spam, then message us on WhatsApp.
Can I cancel or change my order?
You can cancel or change address/size before the order ships — contact us quickly on WhatsApp or at info@basakla.com. Once shipped, the standard return process applies.
How do I contact Basakla?
WhatsApp (+90 545 919 29 04), email info@basakla.com, or our contact page. We're available Monday–Friday 10:00–18:00 London time and reply to every message within 24 hours.
Wholesale, Boutiques & Collaborations
Does Basakla sell wholesale? How can my boutique stock Basakla?
Yes. Basakla wholesales to multibrand boutiques and concept stores. Order via Faire at basakla.faire.com (minimum 5 units per style) or directly from our line sheet. Email sales@basakla.com with your store name, location and Instagram for the lookbook and wholesale price list — or reach us on WhatsApp or the contact form on basakla.com. As production is to demand, a small first-order minimum applies.
Where can buyers see the collection?
Basakla shows at Who's Next Paris every January and September. Outside the show, buyers can review the collection through our digital lookbook and line sheet — email sales@basakla.com or message us on WhatsApp.
Does Basakla work on consignment?
We don't offer consignment to boutiques outside Turkey; instead we offer wholesale with a small first order. Consignment partnerships with selected boutiques in Turkey are considered case by case — get in touch.
Press, stylist and creator collaborations
For press images, lookbooks and pull requests, email info@basakla.com with "Press" in the subject. Creator collaborations are reviewed in limited numbers each season — apply with your Instagram and a short proposal.
Careers and internships
Open roles are announced on Basakla's Instagram and LinkedIn. We welcome speculative applications with CV and portfolio at info@basakla.com for the London studio and the Istanbul production team.
Product Guide
How do I choose a good pair of real leather trousers?
Look at three things in real leather trousers: the hide (lambskin is thin and soft, calfskin sturdier), the lining (a full lining stops bagging and keeps the shape) and the cut (the waist should sit snug and the length be right — leather can be shortened but not let out). Faux leather looks similar for a season; genuine leather softens with wear and lasts for years. Basakla's leather trousers are made in Istanbul from 100% genuine leather, fully lined, in straight and wide-leg cuts.
What makes a blazer timeless?
A timeless blazer has a shoulder that fits without pinching, a length that covers the hip, a wool or wool-blend cloth and a neutral colour — black, navy, brown or grey. Check the lining, working pockets and clean cuffs. A jacket like this is still worn ten years on. Basakla blazers are tailored in Istanbul with a softly oversized shoulder and matching trousers that work as a suit.
Does a linen blazer wrinkle? How do I wear one?
Yes — linen creases by nature; it's the fabric's character, not a flaw. For fewer wrinkles choose linen-viscose or linen-cotton blends, store the jacket on a hanger and steam it before wearing. Wear a linen blazer as a summer suit at work, or with a T-shirt and denim in the evening. Basakla's summer collections include linen-blend blazers with matching Bermuda shorts.
How can I tell real leather from faux leather?
Real leather has an irregular grain, warms to the touch and has a faint leather smell; faux leather shows a perfectly repeating pattern and feels cool and plasticky. Look for "genuine leather" or "100% leather" on the label; "PU", "vegan leather" or "leather-look" means synthetic. Basakla makes only genuine leather and names the hide on every product page.
What is premium denim and how is it different?
Premium denim means heavier, tighter-woven fabric, controlled washes, reinforced seams and a properly engineered fit — so it holds its shape, doesn't bag at the knee and gets better with washing. You see the difference at month six, not on day one. Basakla's premium denim is made in small runs in Istanbul, in wide-leg and straight cuts.
How do I choose a women's suit for work?
For a work suit, start with the cloth: a wool blend stays sharp all day. Choose a suit whose jacket and trousers also work separately; a neutral colour, mid-rise waist and slightly wide leg is the longest-lasting combination. Basakla suit sets come as blazer + trousers or blazer + Bermuda shorts, made in Istanbul and sold as separates.
How do I style a balloon skirt?
A balloon skirt carries its volume below, so keep the top simple: a fitted knit, a shirt or a bustier. Loafers or a slim heel on the feet; a short blazer or cropped leather jacket on top. Midi is the easiest length to wear. Basakla's balloon skirts are designed as sets with matching tops.
