What to wear in Thailand is a question with two easy answers: What’s appropriate in a modest country? What suits the hot climate? Handle these dual considerations and you’ll find that you can very easily navigate the Thai dress code – no problem.
1. Thai cultural considerations. A quick picture. Four women on a perfect beach; two are Thais, two are tourists. The former are playing at the shore, wearing long shorts and T-shirts. The latter are sunbathing, topless.
Who’s offended – who’s oblivious?
Bar girls aside, you’ll never see Thais baring it all. To dress properly in Thailand is no great mystery – just a matter of basic observation and respect. Do you see Thai men buying their groceries shirtless? No. Probably frowned upon. Do Thai women ride scooters in bikinis? Also no. Beach stuff stays on the beach.
Personal appearance is very important to Thais and foreigners often showcase the worst of the worst. Consider your warm Thai hosts’ feelings and, if in doubt, leave revealing or immodest clothing at home. Topless sunbathing is utterly taboo. We really recommend reading Dos and Don’ts in Thailand before you come. Pay particular to the dress code for Thai temples – that’s shoulders & knees covered, minimum. (See 7 more dos/don’ts to avoid embarrassment).
2. Beat the heat. The climate determines what you should wear in Thailand – a fine line between respecting local culture, and not melting to a puddle. By hot we mean properly hot – often 30 degrees and rising.
You’re not coming on holiday to play “sweaty bush pig”, are you?
See our packing tips for Thailand and choose light cotton over other fabrics.
What not to wear in Thailand
- Jeans. Thais wear jeans no matter the temperature. We can only assume this is a skill acquired after a lifetime of heat-acclimation. Your average Johnny Foreigner will combust in jeans on a sunny Thai day.
- Shoes and socks. Shoes are taken off outside homes and many shops. Tying and untying shoe laces? No thanks. Flip-flops do the trick.
- Anything polyester. It will melt and so will you.
- Things you’d be sad if ruined. Splashed curry, sunscreen stains or an accidental tumble-dry – if it could end in tears, don’t risk it.
- White shirts, skirts or dresses during Songkran or Koh Samui’s rainy season (no cultural reason just… y’know)
What to wear on Koh Samui? Though Koh Samui is a resort island, cover up your beach-wear before going into town or to restaurants. For formal occasions, such as dinner at a nice restaurant, it’s considered more polite for men to wear collared shirts and for women to channel some Middleton modesty.
What to wear during rainy season? When are you coming? Certainly Koh Samui does have cooler (note – never cold, just “less hot”) days during rainy season and its shoulder months – figure that from late October through January you might meet with such a day. Might. During these times, a cardigan, sweater or light wind breaker might be of use – particularly at night.
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