Is it your first time traveling to Thailand, or has it been years since your last visit, and you don’t know what to pack? What can you wear in Thailand? Considering it’s a conservative country, dressing in modest clothing is crucial, especially in religious places!
But that doesn’t mean you can’t strut your stuff, as certain places in Siam allow tourists to dress more freely. And it’s your job to know what’s appropriate and what’s not to avoid dress code violations and not ruin your trip.
I made this guide all you must know about the Thai dress code, what you can wear — and what you CANNOT.
What Can You Wear in Thailand?
Let’s begin with Thailand’s culture and climate. Excluding the raving night scene filled with bar girls and ladyboys, Thailand is a relatively conservative country. Although there are no actual dressing rules, most locals would appreciate you and other tourists staying more covered than not.
Although you can wear anything you want throughout Siam besides its religious and royalty-affiliated places, specific clothing works better than others. For instance, the best things to wear in the hot nation for women are long skirts, maxi dresses, short-sleeved tees, and cropped pants!
Meanwhile, men do best with short or long pants, short-sleeved tees, polo shorts, and breezy button-downs.
However, it’s better to match the Thai people’s outfits and stay modest. And to abide by this, always remember to have your shoulders and knees covered when roaming around Thailand.
That said, here’s a more in-depth view of what you can wear in Thailand:
Everyday Clothing
Expect to sweat no matter what outfit you rock when in Thailand! But before you wear your regular sleeveless shirts or see-through tank tops and booty shorts, here are more appropriate suggestions:
Always Pack Hot Weather Clothing
The most appropriate and comfortable clothes to wear in Thailand as a man are polo shirts, button-downed shirts, and Bermuda or golf shorts. And if you want to go casual, pack a decent t-shirt and pair it with some cargo shorts. But remember to bring some semi-casual pants for fancy dinners or excursions!
Meanwhile, ladies benefit best from knee-length skirts, shorts, summer dresses, and not-too-revealing tops. You can wear flowing or fitted ones, but always ensure they’re high quality. And remember that your shirts should always cover your shoulders down to the edges paired with a semi-high collar.
Avoid Wearing Revealing Clothing
No matter how hot the weather gets, never wear revealing clothing when roaming around Thailand. Although you can wear short shorts or skirts, they shouldn’t be able to let your butt cheeks be seen!
Avoid using tank tops unless you’re wearing a cardigan or shawl, as many locals deem them to be “too” revealing.
Meanwhile, men should avoid wearing sleeveless muscle shirts or singlets or roaming around with unbuttoned polos and shirts.
Everyday Footwear
With its vast beaches and massive temples, you’ll likely walk a lot throughout Thailand. Hence, the more comfortable footwear you have, the better for your journey:
Embrace Water-Resistant Shoes
Although Thailand is famous for its sunny climate, it also rains heavily. So, wearing water-resistant shoes is best to avoid ruining your kicks and continually replacing them. Any footwear made of rubber or plastic composite is an excellent choice for female and male tourists.
You can also use flat and slipper-like shoes to protect your feet from street grime. Crocs are famous footwear in Thailand as they let you go around the cities without tiring your feet out and keep them dry, regardless of how rainy it gets.
Ballet flats and other non-heeled footwear benefit ladies best when roaming around Thailand. Meanwhile, men can still rock their styles while staying dry and comfortable with loafer-style boat shoes.
Going Barefoot and Wearing High-Heeled Shoes are No-Go
As gorgeous as high heels make you feel and look, it’s not worth the risk to wear when exploring Thailand. After all, the country’s notorious for its poorly-managed sidewalks, making tripping and falling all too common.
But if you want to wear heeled shoes, go for low-heeled wedges or espadrilles. It gives you more surface area, allowing for better balance and comfort.
Meanwhile, men should avoid using hiking and combat boots as everyday footwear as the heat can put you at risk for an athlete’s foot!
Finally, never walk around Thailand barefoot, as it makes you vulnerable to getting cut and injured. Not to mention, stepping your dirty feet into a Thai home or commercial building is considered offensive and get you into trouble with the local law.
Beachwear
Wear Your Bathings Freely on the Beach, But Cover Up Once in Town
Although many Thai locals still go to the beach with modest clothing like rashguards, tourists can wear their usual beach get-ups. But ensure you only wear your bathing suits at the beach and not when in town!
Cover yourself up when stepping off the sandy beaches and venturing into nearby towns. And for ladies, this refers to wearing a wrap covering your chest and midriff. Meanwhile, men should wear a t-shirt with sleeves over their swim trunks.
You can find these airy cover-ups and cheap t-shirts in most of Thailand’s beach towns. And you’ll also have plenty of access to must-have beach accessories like sunglasses and sun hats to protect you from the scorching sun.
Never Wear Your Bathing Suit in Town or Sunbathe Topless
It only takes one glance to see most Thai people walking down beach towns fully covered with shoes! So, don’t be the odd one in the bunch and avoid getting into trouble by wrapping yourself up while in town. And this is especially crucial when visiting non-beach destinations like Chiang Mai or Bangkok.
Also, be extra careful and respectful when visiting beaches near Malaysia in Thailand’s deep south. After all, this place consists of conservative Muslim communities. And it’s considered a colossal disrespect to walk around in your bathing suit. Hence, many Thai locals opt for rashguards or wetsuits instead.
Finally, it’s completely unheard of to sunbathe topless, no matter what beach in Thailand you visit.
Visits to Temples and other Religious Places
With Thailand becoming more liberated, tourists are freer with their clothing choices. But if there’s one place where men and women abide by a strict dress code, it’s in temples and other religious sites.
If you don’t follow these rules, you’re risking offending the wrong crowd or, worse, getting in trouble with the local law:
Always Cover Your Knees and Shoulders
Men must wear modest collared shirts and knee-length shorts or pants. Although you can wear t-shirts, locals urge wearing a semi-formal top, like a polo or buttoned-up shirt.
Meanwhile, women must cover their cleavage, shoulders, and knees, wearing at least knee-length pants, skirts, or dresses.
I recommend wearing a shawl to make accessing these temples easier without breaking the dress code. You can wrap it around your waist and drape it around your shoulders or chest if you wear something inappropriate.
Never Break the Dress Code in Thailand’s Temples
Men should never wear tank tops, unbuttoned shirts, or shorts when visiting Thai temples. And women are prohibited from entering these holy places if their shoulders, thighs, or cleavages are shown.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Thailand can take an upward turn, often requiring semi-formal outfits. Regardless, your relaxed fit earlier in the day will likely not work for your evening ventures.
Whether you go to a rooftop bar, poorly parties, local pubs, or huge nightclubs, here are the most common dress code requirements for nightlife in Siam:
Formal
If you’re going to a private party in Thailand, you need to wear something formal. Formal wear often refers to decked-on suits for men and long, sophisticated dresses for women. Regardless, check the dress code mentioned for the private event and ensure to follow it for a good time.
Smart Casual
Many high-end rooftop bars, whether in the expensive or high average range, require partygoers to wear smart-casual outfits. These include semi-formal polos for men and long pants, while women can wear knee-length dresses.
Casual
Having a fun night in Thailand’s night scene doesn’t always need to be stuffy. Finding places that allow casual fits or backpacker-styled outfits is easy. You can visit local pubs or semi-formal bars like the Baiyoke sky and enjoy their relaxed dress codes.
What are the Best Fabrics to Wear for Thailand Trip?
Thailand’s temperatures hover on average at 30°C (86°C), which is very high, leaving many in sweat. So, choosing a suitable fabric to wear in the country is crucial if you want to maintain your best look. Here are some of the best ones to consider to stay refreshed, cool, and looking good, no matter where you go in Siam:
Linen
It’s light, flexible, and comfortable to wear, keeping you refreshed no matter how it gets! Hence, ladies should pack at least one linen dress for comfort on day excursions or fancy dinners.
Meanwhile, men should consider bringing a buttoned-down linen shirt for max comfort and style. It’ll let you go around Thailand without breaking a sweat, keeping your swag untouched!
Light Cotton
Although not as comfy as linen, light cotton or “rayon” clothes provide much respite from the hot sun. And this is the best fabric to combat humidity and prevent excess sweating. Ladies should bring a modest shirt made from the material to combat the heat when going to beach towns in Siam.
Meanwhile, men should consider bringing rayon shorts to stop inevitable sweating in their private parts, which can lead to irritation and rashes. So, stay cool and light with rayon.
Wicking Fabric
This fabric is the best for men as it lets you wear stylish polo shirts, preventing you from breaking a sweat. And considering what kind of country Thailand is, you would want to avoid walking around in sweat puddles!
Enjoy your stay in Siam without breaking a sweat by investing in one or two tops made from wicking fabric.
Skin-protecting Fabric
Not only is Thailand’s sun hot, but it is also dangerous to your skin. Hence, it’s better to wear clothes made from skin-protecting fabric. Besides lathering up in sunscreen, invest in Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing.
It can keep its UPF-protecting qualities even when soaked. So, if you plan to explore the many Thai beaches across the country, protect your skin with this fabric.
You can find UPF clothing in Thailand in rashguards and sun shirts, available for men and women.
It’s best to settle with a skin-protecting fabric with a UPF of at least 25 to protect you against the sun better. And since we’re still talking about appropriate wear for Siam, choose one with a higher neck or longer sleeves, ideally one that’s not too tight on the skin.
Choosing a skin-tight rash guard or sun-shirt isn’t only inappropriate and can also be too hot to wear on Thailand’s many beaches. Regardless, you can complete your fit using a UPF sun hat, adding more protection and style.
Polyester (Nylon)
If your visiting Thailand during the monsoon season, bringing nylon or polyester clothes is your best bet. They’re quick to dry, saving you plenty of time when washing and drying them. And not to mention, they don’t reveal too much once soaked, abiding by the country’s conservative beliefs.
What are the Fabrics You Should Avoid When Going to Siam?
To avoid discomfort and put your safety at risk, here are fabrics to avoid when visiting Thailand:
Fabrics Lined with Polyester
The thin lining of polyester can melt under Thailand’s scorching sun. And as this happens, it can injure you and ruin your outfit. Hence, always double-check linings and see if it’s polyester. If it is, change it for something sturdier, whether it’s on your skirts or dresses.
Denim
Denim is a no-go when visiting Thailand as it’s prone to heating up! And considering how it gets in the country, Denim can soak up the heat fast, leaving you sweating buckets. Aside from that, jean shorts or cut-offs are out of the question as well. After all, they’re too short for the culture and too thick for the weather.
How Choosing the Right Shoes Can Make a Huge Difference in Thailand
Clothes aside, shoes are another consideration you must make when visiting Thailand. For your comfort and convenience, here is the best footwear to wear when roaming around the country:
🦶 Flip Flops
Flip flops are your best choice for everyday walking and beach stops in Thailand. And since the country strictly abides by a “shoe-off” culture in many tourist destinations, this footwear is the most convenient.
Still, settling for sturdy flip-flops is crucial to avoid developing foot issues during your trip. And not to mention, thinner flip-flops make walking a chore, hurting you with each step.
🦶 Slip-on Shoes
If you think flip-flops are too casual, opt for slip-on shoes. These let you remove and wear your shoes without issues while staying in style.
🦶 Sport Sneakers
These are sturdier than your casual slip-on shoes or flip-flops, making them perfect for more strenuous activities. Whether hiking or walking rough terrain, sports shoes will have you run like a pro.
🦶 Formal Shoes
Bring at least one pair of formal or fancy shoes to look your spiffiest when visiting Thai nightclubs, bars, and parties. Women should consider bringing heeled shoes to strut their stuff in these sophisticated places. Meanwhile, men can settle for smart-casual boat shoes for comfort and style.
🦶 Monsoon Kicks
Remember to get anti-skid rubber shoes if you’re going to Thailand during the monsoon season. Examples include the infamous Crocs shoes, often mainly consisting of rubber and boasting an excellent grip. They’re comfortable and ideal for the rain, keeping your feet dry.
What Accessories Can You Carry While Exploring Thailand?
Finally, to complete your outfits for your next trip to Siam, here are the best accessories to wear and bring:
Hats
Thailand can become crazy hot, especially in the summer, making hats a must-have. You need one that can cover your face from the scorching sun, especially when you plan to explore most of its cities on foot. Aside from that, hats make for excellent accessories, often becoming the focal point of many pictures.
A regular cap should also cover your face if you’re not a fan of massive and floppy hats.
Crossbody Bag
Wear a crossbody bag to keep your belongings close and safe while staying in style. It’s the perfect piece if you want to avoid carrying a massive backpack when roaming around Siam. Also known as a zipper sling bag, it should have enough space to store your essentials outside.
But ensure its zipper is sturdy and can’t open easily as many of Thailand’s cities have a lot of thieves. And pickpocketing has become a widespread issue, especially in popular tourist spots like Bangkok.
Backpack
If you’re going hiking or island-hopping in Thailand, bringing a backpack is necessary. But I recommend placing your bag in front when exploring crowded places to prevent thieves from stealing.
Sunglasses
Using sunglasses offer more protection against Thailand’s harsh sun. So as fabulous as they make you look, they’re also beneficial for protecting your eyes!
Pick a nice pair of sunglasses to look stylish and accentuate your outfits while protecting your eyes from the sun.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is the last essential to protect against the sun when in Thailand, regardless if you’re in the city or province. It protects you from the harmful sun rays more, preventing you from getting sunburnt. And this is when high-quality defense SPF sunscreens come to shine.
Raincoat
However, Thailand isn’t always sunshine and heat, as rain is quite common in the country. With this, bringing a raincoat with you is incredibly essential.
Aside from that, the country is notorious for having sudden rainfalls, leaving you soaking wet. So, protect yourself against the rain and always have a sturdy raincoat with you.
Jewelry
Although there’s no harm in wearing jewelry pieces like bracelets or necklaces, always be careful, especially when going to crowded places like Bangkok. It makes you look more appealing to a thief’s eyes, so wear your jewelry in moderation and keep an eye out!
What Can’t You Wear in Thailand?
Now that you know what you can wear in Thailand, it also pays to know what outfits you can’t strut in most places in the country.
So, to let you understand what refers to “dressing appropriately” in Siam looks like, here are a few things to avoid generally:
- Revealing clothes (crop tops, backless dresses, etc.)
- Short skirts and shorts
- See-through leggings (at temples and other holy places)
- Shorts for men (at nightclubs or bars)
Make your Thailand trip memorable, comfortable, and safe by avoiding these dress code violations. And for peace of mind, ask staff or employees about places you’re visiting to see what you can’t wear in their establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I wear black clothing when in Thailand?
A: Many locals wear black and white, but it isn’t mandatory for tourists. And many expect visitors to dress differently than they do. But the Thai people will appreciate you for wearing black clothing as they perceive it to be a sign of respect.
Q: Are tourists allowed to wear leggings when roaming around Thailand?
A: Unless you’re wearing a dress or a skirt, wearing leggings isn’t encouraged for tourists in Thailand. After all, many deem see-through clothing inappropriate in the country, especially when worn in religious places. If you want to wear leggings when roaming around Siam, you must wear a dress or a long skirt.
Q: Can women wear short shorts in Thailand?
A: As long as you wear the right pair of shorts at the appropriate places, you should be safe as a woman. But you’ll find many locals and tourists wearing shorts in bars and nightclubs throughout the country.
Q: What can you wear in Thailand to avoid getting into trouble?
A: You can wear any outfit you want in Thailand if you don’t show off too much skin and stay modest. But you must adhere to a strict dress code when visiting holy places in the country, like temples.
Q: Is there a dress code tourists must follow when visiting Thailand?
A: Thailand has a unique dress code for tourists and locals visiting temples and other religious places. You need to have your shoulders covered, wear long pants or dresses covering your ankles, and no shoes! But you should be able to wear anything you want anywhere else in the country, as long as you don’t show too much skin.
Final Words
What can you wear in Thailand? As long as you dress conservatively, you should be able to rock any outfit you want. Hence, remember to stay modest and respect the country’s traditions. And especially adhere to this when visiting temples and other religious places as inappropriately dressing can get you in serious trouble. With this, you should be able to explore the country in style, comfort, and within boundaries!