No cotton garments in Thailand?

[CanadaSam]

In almost every tropical country I've been to, they use mostly cotton material for garments, because it is "breathable" and keeps you cool.

 

But in Thailand, everywhere I go, I find (even in expensive brand name shops in malls) 100% polyester, or nylon, or some other synthetic material used in all garments, which is definately not breathable, and makes you unnecessarily sweat and stink.

 

I'm at my wits end!  I need to add to my wardrobe, and only want cotton shirts, pants, etc.

 

Can ANYBODY tell me where I can get cotton attire?

 

I'm in Pattaya, but willing to travel.

 

Thank You!

[yogavnture]

u can find in bkk

[Sandboxer]

The new synthetic dryfit material that the major brands use is superior to traditional cotton in every aspect. And you may wanna try deodorant if you're the easy stinky body type.

[Klonko]

AIZ, Giordano, Lacoste. Central Festival men's section.

[scubascuba3]

Cotton is inferior to quick dry material, cotton gets wet and stays wet, most people switch away from it

[Liverpool Lou]

Cotton shirts are available at every tailor.   If it's not, go next door to the next tailor.  "Pants"?   Is that underwear or trousers?

[Guderian]

As my mother used to say when she was treating herself to something expensive, "Why have cotton when you can have (Thai) silk?"

[scubascuba3]

At shopping centres, Big C Extra, Royal Gardens, Pensioner cotton uniforms are available, checked shirts, chino shorts

[Jerno]

Athletes do not wear cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat, but you want to allow it to evaporate off your skin. Polyester and other athletic synthetics allow that evaporation.  B O stink is from what you eat and drink, not from what you wear.

[Crossy]

20 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

..... most people switch away from it

 

But ladies during Songkran, please don't switch, white cotton T's only! ????

 

 

[phetphet]

I agree. it's not easy to find cotton t-shirts etc in most Thai shops. Maybe in the big malls in Bangkok, but even there you have to search.

 

As for all the synthetic stuff, It's a marketing ploy by the manufacturers to charge fortunes for what is basically polyester.

 

They now call it "Technical fibre", and even the big fashion houses use it to make most of their clothing nowadays.

 

Best to find a shop that sells materials, like this one on corner of Sukhumvit Soi 14 or 16. Can't remember. Couple of minutes walk from Asok. On the corner where you turn to Benjakitti Park.

https://www.facebook.com/hyhfabric

 

Then find a tailor to make your shirts.

 

Or order on the internet.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=100+percent+cotton+polo+shirts+for+men&crid=BTHQ4QF1YXNN&sprefix=100%+cotton+polo+for+men%2Caps%2C342&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_24

[scubascuba3]

23 minutes ago, Crossy said:

 

But ladies during Songkran, please don't switch, white cotton T's only! ????

 

 

If only they were braless ????

[Crossy]

47 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

If only they were braless ????

 

And ice in the water tanks (but don't throw ice cubes please)  

[champers]

Bought myself some 100% cotton undies at Marks and Spencer last week, made in Bangladesh. I would check their shirts and shorts, floor 2 in Central Festival, Beach Rd. Get yourself a One Card to have a discount applied.

During the last 12 months I have bought some 100% cotton shorts from Big C Extra on Klang. Made in Thailand too, Belsico brand, cheaper than M&S. I am sure they do cotton shirts too; I have a couple in my wardobe which I think are from there.

 

[Kaoboi Bebobp]

To OP: I'm with you on preference for cotton. When I was in Pattaya a couple of weeks ago, I came across a vendor in the Tuesday-Friday market, south end of Buakhao. He sells a Thai brand called Kikada that I used to buy for years there until that vendor disappeared. I was happy. Bought 3 x 100% cotton shirts for 800 baht. List 299 ea., I think.

 

Now, how to find him. I see all the stalls are tiny now. From Buakhao, walk through toward Pattaya Tai on the far side of the market. On that side, the outter-most stalls sell food. Enter the cross aisle, almost opposite the little soi (coffee shop on corner) leading out to Tai. Once inside, turn left into aisle 1. Ignore the food on the left and look right for a guy with many hangers of only button shirts.  

 

I intend to buy more now that I've washed and worn the 3 shirts I bought. Good luck.

[gamb00ler]

4 hours ago, CanadaSam said:

In almost every tropical country I've been to, they use mostly cotton material for garments, because it is "breathable" and keeps you cool.

Cotton met its match in this century.  The newer synthetics are much better for staying cool in this climate.

 

It's hard to find here, but linen is actually much cooler than cotton.  Once you get used to the wrinkled look, it looks better than the synthetics.

 

My favorite shirt is a waffle weave synthetic.  It keeps the sun off but lets the air through to so the evaporation cools me.

[Dante99]

Uniqlo has lots of cotton tops and bottoms.

[blackshadow]

Go look mikes shopping mall......there are 7 floors with many things for sale !!!

[bang saen guy]

Central has Nautica

[Don Chance]

Chatuchuk market. You will find American made t-shirt from 20 -100 baht.

[Rimmer]

Have you looked in the Outlet Mall next to Lotus? I get all my shirts there, the ones I buy are definitely not 100% polyester, or nylon, or some other synthetic material. 

 

Many shops and overseas brands there to choose from.

[Elkski]

Those plastic shirts are so much cheaper to produce and wearing what look like sports teams seems to be the rage with young kids in Thailand. 

[pgrahmm]

I get cotton t-shirts from Lazada that I wear around the house for comfort ....Their international size chart is accurate....

[connda]

9 hours ago, Crossy said:

But ladies during Songkran, please don't switch, white cotton T's only! ????

Preferably cotton T's that are a size too small and wet! 

[Walker88]

If you come to Bangkok, try Massimo Dutti. There's one in Siam Paragon and one in EmQuartier. Very reasonably priced (relative to, say, NY)

 

They have lots of casual cotton shirts, some cotton and linen blends, cotton or linen shorts, and cotton boxer shorts. You simply cannot beat cotton boxers for Thai weather.

 

Many of the tailors in BKK have a range of fabrics, cotton and linen. Tailor-on-Ten (actually on Sukh Soi 8) is a good shop if you want cotton or linen shorts made, or dress casual cotton shirts.

 

Personally I do not like the feel of man-made material, so always wear cotton or linen or tropical weight wool. Even the 'wife beaters' I wear to the gym are cotton (definitely not easy to find in Thailand)

[edwardandtubs]

8 hours ago, Dante99 said:

Uniqlo has lots of cotton tops and bottoms.

As does H&M which is everywhere in Thailand including Pattaya. Lots of cotton, linen and cotton-linen blends.

Edited January 30, 2023 by edwardandtubs

[Captain Monday]

100 percent cotton design t-shirts are available in night markets but

I mostly use underwear and socks purchased in US and self-imported in carry on luggage.

[geisha]

10 hours ago, Dante99 said:

Uniqlo has lots of cotton tops and bottoms.

And they do cool keeping articles. The opposite from the thermal heat ones .

[geisha]

Any good shop  in Robinson  or central will have cotton. I’ve seen loads of cotton t shirts, usually Reebok or Nike etc. Never had a problem myself.  Lots of people choose synthetics because either they are cheaper, or easier to wash/ iron. Cotton bermudas etc can also be found in the malls in sports shops, like The North Face. Maybe decathlon. Wash with good quality detergent too. Helps . 
Another option is bamboo Lyocell which is natural. Ive got  three dresses in it and I can go round bangkok all day ,  sit in taxis, and still look great.

[bluemoon58]

Don't know where you're looking but never had that problem in Hua Hin! Big shops, little shops, markets, no problem.