Men's Clothing

[themuse1969]

My first-time arrival to Thailand is 2nd.November. I am advised to travel light and buy needed clothing upon arrival. But, I am 1.8m tall and 82cm at the waist. Will I be able to buy shirts and trousers?

Do Thai men wear shorts? The photos I've received of Thai friends...they are all wearing trousers--men and women alike.

Kindly email me vs posting (or both) as this may be last time I visit the Forum before departure on Wednesday.

Cheers,

William

[IMA_FARANG]

My first-time arrival to Thailand is 2nd.November. I am advised to travel light and buy needed clothing upon arrival. But, I am 1.8m tall and 82cm at the waist. Will I be able to buy shirts and trousers?

Do Thai men wear shorts? The photos I've received of Thai friends...they are all wearing trousers--men and women alike.

Kindly email me vs posting (or both) as this may be last time I visit the Forum before departure on Wednesday.

Cheers,

William

Since I wouldn't know how to email you (email addresses are not allowed on the forum) and you say you are leaving for Thailand soon, I hope you read this before you do leave.

1. You probably won't be able to buy clothes off the rack in stores. You will be to big for the normal size stuff they sell.

2. There are tailors and clothing stores who do "Big and Tall" clothes for foriegners/tourists. You may have to have your clothes custom made at a tailor.

3. Large sizes and big/tall clothes that are made will be more expensive (for one thing, it uses more cloth).

4. As for shorts, 10 to 20 years ago; no, shorts were not worn by most people. Especially women. Some of the tourist sights had a policy of "no shorts" for women. They even gave women skirts to put on if they were wearing shorts. Times have changed, and you will see shorts in Bangkok now. However, it still isn't consider "dress" clothes. There might still be restaurants and such that would frown on shorts. Being a foriegner, you can get away with things that a Thai would not be allowed to do. After all, you will be a "crazy farang" (foriegner).

5. I would advise you to bring a light pair of pants. It will take you at least 3 or 4 days to get anything made.

6. Since you haven't been to BKK before, take care about the heat and humidity. You will sweat and your clothes will be wet and clammy with sweat. Thais will judge you as an uncouth foriegner if you walk around in sweaty clothes. Make sure you have enough shirts and underwear to change when sweaty. You will be regarded as as an uncouth farang if you walk around in sweaty shirts.

[ignis]

Most Shopping 'Malls' have both 'Export' and XL shops.... if you have a friend + transport there are a few factory Outlet Stores with all sizes. Some markets have large sizes you have no need to ask because if they have your size they will call out as you pass

Myself 1.9 tall, and wear 4XL shirts/T-shirts, also no problem for shorts or trousers up to 60" !! all trousers need to be turned up [loads of places on the road side while you wait about 30 baht]

Remember you will need long trousers when you visit the Temples...

Big feet are a little more of a problem, very few have over 44/45 size, not a lot of good when ones wears 48..

Word of warning... the Thai XL size is a lot smaller than the XL size in Export or XL shops.

T-shirts in 4XL cost around 180 - 220 baht

Trousers size 48 cost around 245 - 365 baht

Shorts size 48 cost around the same..

At this moment is is much colder here, but then I have lived here a few years, my shorts have been put away until next year as I find it far to cold to wear shorts now [live 50km north west of Bangkok]

Edited October 29, 2007 by ignis