Nothing says “I've adapted to the tropics” quite like an overweight European sweating through a pair of knee-length cargo shorts containing 14 pockets, none of which contains anything remotely useful. Cargo shorts are not actually a particularly good solution to tropical heat—they're more often a visual symbol of the expat uniform. The irony is that many long-term residents adapt to the tropics by wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, breathable clothing: linen, cotton, thin synthetics, loose trousers, sandals, etc. Cargo shorts often achieve almost the opposite: • Lots of material and pockets → more fabric sitting against the body. • Heavy cotton or cotton-blend fabric → holds sweat and dries slowly. • Tight-ish construction around the thighs → less airflow. • Dark colours → absorb more solar radiation. • And, of course, eight empty pockets don't make you cooler. There's also a cultural element. The cargo shorts, vest/T-shirt, sandals and baseball cap combination can become a quazi-military expat uniform: clothing that says "I've adapted to Thailand" rather than clothing that actually demonstrates much adaptation. And there's a delicious paradox: the Thai person who has spent their entire life in the heat may be wearing long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, while the newly arrived Westerner is wandering around in enormous beige cargo shorts, sweating profusely and congratulating himself on how sensibly he's dressed for the tropics. Meanwhile, the locals are wearing loose, lightweight clothing and wondering why the farang has dressed himself like a scout leader on a forced march.
