Business Attire In Bkk?

[Svenn]

I occasionally have to wear a suit or shirt&tie in Bkk for business, but I have an annoying problem- I'm in my twenties and I always just end up looking like a transient English teacher or something. I'm trying to look a notch above that... I think I'm doing something wrong with my color or tie choice in the Asian context, either that or maybe all youngish farangs in business attire look like teachers in LOS? I'm not sure how some guys I see end up looking more professional... I notice the Europeans or Brits in particular have shinier, fatter, bolder ties... but I can't exactly put my finger on it. Any tips would be appreciated

[Marksamui]

If you don't want to look like an English teacher don't buy a cheep tie (or suit for that matter)

I was told when I was just starting work in London years ago to always buy the most expensive suit you can afford. So if you can buy a $1000 suit buy one, not 2 $500 suits, as the more you spend on them the better you look. Of course there are execptions to the rule but within reason it was pretty good advice to follow.

For ties buy a good quality tie!

Also shirts with foldback, cuffed sleaves probably add a touch that the average English teacher is missing??

[trogers]

Imagine a filipino turning up for a business meeting in the cold winter of the UK and then ask for heating to be turned up a couple of notches because he is wearing his national costume.

Imagine a westerner turning up for a business meeting in Thailand's hot season and then ask the air-con to be lower a couple of degrees because he is wearing his suit, long sleeve and tie.

So much for efforts to reduce global warming - all lips service only.

Why can't people be less vain and dress to suit the environment?

[Marksamui]

Imagine a filipino turning up for a business meeting in the cold winter of the UK and then ask for heating to be turned up a couple of notches because he is wearing his national costume.

Imagine a westerner turning up for a business meeting in Thailand's hot season and then ask the air-con to be lower a couple of degrees because he is wearing his suit, long sleeve and tie.

So much for efforts to reduce global warming - all lips service only.

Why can't people be less vain and dress to suit the environment?

Dress for the environment is one thing but you need to dress for the business and the clients you are meeting more importantly.

It's not going to look very professional turning up trying to do a $1m sale for example dressed in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops!

I work in Singapore which has the same weather as Bangkok and can easily manage in a suit with tie in the environment, as can everyone else. Nothing vain about it....

[trogers]

Dress for the environment is one thing but you need to dress for the business and the clients you are meeting more importantly.

It's not going to look very professional turning up trying to do a $1m sale for example dressed in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops!

If all the other people in the business meeting wear shorts, t-shirts and filp flops, will you still turn up with your long sleeve and tie?

[kiakaha]

at work i wear trousers, business shirt, leather belt, italian leather shoes(bought overseas cos i find it hard to get nice fits in thailand).

have a jacket and tie thats been sitting on a coat hanger in my cubicle for years, never wear it.

when i want to look snazzy i have a tailored black armani suit(a real one), worn with black italian leather shoes , an open neck white versace dress shirt, and black bleather belt. Pretty much a stock standard, cant go wrong classic outfit.

[Marksamui]

Dress for the environment is one thing but you need to dress for the business and the clients you are meeting more importantly.

It's not going to look very professional turning up trying to do a $1m sale for example dressed in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops!

If all the other people in the business meeting wear shorts, t-shirts and filp flops, will you still turn up with your long sleeve and tie?

The type of meetings I go to this is not a scenario that I see happening. Which is probably the same for most others. Hence wear a suit and look smart, its not a big deal....

[otherstuff1957]

Have you ever been to a meeting in Thailand? That sort of thing would never happen.

[trogers]

I managed to partly changed the attitudes of my clients. None wears a tie when we have meetings together. At most, long sleeves shirts.

I wear light cotton trousers and thin cotton short sleeves at weekly meetings in my client's or designers' offices, and jeans and t-shirt at meetings held on the construction sites.

My clients of many years have accepted my dress statement. I am engaged as a development consultant - overseeing the design of condo projects, and optimising and controlling the cost of construction.

The only time I put on a suit and tie is at weddings, where everyone wears better than their Sunday's best.

[t.s]

I occasionally have to wear a suit or shirt&tie in Bkk for business, but I have an annoying problem- I'm in my twenties and I always just end up looking like a transient English teacher or something. I'm trying to look a notch above that... I think I'm doing something wrong with my color or tie choice in the Asian context, either that or maybe all youngish farangs in business attire look like teachers in LOS? I'm not sure how some guys I see end up looking more professional... I notice the Europeans or Brits in particular have shinier, fatter, bolder ties... but I can't exactly put my finger on it. Any tips would be appreciated

go shopping at Zara.

[Pierrot]

I believe the best is to post some pictures of business people in Thailand, so the OP can make up his mind.

I start with the picture of our CEO during the last board meeting

[thaihome]

I managed to partly changed the attitudes of my clients. None wears a tie when we have meetings together. At most, long sleeves shirts.

I wear light cotton trousers and thin cotton short sleeves at weekly meetings in my client's or designers' offices, and jeans and t-shirt at meetings held on the construction sites.

My clients of many years have accepted my dress statement. I am engaged as a development consultant - overseeing the design of condo projects, and optimising and controlling the cost of construction.

The only time I put on a suit and tie is at weddings, where everyone wears better than their Sunday's best.

No problem with what you say for meetings with established clients on ongoing projects both in office and site. We do pretty much the same, though short sleeve shirts are not the norm for us or clients.

For meetings with prospective clients, shirt and tie (coat is optional) is the norm and depending on the level of client management the meeting is be held with, normal for them as well.

TH

[trogers]

No problem with what you say for meetings with established clients on ongoing projects both in office and site. We do pretty much the same, though short sleeve shirts are not the norm for us or clients.

For meetings with prospective clients, shirt and tie (coat is optional) is the norm and depending on the level of client management the meeting is be held with, normal for them as well.

TH

I dress the same when meeting prospective clients. My dress statement reflects my service. I do not overspend dressing their condo, but rather to spend (or to accept loss of potential income) on architectural space and elements that cannot be easily dressed up later by the unit owners or the jusristic office.

I detest designers who spend loads dressing the exterior and public areas of the project while leaving the interior space badly designed. A farce of wasteful budget.

[somluck]

Dress for the environment is one thing but you need to dress for the business and the clients you are meeting more importantly.

It's not going to look very professional turning up trying to do a $1m sale for example dressed in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops!

If all the other people in the business meeting wear shorts, t-shirts and filp flops, will you still turn up with your long sleeve and tie?

Anyone seen how asian money traders for european and/or US overseas markets wear? They wear their pyjamas!

Likewise wearing a safari suit might make you look like a distinguish big boss in one country but a chauffeur in another

Edited April 1, 2009 by somluck

[Furbie]

If you want to be a professional in Bangkok and be well received by potential clients and other business professionals, you had better dress thepart. Some of the advice so far on thisis just wacky. Thais (and most Asians)respect the professional look. Even if the client is some old fashioned senior Thai who wears the silk style business shirt, you had better have on a suit and tie as he certainly expects you to. Cheers to those who work in an industry where they can get away with dressing down, I do not and I suspect the OP does not either.

To the OP – you have a valid issue. I interviewed a young western professional on Monday and even though he was wearing a suit and tie, he just looked like an English teacher – he did not project a professional business image. My advice is the same as other posters on this – a nice tie (knotted well) and a good quality suit – around a 140-150thread count. As you become more senior,you can go to a 180 or so, but they are more difficult to maintain. I would also suggest French cuffs and cuff links – this is about as business as you can go.

Common mistakes I see are:

1) Thread bare clothing – especially around the collar

2) Faded or worn clothing

3) Unpolished shoes, or more casual shoes instead of business level shoes

4) Ties that have not been well maintained (never dry cleaned) or knotted poorly

5) Ties that are out of style – a 50 baht street tie just will not cut it

6) Unprofessional ties (cartoons, animals, etc)

7) Cheap suits, or un-pressed suits

8) Shirts that are more casual than dress

9) Cheap, thin white shirts

Edited April 1, 2009 by Furbie

[bkkjames]

and can i add that white socks, sandles and a suit don't go together.

although you will see many a local in such garb, i suggest you wait until you have been here at least 10-15 years before going for it.

but don't regret, think of it as giving up comfort for style.

[GuestHouse]

Something being overlooked by trogers, and I've seen others make the same mistake, is to not take account of the expections placed up us as foreigners in a business environemnt in Thailand in terms of dress and behaviour by Thais are actually higher than we might expect back home.

This should not surprise anyone, as a colleague of mine pointed out one morning during the drive to work 'look left and right and you'll see Thais steping out of homes which are little more than shacks - but they are turned out immaculately'.

Rule number 1 - Smart, clean and well pressed.

Rule number 2 - Whatever your company policy is.

So if your company policy follows trogers T-shirts and shorts then make sure you are Smart and your cloathes Clean and Well Pressed.

Edited April 1, 2009 by GuestHouse

[sgunn65]

Best advice I saw was buy the best suit you can. I have not worn a tie for 10 years and find that you can get away with it if you are wearing a good suit and shirt. Also get a good pair of shoes and don't be cheap.

In terms of environment don't buy anything that is too stiff. Locally made suits don't hang well. If you can afford it get down to Armani in Paragon. They have a 50% sale. A suit will still cost 45,000 but they hang beautifully in hot weather and are classic enough to last you a few years.

I would have a few shirts made here with cutaway collars and a slim fit. Go for white, pink or pale blue. Since your jacket will be hanging on a chair most of the time you need the shirt to fit really well and not balloon out. The cutaway collar looks excellent with or without a tie. What you spend on the suit will, in part, be saved by the shirts. I am still wearing shirts that were made for me 5 years ago (admittedly I did buy a dozen so they don't get worn too often).

Most of the expats who I am guessing are working as teachers, I have seen are let down clothes wise as they buy cheap clothes and shoes and frankly they look cheap. But then they don't earn much. Thats fine if you don't want/need to dress to impress but whenever i have meetings here Thai businessmen dress to impress.

Bottomline is spend. The quality remains after the price is forgotten.

[geriatrickid]

Invest in decent shirts. (I get mine made in Hong Kong, usually with french cuffs as there are so many cufflink options available on suhkumvit). Like others on here, my best shoes were bought outside of Thailand because they wear longer and fit better. Do not buy extreme styles of shoes. The roach killers are fine for club workers, not office settings. On the other hand, there is no point in dressing up if the clients are going to meet you in scrubs or casual gear. It makes everyone uncomfortable.

Something about over dressed people today that annoys me. I keep think of the bankers that ripped off the world and their attire. They looked great but were scum. I have the feeling that the more lavish the wrapping the less value of merchandise is within. Delicate balance today.

[Searcher25]

Sven,

You have received some good advice from some of the forum members. Specifically:

1. Buy the best suit(s) you can afford. Nothing stands out like a cheap suit. Get yourself to Siam Paragon. Go to Zegna and/or Armani. Both (especially Zegna) offer stylish, quality suits than can be worn in ANY situation in which a suit is a must. I suggest that you choose Armani or Zegna not on the price point, but which suit fits you better. Especially, the neck, shoulders and upper chest. A competent tailor can easily alter sleeves, waist, etc. If you just cannot afford Zegna or Armani, take a look at Canali. They have an outlet next to Zegna in Siam Paragon.

2. Shirts. With the exception of Brioni (have not seen on sale in Bangkok) it is hard to beat Zegna shirts for quality and style appropriate to a business environment or a well-dressed social occasion. If Armani shirts provide a better fit about the neck and shoulders than choose those shirts. Until you feel confident in your abilities to determine what constitutes a quality tailor-made shirt - skip them and stick to quality off-the-rack. Be prepared to spend B10,000+ on a shirt.

3. As mentioned by another poster: Don't forget to buy quality shoes and to maintain them. No matter how good the rest of your attire is, cheap and/or poorly maintained shoes WILL ruin your personal presentation.

4. Ties. Stick with quality silk ties. Again Zegna, Armani, Brioni, Charvet or Ferragamo. If a tie retails for less than B4,000 you are not buying quality. Be prepared to spend B5,000-B7,000 on a tie. The good news is that by changing a tie you can change the look of a suit/shirt combination.

I assume that you are a young professional early in your career. When you walk into Zegna/Armani you will go into sticker shock. But, these clothes will help you make the impression you want to make. At the very least, they will help you avoid making a negative first impression. Quality suits will last for at least 4-5 years. A very good investment for a young professional. A great way to see what works and/or doesn't work for business attire is to watch CNBC or Bloomberg and see what the guests are wearing. Never flashy but always good quality.

[torrenova]

Some good and bad advice here and some wasteful on finances as well. My background ? investment banking, not a back office gimp either, trading floor.

I tell the new graduate recruits to get down to Marks and Spencer in the UK and get a couple of off the peg business suits. They can also get another pair of pants to ease wear. Shoes should be comfortable but you don't need designer stuff, some classic Oxfords will do, just spend some money on them but try places like Clarks who can usually sort you out.

White shirts are for funerals, maybe weddings and politicians. Leave them alone. Most youngsters are too skinny to carry off classic double cuffs as they are too large. Get to somewhere like Selfridges where they have block shirts where you get the sleeve, neck, yoke and cuff you want. These come back like handmade shirts and tell you, take off your jacket and everyone will be impressed. You can even order additional cuffs and collars (don't go for cut away) to replace them when they ray and double cuffs will fray I assure you.

Get a couple of decent belts, make sure they are the right size.

For ties, modern classics will do. You can trawl Armani and the like and pay £50+ for a tie or you can get near the same design for £10 at Marks and Sparks. On day one, M&S is the way but upgrade over time. Cufflinks can be as cheap as you need. Again, classic, not Tom an Jerry !

When you have more cash, get ready for the sales in places like Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Get their credit cards and talk to the sales staff about what is coming in the sale. One year (perhaps 10 years ago) I got 3 Georgio Armani suits (not Emporio I add) which were retailing over £2000 for around £750 and I magically got sme extra pants thrown in as well. Just by talking. Canali make wonderfully soft suits as well.

When you get a real one, get it copied ! A good tailor will be able to make a copy so good that Armani themselves wouldn't know straight away. I don't mean one next to a beer bar either.

So you economise on suits to a degree but spend on shirts. After a while you'll build up a wardrobe and get more and better things. Don't go mad though, there is overkill and the point of diminishing returns. Better a clean and well pressed mid range suit than a bad expensive suit.

Also, learn how to iron and invest in an expensive (ish) iron and ironing board.