Hello Ladies!

This summer I will go to Bangkok for a three month internship (office job). Now I started thinking about packing and asked me, what the business dress code will be like in Bangkok? Trousers or skirts? If skirts, are tights a must inspite of the high temperatures?

Everybody here tells me not to worry as you can by everything in Thailand, but I am a little worried as I don't wont to look ridiculous and think I might be a bit too tall (5.9 feet or 70.8 inch or 180 cm) to find suitable clothes. What do you think? And what about shoes? Unfortunatelly I wear US 9 to 10.

It would be great, if you could share your experiences.

Thank you

Sophie

Please excuse my english - I'm not a native speaker!

Bring your shoes, at the very least. I wear a size 8 US and have a hard time finding shoes.

The height won't be a problem for clothes if you dont' mind spending money, but the cheap clothes are out for anyone who isn't under about 5'3

Business attire, i am afraid I can't help you there.

Sophie, as SBK says you must bring your own shoes - unless you have them made you will not find decent shoes in your size in Thailand. Clothes wise in BKK -- it is expected that you would wear a below knee skirt and a blouse that tucks in to your skirt, then a fitted jacket that matches the 'suit' idea. Alternatively you can go 'Asian' if you are comfortable with that. This means a long, ankle length skirt and an Asian/Thai silk top which comes down to just over your waist line. Both these outfits would be worn with court shoes - as you are taller than most Thai men - and accompanied with subtle gold or silver jewelery and possibly small pearl earings.A typical 'good' Thai woman would be demure and polite in her dress but not totally frumpy!!! Best of luck X

It depends on your office really.

Sort of as Nam Peung says, though I think a skirt on the knee is acceptable. No tights is fine, low closed heel and toe shoes is fine. A blouse/ shirt - doesn't have to be buttoned (ie pussy bow OK etc). Depending on the business, you will have to check if jackets are appropriate, it is so hot here that I would avoid one if possible. for me office wear here is just like summer in City in the UK.

Re going Asian - I am not sure I would recommend that as I think you would get some funny looks. I find it quite rare to see any people wearing that, and a 180cm tall white girl would stand out like sore thumb! But up to you.

Good luck!

And yes yes yes bring shoes and sockettes if you are going tightless as your feet will sweat. Remember to wear natural fabrics. Your office will prob be too cold (so if you are not bringing a jacket, maybe bring a cardigan) but as soon as you step outside the sweat will start pouring (especially in nylon)!

Thank you all very much!

I'm feeling already a little bit less nervous.

I have one pair of very neat business shoes and another back-up one I'm not so sure about: It has closed heel and toe but is open inbetween (please see attachment). Do you think this will be okay?

I'm so happy about tights not being necessary as I don't think it is possible to find a pair without nylon. Anyway I will take some black business trousers from home for the first few days and then by some skirts in Bangkok. Don't wear them usually at home and the few I have are rather winter equipment ;-).

Plus one linen blazer and one cotton cardigan, some blouses and nice shirts - I think it should work.

I think going asian will not be a possibility for me but sounds nice!

Best regards

Marie Sophie

Ah, another question: If not in the office but for example out in the evenings: are open shoes (sandals) okay then or are they a general no go in Thailand? Am hearing different things about that.

i wear flip flops & open sandal allt he time in Thailand as do most thai people too (for casual situations) women tend to wear smart sandals, open toes, flip flo style, basiucally anything on nights out.

TBH I never had a problem finding shoes in LOS, I am a UK 7 & can always get a nice sandals or casual flip flops in tescos, central, anywhere really.

I have to wear shoe types for work. Closed toe, closed heel. Open in the middle is fine. You may find that when you arrive people are wearing open toes...but best to go on the safe side. My last school was very strict, this school isn't now (I am a teacher, but we have to essentially wear businesswear to work). One thing I would mention, in both jobs I have had to wear skirts. All of the smartly dressed women in my town (who look like they are going to work) are also in skirts. I am sure BKK offices are more liberal than this, but may be worth wearing a skirt on the first day just in case.

Boo is right, 40 is pretty common...however the buck stops at 40. 41 is very difficult to get hold of. I can buy flip flops in tourist areas to fit me, but buying smart shoes is not so easy. You can find them, you just have less option and you have to shop in pricier department stores. I think a US 9 or 10 is the same as a UK 8 which is 41.

In the evenings, smart BKKers are never seen in flip flops. Men are in shoes or trainers (weirdly these are OK in clubs - flip flops aren't), women are in heeled sandels. Flat sandals are fine, as long ast they aren't flip flops. I always buy leather flip flops for every day casual wear too from home (as I can't find any in my size here!) as plastic flip flops only really look right around khao san and the beaches. IMO ; )

Edited June 17, 200917 yr by mssabai