What to Wear in Bangkok: The Complete Guide for Every Season, Activity & Traveler

Discover what to wear in Bangkok with this complete guide to staying cool, comfortable, and respectful in Thailand’s tropical heat, from temple dress codes to nightlife outfits.

Bangkok is a city of contrasts—glittering temples next to neon-lit night markets, sky bars perched above ancient canals, and local neighborhoods where old traditions meet modern Thai lifestyle. With its tropical heat, sudden rainstorms, conservative religious sites, and stylish nightlife, packing the right clothing can transform your trip from sweaty and uncomfortable to cool, confident, and culturally respectful.

This comprehensive guide takes you through exactly what to wear in Bangkok, tailored to weather, local norms, activities, and packing efficiency. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, backpacking Thailand, or planning a quick city break, this is everything you need to know.

Understanding Bangkok’s Climate Before You Pack

Before deciding what to wear, it helps to understand Bangkok’s climate:

• Bangkok is hot and humid year-round. Expect daily temperatures of 29–35°C (84–95°F).
• There are three seasons, but the heat never truly disappears.
  • Cool Season (Nov–Feb): Most comfortable; lower humidity.
  • Hot Season (Mar–May): Very humid; feels like 40°C (104°F).
  • Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Heavy downpours, sometimes all-day drizzle.

Clothes in Bangkok need to be:

– Breathable
– Lightweight
– Quick-drying
– Loose-fitting
– Sun-protective
– Modest when required

What To Wear in Bangkok

Whether you’re sightseeing, shopping, eating, or temple-hopping, keep these essentials in mind:

1. Choose Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics

The humidity is no joke. Stick to:

• Cotton
• Linen
• Rayon
• Bamboo blends
• Moisture-wicking athletic fabrics

Avoid heavy denim and polyester in the daytime—they trap heat and dry slowly.

2. Loose-Fitting Clothing Is Your Best Friend

You’ll blend in with locals, stay cooler, and feel less sweaty.

Recommended styles:

• Flowy dresses
• Loose T-shirts
• Oversized linen shirts
• Harem pants
• Wide-leg trousers
• Knee-length skirts

3. Bangkok Is Fashionable—But Casual

People dress neatly, but not formally. Smart casual works almost everywhere.

Expect to see:

• Trendy crop tops (outside temples)
• High-waisted shorts
• Flowy pants
• Basic T-shirts
• Sporty athleisure

4. Pack Light—Laundry Is Cheap

Laundry shops are everywhere and cost about 40–80 THB per kilo. This means you don’t need a huge wardrobe.

What to Wear in Bangkok for Women

1. Tops

Bring a mix of:

• Lightweight T-shirts
• Loose tank tops
• Linen or cotton blouses
• Off-shoulder tops (great for photos, but not temple-friendly)
• UV-protective shirts for outdoor days

Avoid thick materials—they stick to skin.

Temple Tip: Shoulders must be covered. Carry a light scarf or thin cardigan for convenience.

2. Bottoms

Choose breathable, modest options that suit Bangkok’s weather:

• Linen trousers
• Wide-leg pants
• Midi or maxi skirts
• Loose culottes
• Shorts (mid-thigh or longer is most comfortable culturally)

Denim is fine at night, but very hot in the day.

3. Dresses & Jumpsuits

Flowy dresses are perfect for Bangkok:

• Cotton sundresses
• Maxi dresses
• Shirt dresses
• Breezy jumpsuits

Avoid tight, synthetic dresses—you’ll overheat quickly.

Temple Tip: Dresses must cover knees. If not, bring leggings or a sarong.

4. Shoes

Bangkok requires a lot of walking and easy slip-on shoes (you’ll remove them at temples and some massage shops).

The best footwear:

• Breathable sneakers
• Good-quality sandals
• Birkenstock-style walking sandals
• Comfortable flats
• Wedges or heels for nightlife only

Avoid flip-flops for long days—they have no support. Also, if you plan on visiting some of the high-end hotels, rooftop bars or afternoon teas, you need covered-toe shoes.

5. Accessories

Essential for staying cool:

• Wide-brim hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Lightweight scarf (for temples or AC indoors)
• Small crossbody bag (anti-theft recommended)
• Hair ties or clips for humidity

Bring minimal jewelry—sweat and humidity make metal sticky.

What to Wear in Bangkok for Men

1. Tops

Bangkok men’s style is easy and practical:

• Soft cotton T-shirts
• Linen button-ups
• Polo shirts
• Moisture-wicking athletic shirts
• Short-sleeve casual shirts

Tank tops are fine in markets or backpacker streets, but not at temples.

2. Bottoms

The best choices:

• Lightweight chinos
• Linen trousers
• Knee-length shorts
• Athletic shorts for casual days
• Joggers or cargo shorts (common among locals)

Avoid heavy jeans during the day unless you’re used to high heat, but do bring a pair of longer bottoms, whether it is linen trousers or lightweight chinos. You need to cover your knees for some attractions like the Grand Palace and some hotel restaurants and rooftop bars have a no shorts policy, 

3. Shoes

Comfort is key:

• Breathable walking shoes
• Comfortable sandals
• Lightweight sneakers
• Flip-flops for hostel showers or pool days

4. Accessories

• Cap or hat for sun
• Sunglasses
• Light backpack or sling bag
• Sweat-absorbing handkerchief (locals use them daily)

Temple Dress Code in Bangkok (Very Important)

Bangkok’s temples—Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew—have strict dress codes.

Women Must Have:

• Shoulders covered
• Knees fully covered
• Cleavage covered
• No sheer clothing
• No leggings

Men Must Have:

• No sleeveless shirts
• Long trousers or long shorts covering knees

Quick Fixes to Bring:

• Sarong
• Light cardigan
• Scarf
• Convertible pants

At major temples, sarongs can be rented but lines are long—better to bring your own.

What to Wear in Bangkok at Night

Bangkok’s nightlife ranges from casual markets to high-end rooftop bars with strict dress codes.

1. Night Markets & Street Food

Wear:

• Shorts
• Casual dresses
• T-shirts
• Sandals or sneakers

It’s relaxed and busy—dress for comfort.

2. Bars & Clubs

Places like Sukhumvit bars, RCA, Thonglor, and Silom lean stylish.

Women:

• Cute dress or stylish top with skirt/jeans
• Heels or Closed shoes (no flip-flops allowed)

Men:

• Polo or collared shirt
• Smart casual trousers or neat jeans
• Closed shoes (no flip-flops allowed)

3. Rooftop Bars (Strict Dress Codes)

Think: Sky Bar, Octave, Vertigo, Mahanakhon SkyBar.

Prohibited:

• Flip-flops
• Athletic wear
• Sleeveless tops
• Ripped denim

Recommended:

• Semi-formal dress or jumpsuit (women)
• Button-up shirt and chinos (men)

Season-by-Season Breakdown: What to Wear in Bangkok

Cool Season (November–February): The Best Time to Visit

Temperatures are warm but not oppressive. The evenings feel pleasant.

Wear:

• T-shirts or blouses
• Shorts, skirts, or lightweight pants
• Flowy dresses
• Light cardigan for chilly malls or skytrains
• Comfortable walking shoes

This is Bangkok’s high season, so bring at least one nice outfit for rooftop cocktails.

Hot Season (March–May): Prepare to Sweat

This is the hottest period—Bangkok can feel like an oven.

Wear:

• Moisture-wicking shirts
• Loose cotton and linen
• Athletic shorts
• Sleeveless tops (outside temples)
• A sun hat
• Sandals

Stay hydrated and avoid heavy clothing. Bring a sweat cloth like locals do.

Rainy Season (June–October): Hot, Humid & Wet

Expect heavy afternoon downpours, sometimes flooding.

Wear:

• Quick-dry shorts
• Loose T-shirts
• Waterproof sandals
• Breathable pants
• Packable rain jacket or poncho
• Waterproof bag cover

Avoid long jeans—they stay wet for hours.

Pro Tip:

Bangkok malls, BTS stations, and coffee shops are cold from air conditioning. Carry a thin layer.

What NOT to Wear in Bangkok

To stay comfortable and respectful, avoid the following:

X Very short shorts at temples

You will be turned away.

X Spaghetti-strap tops or crop tops at religious sites

Bring a scarf or thin shirt.

X Thick denim for daytime sightseeing

You’ll overheat badly.

X High heels for walking days

Bangkok sidewalks can be uneven.

X Heavy backpacks for day trips

You will sweat through them.

X Expensive jewelry

Not needed and uncomfortable in heat.

Packing List for Bangkok (Men & Women)

A smart packing list makes a big difference. Here’s a complete breakdown.

Women’s Packing List

Clothing

• 3–4 lightweight T-shirts
• 2 tank tops (not for temples)
• 2–3 flowy dresses
• 1–2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of linen pants
• 1 skirt or culottes
• 1 light cardigan
• 1–2 outfits for nightlife
• Sarong or scarf
• Swimwear
• Sleepwear

Shoes

• Walking sandals
• Sneakers
• Flats for evening

Accessories

• Sunglasses
• Hat or cap
• Small crossbody bag
• Light backpack
• Minimal jewelry

Essential Extras

• Sunscreen
• Compact umbrella
• Travel towel
• Reusable water bottle

Men’s Packing List

Clothing

• 4–5 cotton or athletic T-shirts
• 2 collared shirts
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pairs of lightweight trousers
• Swim shorts
• Light hoodie for AC
• 1–2 smart-casual evening outfits

Shoes

• Sneakers
• Sandals
• Closed-toe shoes for bars

Accessories

• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Small day bag
• Sweat cloth

What to Wear for Specific Bangkok Activities

1. Temple Visits

• Shoulders and knees covered
• Loose, breathable clothes
• Slip-on footwear

Ideal outfit example:
Loose linen pants + cotton T-shirt + sandals + scarf.

2. Boat Tours (Chao Phraya Express, Khlong Tours)

It can be windy, sunny, and wet.

Wear:

• Quick-dry pants or shorts
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable sandals
• UV-protective top

3. Floating Markets

Expect humidity and splashes from boats.

Wear:

• Light clothing
• Sandals
• Hat
• Small backpack

4. Shopping in Chatuchak, MBK, Siam

You’ll move between hot outdoor markets and freezing malls like MBK Center or Icon Siam.

Wear:

• Breathable top
• Shorts or loose trousers
• Comfortable sneakers
• Light cardigan for AC

5. Bangkok Nightlife

For bars, clubs, and rooftops:

Women:

• Nice dress or jumpsuit
• Stylish sandals or heels

Men:

• Button-down or polo
• Smart trousers
• Closed shoes

6. Thai Massage & Spa

You’ll change into provided pajamas, so wear something easy to remove:

• Loose T-shirt
• Shorts
• Slip-on sandals

7. Day Trips from Bangkok

Bangkok Day trips to places like Ayutthaya, Damnoen Saduak, and Kanchanaburi may require modest clothing.

Wear:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Loose pants
• Breathable tops
• Hat
• Optional: athletic wear for hikes

Cultural Considerations: Dress Respectfully

Thailand is modern and tolerant, but dressing respectfully—especially around temples, elders, and government sites—matters.

General Respect Tips

• Avoid very revealing clothing in public transportation.
• Cover up when entering religious areas or royal grounds.
• Wear shoes that are easy to remove (you’ll do this often).

Bangkok locals appreciate neatness more than formality.

What to wear in Bangkok FAQ

• Can You Wear Shorts in Bangkok?

YES—shorts are universal for both men and women.

Best choices:

• Mid-thigh shorts
• Linen shorts
• Athletic shorts (casual areas only)

Not allowed:

• Very short shorts in temples
• Ripped or distressed denim in fancy venues

• Can You Wear Crop Tops in Bangkok?

Yes, absolutely—Bangkok is stylish and trendy.

But:

• Not in temples
• Not in government buildings
• Not at some rooftop bars

For sightseeing days, tank + light shirt is more comfortable and respectful.

• Can You Wear Sleeveless Tops in Bangkok?

Yes, for most places.

But remember:

• Temples require covered shoulders
• Some high-end restaurants prefer sleeves
• Tank tops can feel sticky in humidity—linen shirts feel cooler

• What to Wear in Bangkok as a Solo Female Traveler?

Bangkok is safe and easy to navigate, and clothing norms are relaxed.

Recommended:

• Comfortable, modest clothing
• Avoid sheer fabrics
• Leave expensive jewelry at home
• Use a crossbody bag in crowds

Nightlife is stylish but not overly dressy—smart casual works best.

• What to Wear in Bangkok if You Sweat Easily?

Bangkok’s climate can be intense, but smart clothing helps.

Choose:

• Moisture-wicking fabrics
• Dark colors to hide sweat marks
• Loose, flowy shirts
• Sun sleeves instead of long-sleeve shirts

Carry:

• Mini towel
• Portable fan
• Water bottle

What to Wear in Bangkok for Photography

Bangkok has beautiful backdrops—from temples to rooftop views.

Best colors:

• Earth tones at temples
• White, beige, or navy near the Chao Phraya River
• Bright colors at Yaowarat and Chinatown
• Pastel tones in malls or coffee shops

Avoid:

• All-black outfits (too hot)
• Busy patterns that clash with temple tiles

Bangkok’s heat is intense, but with the right clothing choices, you’ll stay cool, comfortable, and confident while exploring one of the world’s most exciting cities.