Where to Shop Fashionable ‘Temple-Friendly’ Clothing in Bangkok
In Buddhist culture and similar religions, visiting temples plays an important role where people pray for good health and fortune. Apart from that, temples are touted as one of the top destinations among tourists because of their architectural beauty and festivities that attract people from all walks of life.
As a sign of respect, there are certain etiquette that visitors should follow, including dressing appropriately. Basically, visitors (regardless of gender) must wear clothes that cover the shoulders, chest, knees, and ankles. Travelers are also encouraged to wear lightweight clothing only but avoid using leggings, ripped jeans and tops, three-quarter pants, see-throughs, and tank tops.
Planning to visit some temples in Bangkok, but not sure what to wear? Here are some tips on choosing the appropriate clothing and where to shop around Thailand’s largest city.
Closed Shoes
Since temples are sacred places where people pray, shoes are not allowed inside, not because they are dirty or dusty, but because it signifies respect and is believed to absorb blessings from God when you’re barefoot.
In Thailand, you are allowed to wear shoes or sandals with a strap around the heel or with socks around the temple ground, but in some temples, loafers, flip-flops, or slippers are strictly prohibited. In addition to that, wearing normal footwear inside the main temple will just slip on and off the temple’s floor.
For comfortable running shoes, you may check out ASICS located at Central Plaza Ladprao, which is less than an hour away from the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).
ASICS is a sports footwear and apparel store that employs “core GEL cushioning system and Flytefoam” on their products to ensure comfortability and enhance human performance. Their best-selling shoes are Gel-Kayano 28 for men (THB4,550) and Gel-Court Hunter 2 for women (THB1,450).
Shop ASICS
Location: Room 10900, Third Floor, Central Plaza Ladprao, 1693 Phahonyothin Rd, Chatuchak
Longer Shorts or Capris Pants
For the bottom wear, temple visitors should put on light cotton trousers, capris, or cargo pants. Sportswear like tracksuits or shell-suit bottoms is not allowed in the temple as well as ripped jeans.
To achieve a fashionable temple-friendly outfit, Molecule Pants is the go-to store for long and three-quarter pants for men and women. They sell reliable and durable army pants made with cotton fabric for a casual yet stylish look.
Shop Molecule Pants
Location: 222/3-5 Baiyoke Tower 2, Floor B, Ratchaprarop Road, Ratchathewi, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400 Phayathai, Ratchathewi
Below the Knee-Length Skirts or Dresses
Similar to shorts and pants, those who will wear skirts or dresses must follow the below the knee-length rule. As mentioned above, short shorts, workout leggings, or yoga pants are strictly not allowed.
For delicate and high-quality material dresses and skirts, fashionistas may check out Asava collections. The store offers short sleeve shirtdresses, printed pencil skirts, and signature long skirts. We also recommend the bespoke tailored casual dresses and skirts of Rachaya for plus-size women's clothing.
T-Shirts
Wearing T-shirts in Thailand temples are permissible, but it should not show any area of your stomach and chest. For stylish topwear, we recommend wearing full- or half-length sleeves from Bangkok Fashion Outlet.
Regarded as the leading department store in Thailand, the outlet store is home to a plethora of brands and merchandise. You can choose among their different shirt collections like polo shirts (for men and women), custom fit shirts, graph T-shirts, long sleeves regular fit, and more.
Subscribe to The Beat's newsletter to receive compelling, curated content straight to your inbox! You can also create an account with us for free to start bookmarking articles for later reading.