What to wear for Thailand trip in July

[mysteryfairy]

I've got a 2 week holiday trip coming up and I'm really struggling to find stuff to take.

Both culturally and because I'm very pale I need to be reasonably covered up. I'm mid 40s, cool toned, size 8 top and 10 bottom, but it's hard to pick up cheap cotton bits because I'm 5ft 10. This rules out, for example, Uniqlo as things just aren't long enough.

Any general advice or specific recommendations?

Hmmm in July a raincoat.

And take and empty suitcase for shopping on koh San Road!!

I have a very non clammy light raincoat purchased on a work trip to Hong Kong which is definitely going. It's a man's extra large though which makes me suspect I should not rely on being able to buy outfits when I get to Asia!

We are spending a good chunk of the trip in Koh Samui which should hopefully be non rainy.

How are Next linen blend trousers on you? I'm a couple of inches shorter than you, but those are my standard bottom half clothing.

Tops.... keep an eye on Uniqlo tunics - looks like everything is in the sale at the moment, so some new stuff might come in. Boden tunics. Next linen teeshirts - but I usually wear short sleeves, and sounds like you might want long. Otherwise button through shirts. Cotton, not polyester, but I think you already know that.

Enjoy your holiday!

I had some elephant style pants (but not quite as baggy and not with the elephant print). Found them brilliant as they keep you cool but still covered so you can get into temples and whatnot. You can buy them over there for peanuts. Also lived in birkenstock sandals. For tops, I'm pretty sure I saw some long cotton ones in H&M recently.

I would take a few basics and buy stuff when I’m there.

How tall are those of you saying buy stuff out there??? Not goneshopping in Thailand, but Malaysia and Hong Kong dont sell stuff to fit me, and I'm shorter (but fatter!) than the OP!

There are all kinds of sizes in the markets in my experience.

Nothing fits me in Thailand, tall size 14 so I never plan on stocking up personally. But I do love the toiletries and make up!

And it doesn't rain all the time, a few hours in the afternoon/evening I'd say, a perfect time to have a few beers!

Op for the love of god please do not get the elephant trousers.

GAP has a lot of cotton/linen stuff and lots of it comes in tall cuts.

Monsoon is good for long cotton maxi skirts, dresses and trousers . I would just wear with linen T's from the likes of H&M and carry a cotton scarf with you to cover up when needed . The air con can be chilly at times. I think as a westerner you will be too hot and sticky in a raincoat . I never wore one and lived in Asia for seven years.

Op for the love of god please do not get the elephant trousers.

I said that kind of idea, but not as baggy and without the elephant pattern. I have plain ones and ones with more subtle patterns. I was part of a group ranging 22-70 and people of all ages were wearing them.

Also agree with a PP about GAP, especially if you have one of the outlets near you. Got some nice dresses and tops there on sale.

Sakura7 I'm sorry but they are a crime against fashion, with or without the elephant!
Op I think as long as you stick to natural fabrics you will be okay. I live in south east Asia and my 'go to' clothes are tshirt dresses, tshirts and denim skirts (mine is knee length with buttons down it, a bit 70s), vest are great (tan wise) but I have big boobs no big bra straps so I don't wear them, jeans are good if you are doing the over night bus trips, I've recently bought some denim shorts which are so comfy, I just thought fuck it, my legs are pretty good though. Thin denim dresses are always a winner.

With big bra straps!

If you are anywhere for more than 48 hours, you can get stuff made from the local silks very quickly. Ask your hotel to recommend a local tailor. Just take a template garment that fits really well. Size and length issues solved!

Boden has some nice linen knee length dresses, they do 3 different lengths as well. If you are a hush fan they also have some lovely lightweight dresses and would definitely suit a taller frame. Sale starting tomorrow so do have a look.

Thanks for suggestions. Just as an update I bought 4 pairs of cotton trousers in zara sale after laboriously checking the composition of a ton of pairs
£10 white and navy stripes
£18 wide leg blue stripes
£20 blue patterned white chinos
£20 khaki fisherman pants

I tend to mostly stick to a blue, white and grey palette in summer hence the first three pairs. If you’ve been before or live there do you think they look as if they will work?

And this shirt!
rustic shirt

forget elephants get the constellation trousers. that way you will blend in on the flight home too.

I went a few years ago in July for my 40th.
It is so so so humid (and I say this living in a hot humid country.) it also poured with rain for days.
Have some sort of closed shoes so your feet don’t get soaked and totally take an umbrella!

Apologies going off off topic but please don't ride the elephants when you are out there, if you need to know why just google it 😱
Been to Thailand many times and M&S is your friend for cotton summer dresses and wide leg linen trousers. Don't got for any man made fabric it's so un breatheable in the heat, think heat rash!
As for culture, being mindful is always preferable but Samaui is very much a holiday Island and not necessary to cover shoulders etc. However if visiting temples then long skirts or trousers and no low cut tops and cover your arms & shoulders is respectful. But as said in Samaui you will be fine walking around in shorts n t'ees.
Along with M&S I'd try Next and H&M but remember no made fabrics, Jane a look at - does my bum look big on Instagram
Your age and size and completely nailed her holiday beach wardrobe. Have fun! 🐒🦋🐠🌴🐘

Whoops I incorrectly named the Instagram account try 'doesmybumlook40'

Op for the love of god please do not get the elephant trousers

This ^^

Nothing fits me in Thailand either 5 ft 8 size 12-14