Linens, layers and dad trainers: what to wear when you’re travelling in south-east Asia

South-east Asia has it all: thanks to the dazzling variety in landscapes, cultures and religions, both within and between nations, it’s one of the most diverse regions on the planet. It’s what makes it such an extraordinarily popular place to holiday – there really is something for everyone. But its many blessings in that regard can potentially make it feel like a packing nightmare … because, how on earth do you prepare your suitcase for the free-wheeling eclecticism of itineraries that could take you from a mountain hike in the morning to rice paddy mid-afternoon, then a beach for the sunset, before a dance at the hotel bar?

Well, it might sound obvious but whether you’re looking to discover archaeological wonders, bargains in a market, or moonlit raves, before you venture out, really research and think about what is a bucket-list must for you so that you bring the right clothes, plus (very importantly!) the appropriate footwear. Because you’ll probably find there are a couple of sites and sights you didn’t even know existed (did you know Thailand has an ancient temple guarded by a giant catfish? I’ll bet you didn’t.)

To maximise for spontaneity and flexibility, pack for the hot, humid weather while staying modest with easy-breezy outfits that cover your shoulders and your knees. As long as you pick the right material, those loose, long fabrics will also protect your skin from the sun and so actually – despite what you might think at first – also help to keep you cooler. That’ll give you some much-needed versatility, so you can wander wherever relatively carefree, knowing that you are remaining respectful as you move through places that are home to every religion and, literally, thousands of ethnic groups (for point of comparison: the UK has 19). Here’s how to stay considerate and chic in every context:

At the resort
You will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world in south-east Asia. It is home to the creme de la coconut creme of resorts, with the luxury of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi or Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort and Spa. You’ll be able to enjoy everything from the dreamiest of spa days to world-class scuba diving. But before you start thinking you’re not going to need much more than your bathing suit, you’ve got to bear in mind that you’ll be right on the equator, where the sun is at its very strongest. Stay protected – but still “hot” – with large sunglasses and larger raffia hats, plus kaftan cover-ups that’ll both take and make a splash. Whether you’re one for wedges, sandals, or flip-flops, your toes will be out, so a good pedicure is essential.

If you’re stuck for outfit inspiration, the next season of the White Lotus is going to be set in Thailand – they’ve started filming in Koh Samui, Phuket, and Bangkok – so channel your favourite character from past seasons to help you choose your outfits.

Are you sensible, verging on a little uptight? Let your hair down with long-sleeved striped linen shirts and simple short-shorts like Harper in season two. Glamorous, but kind of delusional? Go for floaty chiffon dresses and old-Hollywood headscarfs, which you can accessorise with bug-eye sunglasses and fabulous rings like Tanya. Seeking the girlish, bright-eyed elegance of Daphne? Get yourself in colourful, floral prints – either feminine, flowy sundresses or fabulous sarongs. The temperature won’t drop hugely in the evening, so take your look from day to night with jewellery – once the sun starts to set, switch big, loud bangles for the quiet luxury of diamond or pearl earrings and necklaces that’ll glitter under the moonlight.

Cool in the city
If you’re planning to stay in the city, there are two modes you need to consider. The first priority (always!) is to be prepared to go glam. If your hotel has an uber-chic cocktail lounge such as the New York-inspired Conrad Singapore Orchard’s Manhattan bar, it’s your opportunity to take inspiration from metropolitan dressing and have fun recreating a similar grandeur.

Pull out your best suits (maybe in a linen or light cotton, because while those hotels will be air conditioned, you don’t want to feel like you can’t head out if you suddenly want to) or go va-va-voom by wearing a kaftan dress trimmed with ostrich feathers, or a puffy tulle piece a la Carrie Bradshaw. Show off that pedicure in your peep-toe heels, wear mesh ballet flats, or go bold with gold. Experiment with old-school classic glamour: think long cinched dresses, and figure-hugging pieces in glittering fabrics with jewels.

Ditch the blow-outs or straighteners and lean into the humidity by giving flat hair a light tease or piling curls into an elegant updo – big hair is always sexy and fun, and there’s nothing to fear in a touch of frizz. If you’re a bit of a control freak, braids – from box to French – can make life a bit easier.

The flipside is that there is so much to explore in the city, and you’ll want to do it all – visit the markets, see the temples, enjoy the gardens – so make sure you have chill, practical clothing that’ll allow you to wander under the sun with minimal discomfort.

When you’re out and about, prepare to be on your feet and take comfy shoes. Dad trainers are still very much in, if you care about that (and if you don’t, you’re even more likely to own a few anyway). That viral Wrong Shoe Theory, as dubbed by stylist Allison Bornstein, means you can never really go wrong pairing them with whatever outfit you stick on. Since the concept is to freshen up a rote outfit with an unexpected shoe pairing, they might make your cute dress pop even more. It’s going to be very humid, so your fabric choice is make-or-break: stick to breathable materials such as linen, hemp, or seersucker. The secret is to pack lots of loose, long or layerable pieces, so that there’s always a cooling combination that’ll keep your shoulders and knees covered.

Be culturally aware
Buying local goes the distance. First, it helps community economies and sustains small businesses. With so many of our goods and materials imported from the region, it is far more sustainable to buy those products while on holiday, which goes a small way to helping our planet in the climate crisis. But on a more personal, slightly selfish level, it’s also great for you: you can discover the most amazing traditional markets. You’ll find the Bangkok silk market inside the Old Siam shopping mall, with bargain prices for real silk, and it’s also close to Phahurat market, where you can find most other textiles too.

Shopping locally can be a fantastic, organic way to learn about a region’s histories. Buying a sarong, for example, is an opportunity to understand the roots of the garment, its thread across the region, and learn about the art of batik print versus ikat hand-weaving. (Pro tip: temples will often sell sarongs and scarves outside them, so it’s the perfect place to purchase them as the important final touch, covering up for your visit.)

Discover the crafts that have been passed down generations at amazing night bazaars, such as Bangkok’s oh-so-hip Srinagarindra train night market, which sells artisan handicrafts, antiques, vintage memorabilia, as well as new clothes, footwear, and furniture, for the perfect memento to take back with you. You can also try out the street food stalls, bars and live music in a retro setting, for a fun evening out.

But as well as traditional styles, you can discover modern innovations, with so many talented designers from the region on the rise and an explosion of cool everyday brands. For example, in Singapore, designers pioneer with exciting quirks on garments that still honour their roots, such as minimalist drop-crotch harem pants, shift dresses with mandarin collars, elegant new twists on the cheongsam. Pack light for your holiday and reap its rewards.

Be prepared to explore south-east Asia, its culture and fashions with a Hilton stay