Thailand Traditional Dress: Discover the Culture and Styles of Traditional Thai Clothing

Thailand traditional dress-Traditional Thai clothing-Thailand costume

Bangkok is not only famous for its temples, markets, and beaches—it’s also a vibrant hub of cultural expression. Among these immersive experiences, wearing Thailand traditional dress has become a must-do for visitors.

Thailand has a variety of traditional Thai clothing styles worn during festivals, ceremonies, and special occasions. These outfits reflect Thailand’s regional diversity and rich cultural heritage.

Curious about Thai traditional dress? Let us take you through the rich history and evolution of traditional Thai clothing. We also offer visitors a unique opportunity to wear authentic Thai costumes and capture the moment with stunning photographs!

The History of Thailand Traditional Dress

Traditional Thai clothing, known as Chut Thai (ชุดไทย), represents more than just what people wear—it is a vivid expression of Thailand’s cultural identity, history, and artistry. Chut Thai ranges from simple everyday wear to elaborate formal gowns, often featuring intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and luxurious fabrics. It is worn for royal ceremonies, formal events, and daily occasions, with styles varying by event, region, and gender.

A. Thailand traditional dress：Siamese Era

During the Siamese era (around 900 years ago), Thailand's ancient dress was heavily influenced by Indian and Khmer civilizations. During this period, both Thai men and women wore unisex cotton loincloths called pha chung hang (ผ้าจูงหาง) or chong kraben (โจงกระเบน), which left the breasts exposed.

B. Thailand traditional dress：Ayutthaya Dynasty

During the Ayutthaya Dynasty (1351-1767), this period played a significant role in shaping traditional Thai dress. While the basic clothing of peasants remained relatively unchanged, the attire of the wealthy underwent dramatic transformations. Both men and women of the upper class wore "Trip-tailed Mantles" and "Thai Sarongs," which involved wrapping a 3-meter-long, 1-meter-wide cloth around the waist, rolling up the ends, passing them through the legs, and tucking them in at the back.

C. Thailand traditional dress：Chakri Dynasty

During the Chakri Dynasty, under the reigns of King Rama I and King Rama IV, people wore the traditional Khmer Nguyen Khe trousers (Jongkrabane) from India. During the reign of King Rama V (King Chulalongkorn), Thai dress evolved into a "Thai-Western fusion" as a result of westernization efforts.

The Modern Thailand Traditional Dress

Traditional clothing in Thailand didn’t change significantly until the mid-19th century, when the Thai royal family introduced a public dress code requiring both men and women to cover their breasts. This led to a decrease in demand for traditional Thai silks. As a result, Western clothing began to be favored over traditional Thai fabrics.

After the 1960s, Queen Sirikit made efforts to revitalize the traditional “Thai silk tie-dye weaving method” and rebuild national identity. She hired designers from around the world, specialising in weaving and embroidery techniques, referencing various dynasties, to create eight new sets of traditional Thai clothing for women. These became known as the “Royal Thai Traditional Clothing” and are now considered the Thai dress of today.

9 Key Traditional Thai clothing

1. Chakkri ~ Thailand traditional dress

Chakkri is one of the most recognized and formal styles, featuring a long tube skirt with two front pleats and a Sabai draped over the shoulder. It is often worn at royal ceremonies and weddings, symbolizing grace and elegance.

2. Siwalai ~ Thailand traditional dress

Thailand national costume-Siwalai-Thailand costume

Siwalai is a formal evening dress, typically worn for royal ceremonies, state occasions, and other important evening events. It consists of a long, brocade skirt and a long-sleeved, high-neck blouse, often made of silk and richly embroidered.

3. Chakkraphat ~ Thailand traditional dress

Thailand national costume-Chakkraphat-Thailand costume

Chakkraphat, meaning "Emperor," is a formal and elaborate dress, often reserved for grand ceremonies, royal events, and important weddings. The Chakkraphat resembles the Chakri, but with two Sabais layered across the chest instead of one. This style often features multiple layers and intricate patterns, signifying high status and grandeur.

4. Boromphiman ~ Thailand traditional dress

Thailand national costume-Boromphiman-Thailand costume

Boromphiman is a formal and elegant traditional Thai dress, primarily worn by women for grand royal ceremonies, state dinners, and formal events. It consists of a long brocade skirt paired with an exquisitely embroidered stand-up collar.

5. Ruean Ton ~ Thailand traditional dress

Thailand national costume-Ruean Ton-Thailand costume

Ruean Ton is the most casual and comfortable style of traditional Thai dress for women, ideal for everyday wear and informal occasions. It features a collarless blouse with elbow-length sleeves and a row of buttons down the front, typically tucked into a tube-like, ankle-length skirt.

6. Chitalada ~ Thailand traditional dress

Thailand national costume-Chitlada-Thailand costume

Chitlada is a formal daytime dress, commonly worn for official functions, royal ceremonies, and receptions that do not require full ceremonial attire. Unlike other styles, Chitlada does not feature a Sabai (shoulder cloth), with the blouse serving as the primary ornamentation.

7. Amarin ~ Thailand traditional dress

The amarin is a highly formal and luxurious Thai evening dress, crafted from exquisite silks and featuring a long-sleeved, high-neck blouse with buttons. Unlike some other styles, it is not worn with a belt but with jewelry instead. The amarin is typically worn for royal ceremonies, state receptions, theater visits, and other full or half-dress formal occasions.

8. Dusit ~ Thailand traditional dress

Thailand national costume-Dusit-Thailand costume

Dusit is a more westernized version of traditional Thai clothing, similar to a formal Western evening gown. It is characterized by a sleeveless design and round neck, often crafted from silk. The dusit can be a one-piece gown or a two-piece ensemble with a separate top and skirt.

9. Suea Phraratchathan ~ Traditional Thai clothing

Thailand national costume-Suea Phraratchathan-Thailand costume

Suea Phraratchathan is the traditional formal attire for men in Thailand. It is a long-sleeved, collared shirt, often made of silk and embroidered. It is typically worn with trousers and is suitable for formal events, ceremonies, and official functions.

Experience Traditional Thai Dress at Poetic Oriental Studio

Thailand traditional dress-Poetic Oriental Studio-Traditional Thai clothing

For visitors around the world eager to immerse themselves in authentic Thai culture, our studio offers a unique opportunity. Here, you can experience exquisite Thai national costumes and create stunning, elegant Thai portraits.

The studio offers a wide selection of authentic traditional Thai attire, complemented by professional hair styling and makeup, as well as expert guidance on how to wear these beautiful garments. All sessions take place in a fully air-conditioned indoor studio, featuring elaborate backdrops and props to enhance your photographic journey.

Additionally, we provide multilingual services in Thai, English, and Chinese to ensure that visitors from around the world enjoy a smooth and pleasant experience.

Why Choose Poetic Oriental Studio Bangkok?

Wide selection of authentic Thai and Chinese costumes for all ages and genders.
One-stop professional photography, styling, and retouching services.
Multilingual service (Thai, English, Chinese) to ensure smooth communication.
A five-story building offering a spacious and comfortable shooting experience.
Fully air-conditioned indoor shooting environment.
Professional studio props and over 100 background themes.
Suitable for families, friends, and couples of all nationalities.
Convenient location in Bangkok:
- Just a 5–6 minute walk from Klongtoei Station (MRT exit 1).

Capture Your Thai Cultural Journey

Make your Bangkok trip unforgettable by experiencing the beauty of traditional Thai clothing and discovering its rich cultural significance! At Poetic Oriental Studio Bangkok, you can step into the elegance of Thailand traditional dress and capture your look in timeless portraits.

For more details, click here to book your Thai costume session!

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