Smart business attire: Dressing for success

Making a good first impression is more than just arriving on time and doing your homework — how you dress says a lot about your professionalism, cultural awareness and respect for workplace norms. In Thailand, where modesty, presentation and climate-conscious choices all play a role, having a clear sense of what “smart attire” means in the local context can boost your confidence — and your career.

Many companies in Thailand, especially SMEs and modern corporates, have no strict dress code. They allow the employees to dress casually to work. However, there are some unwritten rules you should be aware of.

1. Not every T-shirt is allowed

Yes, Thai employees are allowed to wear T-shirts in the workplace. However, that doesn’t mean you can just grab any T-shirt from the market and wear it to work. Avoid wearing T-shirts with prints that contain discriminatory words or vulgar language. Also, T-shirts with prints that contain political symbols or religious symbols are big no-nos.

2. Short shorts and miniskirts are not recommended

Although the climate in Thailand is forever hot and humid and people tend to wear shorts or miniskirts when they go out, these aren’t the best choices for the workplace. Working spaces are not a night club, and maintaining professionalism and respect within the work environment is important.

3. Avoid Flip-Flops at Work—Unless There's a No-Shoes Policy

Even in workplaces with a casual dress code, wearing flip-flops is generally not appropriate. As an employee, it’s important to maintain a sense of professionalism and respect. Closed-toe shoes like sneakers or leather footwear not only protect your feet but also help project a more polished and respectful image in the office.

That said, some Thai workplaces, especially creative studios or certain wellness-focused environments, follow a no-shoes policy indoors. In these cases, it’s practical to wear footwear that’s easy to slip on and off. While traditional flip-flops may still feel too informal, there are smarter alternatives that offer similar convenience. For example, some Crocs-style designs or minimalist slip-ons can strike a balance between comfort and appearance.

The key is to choose footwear that’s clean, well-maintained, and appropriate for the setting—even if it’s removed at the door.

4. No tank tops or sleeveless shirts

You may have the persona of a rock star but looking cool and fabulous wearing tank tops or sleeveless shirts, you will surely be given a disapproval look from your boss if you wear them to work.

5. It’s okay to have tattoos but…

Although having tattoos is not illegal and you should not be discriminated because of your tattoos, they may cause you trouble if they are too clearly visible or contain explicit contents such as political symbols, vulgar language or religious symbols. Moreover, having tattoos on your face is a big no-no for the workplace.

6. Dress Codes Still Matter in Traditional Workplaces

Not every company allows casual attire. Many traditional organizations—such as banks, law firms, schools, hospitals, and clinics—require formal dress codes and may even provide a full uniform. Whether the policy are for company polo shirts or full business attire, for these workplaces, always follow the stated guidelines.

Some workplaces permit business casual dress for which interpretation varies from smart fashionable attire to shirts and black trousers or long skirts but expectations should still be respected.

Special occasions may also come with specific dress requirements. For example:

• On Thai Father’s Day, employees, especially in government offices, are often asked to wear yellow shirts.
• During mourning periods for members of the Thai royal family, wearing black and white is customary for up to 100 days.

Opting for modest, well-fitted outfits—like knee-length skirts, tailored suits, or dresses with clean lines—shows good judgment, cultural awareness, and confidence.

Summary

Workplace attire reflects both your professionalism and your employer’s reputation. Revealing or overly casual clothing can make others uncomfortable, particularly in formal or mixed-gender environments.

Whilst there are always exceptions depending on the company, in short, dressing appropriately helps maintain respect and harmony at work, allowing your skills—not your outfit—to take center stage.