Cultural differences, language barriers, Bangkok maps: these are all things farangs struggle with on a regular basis. As a result they can be forgiven if they’re not always, er, fashionable.
That said, there is one thing, a line if you will, that is so consistently crossed and done with such impunity, that I feel like we Thais must speak out. I refer to, of course, the farang fashion faux pas. Farang men, in particular, seem to almost relish flaunting their lack of taste in our faces.
Gentlemen, take note: if you want to look good, these are things you should never wear:
5. Fisherman pants
These are comfortable. No one will argue with you there. And if you’re living on Khaosan Road, eating only Pad Thai and hooked up to an IV of cheap Chang they’re a required uniform.
Unfortunately, it is just a fact that the only group of Bangkok residents who actually wear fisherman pants and pull it off are the Chinese grandpas in Yaowarat. When you, dear farang, sport a pair it says, “Help me. I’m homeless.”
4. Baggy Pants
We understand your career as a freelance DJ is going great and that you can’t wait to tell your friends back home about how you’re so cool in “BKK”. But why does that mean you’re compelled to make an anti-fashion statement by exposing your underwear? It’s not attractive and the 1990s are (thankfully) long gone. Pull up your pants, boys.
3. Bead Necklace
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Yes, the elephant bead necklace you bought as a souvenir during a trekking trip in Chiangmai where you “discovered your true self” is adorable, but only to your mother. If you think it’s boho chic, well it’s not. It also smells because you refuse to take it off in the shower!
2. Funny Thai Language T-shirt
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It isn’t smart. It isn’t cute. It’s a poster that says, “I wanted to buy a clever shirt that would endear me to the locals.” Newsflash: we think it looks stupid. Just because Thai women look at you and giggle, it doesn’t always mean we like you. Sometimes we just don’t know how to react, especially when you choose to present yourself as a “Farang Baa”, which loosely translates into “Lunatic White Guy”.
Maybe this is a sad case of lost in translation, but as far as I’m concerned this cheese isn’t attractive in any language.
1. Beer Logo wife beater
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Of course, the winner goes to your favorite Chang Beer tank top that comes with a matching hat. It’s become so ubiquitous that in its own way, it is endearing. Personally, I have absolutely no idea why someone would decide to become a beer billboard of their own volition.
When a Thai sees you sporting a Chang top, it essentially says, “I’m a dumb tourist” in flashing neon lights. Think that’s harsh? Imagine a clueless Asian traveler wearing a Starbucks T-shirt and wandering around Time Square snapping pictures. There you go. That’s exactly what you look like.
Michael Dawson says
Yep agree
Jeffry Gilbert says
Rather amazing the farang who choose retaliate and criticize Thais rather than politely accept gentle criticism. Perhaps they'll feel better remaining in Paramus or Alice Springs.
Ziaulhaq Soofi says
Well. Get over it. They are here to Vacation and not to make a portfolio! And also. As long as the Thai keep encouraging them with sweet smiles they will keep thinkings its cool!
Time Traveller says
So let me get this right. The number 1 worst fashion item that Farangs need to stop wearing is the Beer logo wife beater? But in the same picture with Ernest Hemingway wearing short shorts passes the rigorous high standard of the fashion police without even a mention? Prae Sakaowan, I guess you must be one of those thai men and women who like looking at the skinny white legs of old men. My advice is go back to your day job selling durians on the street instead of worrying about what other people are wearing. What country do you think you live in anyway – Saudi arabia?
zlokn says
The awesome thing about Thailand is that you absorb all our lame farang. Like attracts like, I guess.
Kelly Culliton says
Maybe someone should write an article on what Thai's shouldnt wear….
Flavzzz says
555 nicely written. I was quite anxious before reading that but actually it's alright, those are bad taste in all countries, though westerners in Thailand might have a tendency to abuse them.