Bangkok is hot all year. Even in the cool season the afternoons are often above 30 degrees, and from March to May it is closer to 35, with humidity that makes it feel warmer still. Most visitors pack for heat and then spend the first two days changing their shirt. The fix is mostly about fabric, and the fabric is linen.
We sell linen clothing at TOANOI House, so take our view with that in mind. Most of what follows applies to any linen, wherever you buy it.
Why linen works in humid heat
Linen is made from the flax plant. The fibres are thick and partly hollow, and the cloth is woven fairly open, so air moves through it instead of sitting against your skin. Linen also takes up moisture and lets it go quickly, so it feels dry long after a cotton T-shirt has turned damp. It does not cling, and on a Bangkok afternoon that alone makes a difference.
Polyester does the opposite. It holds heat, does not absorb sweat and sticks to you. Cotton sits in between: comfortable when dry, heavy once it is wet. A cotton and linen blend is a good middle ground, a little softer than pure linen and still cool.
The cut matters as much as the fabric
Loose is cooler than tight, whatever it is made of. Look for shapes that leave a gap between the cloth and your body: wide or flared trousers, dresses that hang straight from the shoulder, sleeves that do not grip the arm. A collar sounds warm, but a soft collar on a loose dress keeps the sun off the back of your neck, which is where you feel it most when you walk.
Length is worth thinking about too. Temples ask visitors to cover their shoulders and knees, and full-length linen pants or a long loose dress let you walk straight in without carrying a sarong. A long loose layer is also cooler in direct sun than bare skin.
Colours for the city
Light colours reflect sunlight and dark ones absorb it, so white, sand, pale green and soft yellow are the comfortable choices at midday. Darker linen is fine in the evening. Patterned cotton-linen hides creases better than plain white, which helps when you are living out of a suitcase.
About the creases
Linen creases. There is no way around it, and in Bangkok nobody minds. Hang it in the bathroom while you shower and the steam takes out the worst of it. If you want a neater look, a cotton-linen blend creases less than pure linen.
Caring for linen in the humidity
- Wash it in cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle, or by hand.
- Dry it in the shade. Strong sun fades bright colours faster than you would expect.
- Never put it away damp. In this humidity a damp garment in a closed wardrobe can show mould spots within days.
- If you iron it, iron it while it is still slightly damp.
Linen gets softer with every wash, so a dress you buy this year will feel better next year. Our washing instructions cover the other fabrics we use.
What we make
Our linen clothing is cut and sewn in Bangkok. The linen dresses with collars are 1,980 baht, in plain colours such as green, mustard and blue, and in patterned cotton-linen. The flare linen pants are 1,680 baht, free size with a comfortable waistband and side pockets, in colours from white to turquoise and yellow. Every product page lists the measurements in centimetres and inches, so you can hold a tape measure against something you already own.
Sizing differs from country to country, so it is worth trying things on. You can do that at the house, or check the measurements and order online. Delivery inside Thailand is 60 baht, and we ship worldwide by FedEx with tracking.
A short packing list for Bangkok
- Two pairs of loose linen trousers, or one pair and a long skirt
- Two or three light dresses or shirts in linen or cotton-linen
- One layer with sleeves for cold air-conditioning in malls, trains and temples
- Sandals you can slip off, since shoes come off at temples and in many homes
- A small umbrella, which works for the sun and for the afternoon rain
Anything you forget, you can buy here.
Try it on
TOANOI House is at 259/80 Phibunwet Village, Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok 10110, about 10 minutes on foot from BTS Phra Khanong. We are open Monday to Friday 9:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 15:00, and closed on Sunday. Call or WhatsApp +66 93 834 9925. While you are in town, our list of what to buy in Bangkok has a few more ideas.
Questions people ask
Is linen good for Bangkok weather?
Yes. Linen lets air through and dries quickly, so it stays comfortable in heat and humidity in a way polyester and heavy cotton do not. Loose cuts work best.
Does linen shrink?
It can shrink a little in hot water or a hot dryer. Wash it cold or lukewarm and dry it in the shade, and it keeps its size.
What should I wear to visit temples in Bangkok?
Cover your shoulders and knees. Full-length linen pants or a long loose dress with sleeves are cool enough for the heat and right for a temple visit.
Can I try on Toanoi linen clothes before I buy?
Yes, at TOANOI House on Sukhumvit 71, Monday to Friday 9:30 to 17:00 and Saturday 10:00 to 15:00. You can also order online, and every product page lists the measurements.
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