Shopping for Silks and Cotton in Thailand
Tailor-Made Garments and Textile Goods are Most Popular Buys
Nov 4, 2009
It’s still regarded as the bargain centre of East Asia despite the fluctuations in the money supply. This is chiefly because Thailand produces so many goods and of such quality and good design that shoppers find it a veritable paradise.
The range of quality products is huge, ranging from personal items in silks, cottons or man-made fabrics to bed linens in fine cotton, beautiful curtains in silk, cotton or linen, bedspreads in silk or cotton, linen bathroom accessories, cotton and silk dressing-gowns with matching slippers or a collection of little cotton and silk purses in which to keep cosmetics. These goods can be found everywhere, sidewalk stalls, markets, malls and department stores.
Thai handicrafts have long been noted for their unique style and beauty. The dexterous fingers of the young girls who fashion the jewellery, who sew the fine buttons on the clothes and who hand paint the exquisite orchids on scarves and blouses, may have their equals in other parts of East Asia, but the Thai ability to provide goods for all pockets has no equal.
Best Buys in Thailand are Silk and Cotton
Probably the most famous hand made product is Thai Silk, a lustrous fabric which can be bought in a wide variety of designs, weights and widths. The famous Jim Thompson shops that are found in most cities and large towns in Thailand carry a wide range of silk goods.
Most wealthy Thai ladies dress in this silk, their elegance embellished by the jewel colours of the material. Men can also look elegant in silk evening jackets, safari shirts and evening shirts in black, silver or oyster silk. Tailors will make up garments quite quickly, but bear in mind that even in Thailand the silk is not cheap, so don’t try to have a suit or a dress made up in 24 hours – that’s not fair on the tailor or yourself.
Cotton and Japanese Silk in Thailand
A form of polyester which the Thais call Japanese silk is a popular alternative to Thai silk. It doesn’t crease, can be made up into jackets, trousers, suits – whatever the customer wants – and comes in a wide range of colours. For those who don’t like ironing (caring for Thai silk is labour intensive) this is a good alternative.
Thai cotton is excellent, especially if it comes direct from one of the specialist shops. The range of striking patterns, plain colours, stripes and checks make it a good choice for most things. Perfect for shirts and blouses, or skirts and jackets in the heavier weights, it is a good buy and perfect for the climate. Safari shirts for men in a good Thai cotton look very elegant.
Made-up Goods in Silk & Cotton and Where to Buy
Embroidered jackets from the northern provinces, hats, belts, purses and handbags are good buys, as are the batik cotton wrap-arounds sold in the markets (although most of these 5 metres long lengths come from Indonesia). Pure cotton overshirts and fishermen’s trousers are ideal for beach wear, and some of the Bangkok markets can supply the visitor with a complete wardrobe for a franction of the cost in Europe, the USA or Canada.
Department stores offer designer goods in silk, cotton and man-made fabrics, but naturally the prices for designer goods are higher. Nevertheless, there are still bargains to be had.
Shopping, whether in the Malls of Bangkok, the markets of the capital, or the smaller establishments of towns and cities like Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Koh Samui, will still give the visitor value for money.
Just remember, excess luggage charges are pretty high if you go over the limit!
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