[startedfromscratch]

Very difficult to wear a suit in Bangkok, for obvious reasons, the humidity, you need to find the lightest material for your suit there,

But regardless of that people wear suits all the time for business purposes though usually because each of the main buildings are heavily air conditioned.
You see people walking fast in their suits to get from one building to another!

Invest in: Deodorant, Extra undershirts!

I don't remember seeing any one wearing suits though at night clubs (RCA, Thong Lo, Ekkamai) or bars so you will be unique at least! (unless we're talking about places like Banyan Tree, but even still they would have to take off their jacket because it'll just get so stuffy!)

A light blazer though would be a nice touch, if you can find one that's breathable, even still as soon as you go outside you'll be sweating balls!

[Vicious]

(12-31-2013 06:45 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  

Very difficult to wear a suit in Bangkok, for obvious reasons, the humidity, you need to find the lightest material for your suit there,

I tried rocking suit game in BKK and was meet with limited success. You'll do well with a certain crowd, but this crowd is far smaller than what it would be in any western major city. You'll be sweating as well, expect to plow through two shirts a day. I meet up with Rionomad, The Conductor and some other guys form the forum in BKK rocking a suit and I stood out like a sore thumb when we later went to RCA. Usually this is a positive, there it was just odd.

[startedfromscratch]

(12-31-2013 07:48 PM)Vicious Wrote:  

(12-31-2013 06:45 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  

Very difficult to wear a suit in Bangkok, for obvious reasons, the humidity, you need to find the lightest material for your suit there,

I tried rocking suit game in BKK and was meet with limited success. You'll do well with a certain crowd, but this crowd is far smaller than what it would be in any western major city. You'll be sweating as well, expect to plow through two shirts a day. I meet up with Rionomad, The Conductor and some other guys form the forum in BKK rocking a suit and I stood out like a sore thumb when we later went to RCA. Usually this is a positive, there it was just odd.

Agree completely, It's tougher for those of us who aren't use to the humidity, as I did see Thai guys wearing suits and blazers who look like they won't sweat a drop,

As a non-thai though I'd be very wary of wearing a suit during the night, even a more going out suit even at nicer venues if you are rolling solo (target on your back etc.), if you're with a group of thai friends or a safe enough group my opinion changes a bit.


Though I think the best thing, is to just go with the blazer, light t-shirt, jeans combo, a little casual with just a bit of standing out with the blazer

i.e.







not gonna lie this look below would be boss, but maybe too much standing out again since it's all white .. but if you want to stand out and feel secure do it!

[Bushido]

(12-31-2013 06:45 PM)startedfromscratch Wrote:  

I don't remember seeing any one wearing suits though at night clubs (RCA, Thong Lo, Ekkamai) or bars so you will be unique at least! (unless we're talking about places like Banyan Tree, but even still they would have to take off their jacket because it'll just get so stuffy!)

Yeah it seemed that way in Indonesia. Very light wear because of the heat. What do people wear in the high end clubs/lounges over there then?

I'm not a big fan of blazer with jeans to be honest. It's a difficult look to pull off successfully in my opinion.

[Ray Carlton]

First of all, we have to see that we speak about a huge region when we speak from Asia in general. A region with different cultures and seasons. It is not the same if we speak about wearing a suit in the Japanese summer or winter.

Would I wear a suit in the humid summer of Korea, Japan or all year around in Bangkok? No, I wouldn't. I don't see the point in wearing a suit if it makes me sweat like hell. A suit should make you good looking, however it can not fulfill this task when you sweat like a pig. Of course, I would wear a suit for business reasons or any event that requires formal attire.

That brings us to the point what kind of suit you should wear in the Japanese winter or for the few events that require formal attire. I often hear there is a difference between a work and a going-out suit, however I don't see it that way. First of all, there are just a lot of ill-fitting suits and only a few well tailored suits around. Secondly, there are a lot of black suits which are combined with a white shirt around, however most people don't have the style to try a different color or combination.

So you want to wear a suit in Japan and you are worried that you will look like the typical Japanese worker. That would mean you buy an ill-fitting black suit and white shirt. However if you get a decent navy MTM-suit (around $1000), stripped shirt, put in a pocket square, get some nice cuff links, handmade tie, I don't see the danger that you get confused with a Japanese worker. However as I said, I would go this way only in winter.

I think the interesting question is, how to dress in the humid summer of Korea, Japan or Bangkok? A suit is not an option in my opinion.

[LeightonBlackstock]

There are some things you can do to aid the sweating situation.

I roll in blazers often. And I used to even wear my denim jacket in the notorious Taiwanese summer (Hot as BALLS).

I typically do a few of these following things. (Note: These tips may not be advisable for everyone, and could depend on your specific style, but I'll share just in case)

Douse yourself in aftershave

Literally grab the bottle and spray it on your neck about eight times. Smelling bad is NOT an option.

This absolutely goes against the general consensus that you should be subtle with your smell, I know.

But a) Smelling of aftershave > Smelling like shit

b) I've only ever had good things said about my smell. Girls will often text me randomly asking what my aftershave is.

and c) I often think 'smell-based attraction' is more psychological than literal. If a girl smells aftershave, it'll trigger something in her brain and make you seem more attractive. My aftershave cost $5. I bought it from a Taiwanese pharmacy.

You can always douse yourself in roll-on deodorant if you want a 'less overbearing' smell. Like, roll it all over your body. (If I wear my cravat, I douse that in aftershave/deodorant as the smell stays on that for longer).

This will prevent you from smelling like shit. After a while, you'll be able to gauge how much to put on.

Roll your blazer/shirt sleeves up

Cools you down a little and feels MUCH more comfortable in the hot weather. (Also can help you look more masculine, less wooden and more 'in control' of the garment, as stated earlier)

Drink lots of water/Coconut water/Sports Drink

My 'Captain Obvious' entry.

But, this really does cool your core temperature down and can prevent you from sweating.

Coconut water, Pocari Sweat and Sports drinks can really help to prevent sweating. I always drink one of these before going into a club. Don't underestimate their power. (Luckily in Bangkok/Taipei there's always a 7-11 handy.)

Roll your trousers up

The hipster entry, and probably something most guys won't want to do.

I touched on this earlier, so I apologise if I'm repeating myself.

If done correctly, I think it can look good. In Asia, this can help you look like more of a trendsetter than a follower in my opinion. (Plus, it avoids the 'I've just come from my bank job look'. I do this when I don't wear my converse.)



If you do this without socks, then it allows your feet and legs to breathe more. My friend has a huge problem with sweaty feet, so this could help him.

Just don't do it like a hipster:



Don't be afraid to try a few of these things. It will really make you seem like you know what you're doing with fashion. Most guys won't do it because 'It's gay/hipster', but if it attracts Asian girls than I'm all for being a hipster.

If you're not wearing a blazer, then I think you have to add an 'interesting' item in order to make yourself stand out. Everyone else in the club will have a shirt on. So, perhaps add some shirt suspenders ('Done up' to look sexy, or 'hanging down' to look 'rocky'), or a dark cravat, or roll your trousers up. Choose ONE of these things only. It's dressing well, NOT pea-cocking :-P.

But yeah, really, it's best to avoid a blazer in hot countries. A clean, white shirt is excellent advice in my opinion. White is a sexy colour, you'll stand out.

If you're skinny like me, try and find a 'Zara'. They have some excellent tight-fitting shirts. They hug your body. The shirt MUST fit.

And try to get something that doesn't make you look like you're wearing a school uniform shirt. Avoid buying a shirt from Uniqlo or something, they'll be low-quality and tacky.

In Asia, there are plenty of shirts that have a slightly 'shiny' texture. They feel a bit smoother than normal shirts, and they'll be slightly thicker and won't show up your nipples. These are the good quality ones usually.

It's also good to find a shirt that has SOMETHING on it which makes it a little bit different to that white shirt, with white buttons that you wore to school. Maybe it has an extremely subtle logo (like a tiny, white Lacoste logo), or buttons in a contrasting colour.

I.e look at this:



The black buttons prevent it from looking like the one you used to play football in at break-time before Geography class.

Also, something that I haven't seen mentioned on this forum before:

Foundation (for Spots)

This is a little bit off-topic, but:

I'm still young and I get the occasional spot/blemish on my face. (And sometimes I cut myself shaving.)

Get some girl's foundation and gently dab it on the spot. It makes it disappear and looks 1000 times better than having a juicy red blob on your face. No idea why more guys don't do this. It means you can go out without feeling self-conscious.

(Disclaimer: I am NOT telling people to wear foundation on their face :-P, just good for covering up spots and blemishes).

[startedfromscratch]

(01-01-2014 05:12 AM)dreambig Wrote:  

Yeah it seemed that way in Indonesia. Very light wear because of the heat. What do people wear in the high end clubs/lounges over there then?

I'm not a big fan of blazer with jeans to be honest. It's a difficult look to pull off successfully in my opinion.

In the high end clubs younger Thai dudes usually wear very casual clothes, but with the caveat being that those casual clothes are all expensive brands they probably copped from Siam Paragon.

But 30s + usually have the dress shirt, going out look

I'm in my 20s so my own personal looks would be

Dark Leather Boots
Dark Jeans / Raw Denim, Slim Straight & Cuffed
Light color v-neck / I like a little baggier fit
Watch

This is an idea of my casual wear during the day and probably night with the exception of boots and more of a solid color v-neck

The girls on the other hand are dressed to the 55555 I'm kidding 9's (let me know if anyone got that joke)

(01-01-2014 10:18 AM)LeightonBlackstock Wrote:  

Drink lots of water/Coconut water/Sports Drink

(Luckily in Bangkok/Taipei there's always a 7-11 handy.)

Roll your trousers up

The hipster entry, and probably something most guys won't want to do.

If you do this without socks, then it allows your feet and legs to breathe more. My friend has a huge problem with sweaty feet, so this could help him.

Foundation (for Spots)

This is a little bit off-topic, but:

I'm still young and I get the occasional spot/blemish on my face. (And sometimes I cut myself shaving.)

(Disclaimer: I am NOT telling people to wear foundation on their face :-P, just good for covering up spots and blemishes).

I like cuffing jeans, good look in my opinion just as long as its not big fat cuffs or all the way to your calf cuffs

They have socks that are meant to only be below the shoe line, so I use those if I want to show my cankles

I always use to drink those random orange juice bottles the street vendors always sale to keep hydrated, so delicious!

I've never seen more 7-11's than in Bangkok

BB Cream is huge in Asia,

Side note: The Gatsby hair wax or gel whatever is legit and holds in humidty

[WanderingSoul]

I think everyone got that joke 5555

[LeightonBlackstock]

555555
jajajaja
ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[rudebwoy]

I am sorry but Leighton's advice is horrible. The hipster look is pathetic, you want to dress like a man.

Get a nice M2M suit in a medium grey and one in blue, not your typical navy but a little variation. Black suits are for funerals, limo drivers and black tie events and a tuxedo is better suited.

I have never been to Japan, but the businessmen I have seen overseas all wear off the rack cheap looking suits. It can't be hard to out dress those guys, although I am sure there are a few young guys who have it down.

I was wondering what your background is?

[LeightonBlackstock]

Let's look at the full package to get an idea of what I'm suggesting. Perhaps it's unclear as I haven't provided a full photo yet:

Based on my advice, some of you think I'm telling you to do this:

Group A - The Hipster Look



Well (unsurprisingly) this is a bad look. It exhibits zero masculinity and will not attract women. These three people have tried too hard to be trendsetters and have ended up as disjointed fashion victims. Avoid a dorky look like this, you'll get laughed at. (Even by me).

So, what do we do instead? We wanna buy a suit, right? Well let's have a look at this group:

Group B - My First Suit



This look screams 'I've just bought a suit to pick up women :-D'. The fit is bad and the look is bland.

Girls won't drop their panties over this look. These two guys look like they've popped in from their boring office job.

Sure, the guy on the right doesn't look scruffy, but he doesn't seem in control of the garment. He looks wooden, and it looks like his mother bought it for him. The suit is wearing HIM. Avoid this look.

So, as many of the guys here have suggested. Get one that fits much better. That way you'll look more sexy, masculine and in control.

Here's a ballpark estimate of that group:

Group C - A good suit



The fit is great. The look is masculine. This is the definition of Alpha. And, if I ever return to London, you'll see me in something like this, no question.

If you're wearing this in the US/UK. Keep on trucking, this is the way to go. I'm not suggesting you change your style.

But, remember, we're talking Suit Game in Asia

Korea and Thailand are hot, and you may need to drop that blazer and tie. Wearing a proper suit can make a man sweat.

But more importantly, fashion is different in Asia. Korean men are arguably the most well-dressed men in the world. If you're also fighting against xenophobia, then you really need to stand out against that sea of immaculate white shirts tight-fitting pea coats.

If you're a young guy like me, a 'Group C' suit is not always the best option for doing this. It can be in-congruent with your personality and a bit 'try-hard'. And, whilst it looks great, it's not unique.

Plus, I really doubt anyone here's rocking a look as good as those two photos.

Asian girls want a more rocky and edgy look. You need to be a trendsetter. You want to walk into the club and have girls eye-fucking you. You want men to come up to you and take photos with you. You want people to ask you wear you bought your clothes.

Granted, Group C will probably do all those things, but if you really wanna get Asian girls wet, from experience, I suggest something like this:

Group D - Suit Game in Asia



Typically better for the hot weather, and typically shows more awareness of fashion.

Also, I'd bet that these guys are the home-screen on an Asian girls iPhone (well maybe not Ian anymore, haha).

The 'downside' is that it's 'metro-sexual' (Though if it gets the girls attracted and only pisses off men, is it really a downside?). In my experience, a bit of carefully-applied 'metro-sexuality' can really help in Asia.

Asia's more about getting the girls who think you're cute. The UK's more about getting the girls who think you're sexy. Adapt to your surroundings, even if means that you have to step outside your comfort zone.

[WanderingSoul]

I wouldnt personally dress how Leighton suggests because it isn't my style. But I do think that style would work really well in Bangkok, especially considering he's a tall lengthy bastard.

[Ray Carlton]

I would never dress like Group D. I can not comment if it works or not, however it looks only goofy to me and as try hard as Group A. And the hair style... don't even get me started on that.

However I sign his statement "Asia's more about getting the girls who think you're cute. "

[Sargon of Akkad]

(01-03-2014 08:03 AM)LeightonBlackstock Wrote:  

In my experience, a bit of carefully-applied 'metro-sexuality' can really help in Asia.

Wise words.

[rudebwoy]

I would go with suit C minus the waistcoat. Suit D look can't be pulled off by the majority of dudes.

To the OP - the link with the M2M suit company in Japan has some killer suits, can't go wrong with there selection.

[Global_Cocksman]

Thread bump.

I'm thinking about dropping $1000 on a suit for China and South Korea. Something I can wear during the day, and that makes me look good and not out of place in upscale nightclubs.

Something along the lines of this:



Thoughts?

[The Great Basilisk]

Black suits reminds me of funerals and offices. Grey is boring. Get navy blue instead. Blue is a royal color.

[Tail Gunner]

(01-10-2014 03:22 PM)The Great Basilisk Wrote:  

Black suits reminds me of funerals and offices. Grey is boring. Get navy blue instead. Blue is a royal color.

John Molly's "Dress For Success" stated to always avoid black suits, except for funerals. Having said that, there are some nice light charcoal suits including some that are mixed with various complementary colored threads. I have a beautiful Hugo Boss Jacket like that with a great sheen. But solid black is a no-go.

[RawGod]

I agree that Leighton's "Group D" will do well in Asia, IF you can pull it off. I've known a few western guys like that in Japan, they are at the top of the food chain there.

[Kieran]

I agree that skinny, more metro, style is a good choice for Asia (and also for other major cities like London and Paris too in my experience). No need to be as showy as his group D, they look like they are wearing costumes to me.

[Marlfox]

Beware of the black mannequin.

http://tuxbell.com/fa/majortest/index.ph...e_Mistakes

[Patriarch]

What about a blazer with a dress shirt, with the top button or two undone?

[clever alias]

I also feel like suits just dont have the same significance in the west. group D gets my vote, hands down

[mikeymike]

Few people outside of performers and personalities go all out and style exactly like group d but any of us can incorporate parts of it... the few guys who dress like group d all the time and aren't personalities usually look silly with obnoxiously hot girlfriends lol, peacocking works but for guys who like to be more classic you can still use elements to enhance your own style. I'll rock suspenders, I've walked past women and have had them grab my suspenders to pull me back, on a guy whose in good shape suspenders do a great job of drawing fabric back and framing you without making it look like we're wearing an extra tight slim fit shirt, when you get to 220+ it's a little douchy to try to rock the extra slim fit cause people know you're big without it. The same girl who would never think to open a guy can have no problems playing with props like suspenders or a scarf without knowing you. You don't need to go all out rockstar glam but at a club, bar, lounge working elements on top of a good blazer or well fitting suit puts you way ahead of the pack.

[Brodiaga]

How do you guys deal with the hot weather outside and tobacco smoke inside? Based on my experience in Thailand and Indonesia, if I wore a suit, I would have to dry clean it pretty much every time after going out. I was wearing non-iron shirts and jeans when I went out to night clubs, partly because they are much easier to take care of.