Uniforms in Thailand:

A culture fixated on fitting in

students wear bright batik shirts and gather for an assembly

It’s never a strange sight to see someone in Thailand wearing a uniform on the job, after work or during the weekend.  In every culture certain professions or groups call for a uniform for safety and convenience, such as police officers, fireman and school children.  But in this country it’s taken a step further, requiring professionals such as teachers, bank tellers and university students to all don specific uniforms.  Not only are more professionals here obligated to wear them, they seem to be widely accepted and even embraced.

office workers sport matching hot pink suits

When some people think about wearing a uniform everyday it can seem like a restriction or something that’s being forced upon them.  But for many people in The Kingdom, growing up in a culture where there has always been a standardized dress code doesn’t seem like that big of a deal.  Many foreigners have also taken a liking to the uniforms, confessing that it makes their lives easier in the morning and also makes them feel more immersed in the Thai culture.


“I can’t ever remember a time when there weren’t uniforms,” says Narong Pok Hailstone, a local English teacher who’s lived in Phuket for five years after growing up in Seattle.  “I don’t have to worry about what to wear and people like the tradition of it.” 

           

It’s undeniable that Thailand is known for its uniforms but the reasons behind why they are worn may not fall in line with the obvious visual homogeny.  One reason that all schools, universities and an overwhelming amount of offices require a uniform is for consistency and order. Uniformity can be pleasing on the eye and an easy choice for any superior.  But one reason that doesn’t lie on the surface is the issue of status.  Wearing a uniform throughout your day-to-day life says to people, I’m successful, I’m educated, I’ve earned this.  It may be one reason people in Thailand don’t always seem eager to change out of their work clothes when the day is finished.  It’s not uncommon to look at a person living here and instantly be able to estimate their status among society. 

bank tellers follow the uniform standards

The consistency of a uniform also seems to go against the national slogan of mai pen rai, which suggests that the country is laid back and just goes with the flow.  As many people living on the island can attest to, that motto can be music to your ears or throw a wrench in well thought out plans.  Perhaps the regularity of the uniforms combats the chaos just enough to give Thailand the harmony it needs.  It could also serve as an aid to the language barrier that is ever prevalent.  Uniforms help identify workers from customers, students from teachers. 

The Thai culture is renowned for commitment and loyalty to the country so nationalism is another reason to wear uniforms after hours.  It’s not surprising that students from a young age sport scout uniforms once a week and that many government positions don uniforms that have a military feel.  University students proudly wear pins and buttons to show off their devotion to their school.  The strict attire unites the culture and also sends a message of allegiance to any visitor walking through town.

The importance of unity has been evident recently as the country pays its respects to Princess Bejaratana by wearing black and white to work.  The stark contrast of again seeing the bright, tropical uniforms that dot the island is a nice reminder of the vibrant charm and unison of the culture.  One thing is for sure; uniforms of every cut and color give Thailand a certain uniqueness that isn’t found everywhere.   

many uniforms have a militant quality to them

How to throw a Rubik's Cube - Clothing Swap Party

The Object of the Game:  

Everybody comes to the party wearing the six different colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple) or the six different colors of a Rubik's cube (red, green, yellow, white, orange and blue).  At this point everyone should resemble an unsolved side of a Rubik's cube. As the party continues people trade articles of clothing so that by the end, everyone is wearing only one color of clothing and accessories.  Prizes are given for various categories.  

Set Up Before the Party
When setting up this party there are some important things to remember.  You must tell your guests what to wear before hand in order to make your party a success.


* no one should wear anything that they'd like to keep

              
* suggest that people wear clothes they don't care about or go buy items from a thrift store


* people might be changing out in public so they should wear under clothing that they're comfortable in


* guests should wear bright, solid colored articles of clothing


* wearing accessories like belts, hats, glasses or scarves adds to the fun at the end of the night.
              

* the sillier the better!  


* give your guests plenty of time to prepare for the party so they can put together their outfit




Making the Switch

The point is to end up only wearing one solid color by the end of the night by swapping articles of clothing with other guests.  Encourage males to wear female clothing and vise versa.  

There are endless ways to make the switch but here are a two ideas of how to do it:

1.  Tell everyone that they must make all their clothing and accessory switches by the time a song is over.  Play a high energy song and let the fun begin.

OR

2.  Tell people to be discreet about it and have them sneaking off throughout the night to switch pieces. Within less than an hour everyone will be in their new solid color ensembles.  First person to bargain for all their garments and be fully dressed wins the first prize or gets to pick one article for another player to wear.    

                      Contest and Prizes:

When everyone is satisfied with their new outfit the crowd should vote on who should be awarded prizes.  Categories should include:

           *Best dressed male and female

           *Silliest outfit

          *Sexiest ensemble 

          *Best accessories

          *Funniest outfit

Prizes should be suitable for anyone and just for fun- think about a cheap bottle of champagne or plastic crowns.

   

       HAVE   FUN!  

Eco Friendly Fashion

Green.  The New Black.

How to be both fashion forward and eco friendly.

It seems like you can’t go a day without hearing something about the state of the world’s environment anymore.  If you’re like most people walking the globe you probably feel a little helpless and are left wondering what you can really change to decrease your carbon footprint.  One simple solution starts with a glance at your own closest.

Here are five simple ways to get more “green” out of your wardrobe:

Host a clothing swap party

Many people have clothes in their closets that they wore once and haven’t seen since.  These items shouldn’t be sentenced to an early death at the back of your wardrobe.  Give clothes a second chance at life on someone else’s back.  Host an event where friends bring unwanted garments and accessories to a party at your house.  Throw in some drinks and snacks and let the trading begin.  This is a great alternative if you don’t want to have a yard sale or don’t care about making money off your items. The best part is that you’re not just giving your things away; you’re gaining a whole new set of outfits for yourself!

BYOB:  Bring your own bag

Many stores have already started the trend themselves, offering reusable bags for sale or simply not supplying store bags at the check out to begin with.  Take this a step further and make it a priority to always say, “no thank you” when a store clerk starts to bag your items.  Bring a few reusable bags with you when doing your weekly shopping or put small purchases in your purse or backpack instead of accepting plastic bags.  If you do still seem to accumulate carrier bags, give them a second life as a lunch sack to the beach or a bin liner before finally throwing them out.

Recycle your old outfits


When talking about fashion, many people think that staying with the latest trends means always needing to buy new clothes.  The challenge of being fashion forward in the real world with a budget and time constraints is working with what you already have.  By purchasing quality, classic items your clothes will be able to take on a new look with the quick switch of a belt or necklace.  Succumbing to minute-long trends in small doses with accessories will not only save you money but shrink the pile of unwanted clothes to get rid of next season.  

Get your retail therapy elsewhere

Instead of buying a new outfit for each upcoming weekend, treat yourself to something else or set goals for saving the money you usually spend on trends.  Take care of your body and hit the gym or get a massage.  Go for coffee with a friend or schedule a Skype date to catch up with relatives you’ve lost touch with.  By feeling fulfilled in other areas of your life, you’re less likely to make impulsive purchases in an attempt to fill a void.  Instead of buying just to have something new, find a piece that you actually love and know you will get real longevity from. 

Buy 2^nd hand

Whether scouring the racks at a used clothing store on the island or hitting the second hand sections of the night markets, avoiding the urge to buy brand new garments does more good than you think.  By avoiding newly manufactured fashion, you’ll not only be saving money, you’re also helping to recycle and even doing your part to resist the harsh ethical realities that go along with mass-produced clothing.  There are often hidden treasures to be found in thrift stores and resale sections of markets that you just can’t find on the rack in a department store. 

There are numerable benefits to going green when it comes to fashion.  Not only will you feel better about helping Mother Nature, you’ll get more out of your wardrobe, refine a more individual sense of style and save money in the process.  

What's in Your Bag Part II

It’s in the Bag Part II:  What Phuket’s Packing

Searching through the contents of someone’s bag is like reading their palm and diary at the same time.  With the busy and exciting lives of so many in Phuket, this is a rare sneak peak into their quirks, qualms and sometimes-surprising circumstances. Part two of exploring the insides of residents’ packs highlights two more interesting islanders.

The Party Animal: Bruno Figueiredo,

English Teacher, Animal Enthusiast.

This dog lover prides himself on being prepared for every part of his day, even if that day entails looking up a wild berry or two. From day to night, Bruno has no trouble transitioning from nightlife to wildlife.  Not many people in Phuket would be caught toting around a Comprehensive Guide to Wilderness and Travel Medicine, but Bruno says being ready for anything is the name of the game.  “Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!”  As a longtime camping and hiking devotee, he admits that he would love more time between work and a busy social life to hit the trails.  With his newly appointed sidekick Mia, a half chiwawa, half pug puppy, he’s still got to expect the unexpected.  Bruno’s secret to a happy K9 is always carrying a small dog bone in his bag. Never knowing where his path will lead him encourages him to be equipped for anything.  A four-piece screwdriver set allows him to make small repairs on the go and he’s even fastened a protective cap for the tools from a wine cork popped at his grandmother’s 75^th birthday bash.  Never one to miss a moment or memory, this life of the party doesn’t leave his beachside retreat without his mobile phone or Canon IXUS 130 point and shoot packed away in his Camelback.  Bruno’s always on the hunt for the newest scene, currently sporting stickers from one of Phuket Town’s newest bars, Jammin’. He’s definitely one to have by your side whether venturing out and about on the town or into the wild.  It is certain he will be ready for any twist or shake life happens to throw his way. 

The Health Nut:  Laura Chapman

Swim Instructor, Fitness Fanatic.

Whether she’s hitting the pavement for a 6:00 am run or swimming laps at sunset, this ball of energy never forgets to pack a smile.  When a workout demands a bit more than just a positive approach, Laura always has the essentials at her disposal.  The most important item in her workout bag is, without a doubt, a full bottle of water.  She boasts drinking close to three liters a day, never wanting to find herself too dehydrated during a workout.  Being the exercise enthusiast that she is, it’s surprising to hear that she has never belonged to a gym in her year and a half in Phuket. But don’t underestimate this one; in terms of calories burned, she’ll almost always top the charts. Her at home necessities include resistance bands and a jump rope to tone her already sculpted muscles and keep her heart rate up between sets.  She has devised personalized workouts and recently set out to conquer the P90X DVD series.  When swimming laps she sports her own cap and goggles, always slathers on the sunscreen and can’t forget her towel and a few toiletries for after she hits the showers. Laura says her motivation comes from wanting to feel fit and be in shape. “I just feel better about life when I know I’m healthy and active.”  This little miss sunshine’s mental drive could motivate the masses.  There’s no doubt her inspiration and positive lifestyle feed each other in her constant quest for the bright side.




  

What's in Your Bag?

It’s in the Bag

Whether you’re planning a day trip, gearing up for work or heading out for an evening, it’s crucial to be prepped and packed in Phuket. 

What you’re stowing away (or what you’re forgetting) in your tote can make or break your day. Are you all about the gadgets, the products, or the sentiments?  Maybe being overly prepared for life’s curve balls is more your mode.  Here’s a sneak peak at what the inhabitants of the island are packing and why…

The Treasure Hunter: Noah Lund Frydendahl,

CEO, Sakdidet Road, www.sakdidetroad.dk

While pining over jewelry designs or perusing markets for hot new accessory trends, this father to be is always ready to snap the perfect shot, slice open a package or jot down an important note.  This vintage leather satchel is just one of his amazing finds at the ever-popular Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok.  When I asked Noah if his pocketknife/bandana combo was a threat to all of Phuket, he chuckled—assuring me that he continuously finds, “a thousand ways to use a knife!”  The bandana is his trick to beating the heat and he keeps his map of the island close at hand.  But the most important item in this jet setter’s bag isn’t his Sony Nex-3 or his vintage Persol sunglasses also donned by the late James Dean.  His favorite item, hands down, is a pencil & pen set designed by Cross and given to him by his wife Sophie as a ‘morning present’—a Danish wedding tradition. 

The Gadget Guru: Amy Cordeau,

Travel Industry Insider

This walking workspace doesn’t dare leave home without a team of technology at her fingertips. Lacking hesitation she tells me that she couldn’t function without her Black Berry Bold 9700.  That, along with her eleven inch MacBook Air, she professes, “frees [her] up from the office,” allowing her to work at home, go on holiday and mold her own schedule.  Amy admits with a laugh that she never thought she’d be writing emails from her mobile phone, but now frequently finds herself doing just that. “I can’t believe I wrote that whole thing with my thumbs,” she jokingly tells me of her recent business correspondence. The Aldo bag was bought solely with her appliances in mind.  It boasts seven outside zipped pockets for all her chargers and cords and is large enough to take her through her whole day. But in spite of her professional temperament this fashionista isn’t all business. She insists that she can’t part with her iPod Touch, which is always plugged in when she’s cruising to meetings in her Mazda 3 Sport or soaking up the sun in her Marc Jacobs shades.  Whatever her day demands, this island urbanite can count on her bag to be “very, very functional,” and never lack a fashion forward approach.