Chakkri
One of the most famous and commonly worn traditional dresses of Thailand, Chakkri is considered elegant and formal attire. It consists of a long tube skirt with two front pleats. Sabai, the upper garment, wraps around the upper body and trails to the ground. A top made of silk is further worn underneath the Sabai. Women often accessorise it with gold jewellery to make it look grander.
Suea Phraratchathan
For men, the traditional dress of Thailand is called Suea Phraratchathan (“royalty-bestowed shirt”). It is a button-up shirt, with an extended collar, long sleeves and a sash for formal occasions. The Pakama, a large rectangular piece of fabric, is often worn by men by wrapping around the waist. The shirt worn by men is very similar to the raj pattern jacket, which itself takes inspiration from the Nehru jacket.
Siwalai
Another popular traditional costume for women is Siwalai, Mainly worn during royal functions and formal events, Siwalai is a one-piece garment made by stitching two pieces together. It has a long tube skirt with pleats at the front and a button up blouse with elbow-length sleeves sewn together. A Sabai over the part completes the look and gives it an elegant and chic vibe.
Chitlada
Fit for daytime ceremonies, Chitlada comprises of a long Sinh (sarong), worn with a blouse with five buttons at the front. The brocade embroidery at the hem of the sarong adds on to the beauty of the dress. This is one of the traditional dresses of Thailand is worn by women for more formal or official events. Compared to the more elaborate Siwalai or Chakkri, the Chitlada is slightly simpler but still symbolizes formality and respect.