By Aaron Kok – published
Ask anyone where to shop in Bangkok and they’ll likely name the same few locations: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Platinum Mall, Siam Paragon and CentralwOrld. But beyond these touristy shopping destinations, Thailand has many homegrown fashion labels that look to present their unique sense of creativity and self to the world.
There are the whimsical designs from Blackdog, the tropical-inspired menswear from Leisure Projects, and the colour-saturated and saccharine pieces from TandT, to name a few. These and more Thai fashion labels showcase the lively and creative fashion scene to expect from Bangkok, and how it’s shaping up to become a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to cop a few pieces from buzzy, emerging Asian designers.
Below, check out the Thai fashion labels you should pay a visit to next time you travel to Bangkok, with added insider tips from Bangkok-based Patraporn Bunnag, influencer and owner of local brand, Plain Jayne.
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1. TandT
Photo: Courtesy of TandT
Designed by Thanawut Thanasarnvimon, TandT has been garnering plenty of buzz amongst fashion insiders, thanks to its unique aesthetic that takes on girlish fashion and adds a rebellious twist to it. Expect everything from poufy tulle skirts worn with sporty anorak tops, bloomer shorts and cartoonish tees styled with organza tailoring, and plenty of other surprising and special details.
2. Stolen Studios
The house brand of multi-label store Stolen Stores, Stolen Studios is a must-see for shoppers looking for It girl-approved separates. The brand counts Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande and many other celebs as part of its clientele list, and it’s not hard to see why, given its romance-with-an-edge vibe. Dressy bustier tops with exaggeratedly draped bows and wildly ruffled halterneck skirts make for perfect wardrobe additions, and they even have a series of bridal-ready outfits for the bride who’s not afraid of a fashion risk.
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3. Kloset
This is dopamine dressing at its best. Known for its unapologetic approach to creating whimsical and quirky ready-to-wear clothing, Kloset offers plenty of smile-inducing fashion for anyone who steps into the space. Since opening in 2001, the Thai brand that’s designed by Mollika “Kam” Ruangkritya champions bright prints and eccentric detailing as its signature aesthetic. Look out for elevated daywear including acid-coloured tops, playful minidresses and boxer-style shorts.
4. FLYNOW
A stalwart in the Bangkok fashion scene, FLYNOW has been serving up stellar womenswear since 1983. The pieces here veer on the dressier side of things: think full-length dresses, showstopping ball skirts and sensually draped gowns. The brand seems to love architectural silhouettes, with everything from structured panier skirts and reworked crinolines making repeated appearances throughout the label’s many collections.
5. Hide
“Located in Ari, HIDE is a multi-label store retailing many famous edgy, unique and affordable unisex fashion brands. These include Virgin X, I Am Water and their very own in-house brand, H . BY H I D E. The store is owned by a friendly couple, Tao and Fang, and I love how they present the clothes in their store as if they were from their own collection. The charm of the atmosphere, the well-curated garments and the owners’ warmth will make you stay longer beyond your shopping trip,” shares Bunnag.
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6. Blackdog
Having been around for almost a decade, Blackdog continues to surprise with its unexpected take on fashion. Designs are quirky and unabashedly colourful, and the designers often explore new proportions and interesting pattern mixes to create entirely new propositions. From knitted vegetable tops to frilly gowns that bank big on camp, you’ll never know what you might find at Blackdog.
7. Blulagoon
Bunnag shares, “Blulagoon can be found on the second floor of Lido Connect in Siam Square. This cute little joint believes in slow fashion and creating a loving community for the environment. You can easily identify the storefront from its vibrant blue facade and once you go inside, you’ll feel like you’re in a small beachside souvenir shop with sounds of the ocean. Blulagoon carries swimwear brands like The Apple Buns, which makes swimsuits from recycled fabric, and Try by Yorata. There are also lifestyle brands such as Notep Store and Issarapap. With too many handmade accessories, vintage clothing pieces and cute knitted tops to count, do make sure to make a stop here before your next beach getaway.”
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8. Landmee
If the words “over the top” and “girly pop” best describe your style, then this is a must-see brand. Landmee’s designs go big on the camp and kitsch, but they do it in a way that’s fun and still completely tasteful. Expect things like frilly maxis, lace blouses, embroidered bra tops and jeans with heart-shaped cut-outs as you peruse their pieces.
9. Mitr
Mitr is best known for its resortwear and for its use of organic cotton and flattering cuts. Shoppers will also love how the brand is game to mix and match different feminine details with bold patterns to create unique, eyecatching pieces. Mitr has also launched an upcycling project Kalyana By Mitr, transforming fabric waste from the main brand into fun crafts.
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10. Lick and Promise
Those looking for sustainable fashion can look to Lick and Promise, which uses selected deadstock cotton. “It’s a fun, outgoing brand perfect for dinner parties, and rest assured you’ll manage to stand out in their eccentric pieces,” adds Bunnag.
11. Leisure Projects
It’s not just the girls that get to have fun, because Bangkok has a few menswear gems to offer. One of them is Leisure Projects, and the vibe here is “city boy goes to the beach”. There are definitely obvious tropical influences (see: crochet tops, ’90s-inspired boardshorts, tie-dye tank tops and so on), but they are done in a way that’s interesting and unexpected. For example, a suit gets a coastal refresh with seashells embroidered, whilst camp-collared shirts and wide-legged trousers all come in flashy beachwear-inspired patterns.
12. Pennyy Pincher
Another recommendation from Bunnag is Pennyy Pincher, “A womenswear brand that creates a sense of artistic femininity with minimal silhouettes. They experiment with male and female silhouettes to produce an inspiring and harmonious collection. I love matching their pieces with oversized jeans and a belt for a bold semi-formal look.”
13. Sretsis
Girls who are on the hunt for special, dressier pieces, take note of Sretsis. Known for their youthful and trendy designs, expect plenty of pastel hues, romantic details and hand-applied embroidery. Dresses are the brand’s specialty here, with swingy mini frocks topped with giant poppy flowers, or midi-length numbers in frothy layers of lace and silk.
14. VirginX
According to Bunnag, “For a well-curated selection of chic formal wear, look no further than VirginX. The brand has successfully influenced Thai women to style more blazers and work pants into their daily outfits. Even BLACKPINK’s Lisa has worn their Bronze pants. The quality is also exceptional for a ready-to-wear brand.”
15. Plain Jayne
Last but certainly not least, Plain Jayne was created by Patraporn Bunnag, who says that “contrary to popular belief, the name doesn’t come from from the famous A$AP Ferg song”. Instead, Bunnag tells us that the goal of the brand “is to represent every woman, and we believe that all of us are plain Jaynes at heart, cut from the same cloth, treading down our own individual paths. As a result, we try to subvert stereotypes by encouraging women to be more comfortable in their skin. We customise certain products with our tailors so that you’re able to get quality, neat clothing that complements your body whatever size you may be.”
Here, easy everyday separates reign supreme. Heat-busting camisole tops, loose blouses and cute shorts are all on hand to shod customers who are looking for easy, off-duty ‘fits that aren’t sloppy either. Our favourite? The signature boyfriend-fit shirts that can be dressed up or down with ease.
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