Clothes Shopping in Phuket

Fashion boutiques are found in every shopping mall. Prices are usually much less than in the west, especially for designer labels. Keep an eye out for sales which occur quite frequently in department stores. Sales can often make what are already comparatively cheap items 10% – 50% cheaper. You could arrive in Phuket with an empty suitcase and go back with a new wardrobe.

Clothing such as T-shirts and beachwear are available at very low prices from street vendors. Most of these are fakes, though there are local designs and prints available as well. Make sure you inspect them carefully though as quality can vary considerably, and haggle the price down. Prices for t-shirts should be around 150 baht.

Custom tailoring is also very affordable and most styles can be made in just a few days. One thing to bear in mind is that it takes more than 24 hours to make a good suit, whatever the tailor might tell you.

Cotton & Batik

Thai cottons have become increasingly popular and is very cheap. Cotton woven by hill-tribes in the north of Thailand display bold designs and often lavish embroidery. Colourful batik items, such as shirts and sarongs, can be found all over the island, especially in the beach areas.

Silk

Probably the most famous of all Thai products, silk is available in a range of colours, patterns and plys, and is sold by the yard, or as ready-made clothing, handbags, curtains, bedding and souvenir items.