Buying business suits, shirts, pants, ties and skirts is something many tourists do on a vacation in Bangkok, Thailand.
Professional business clothing is much cheaper in Bangkok than in the west, and with top quality clothing plus the ability to have a suit, shirts, skirts, pants and even ties made-to-measure for a cheap price, it is no wonder so many tourists love buying business clothing in Thailand.
If you are coming to Bangkok on business or pleasure and want to buy business clothing, don’t miss these best shopping venues.
Bangkok Tailors – There are tailors in every area of Bangkok, thousands of them, most making made-to-measure business attire. With starting prices at 5,000 baht for a made-to-measure custom suit (dress jacket and pants or, for women, skirt) you can’t afford to miss shopping here.
Most tailors in Bangkok can have a fully made-to-measure suit, with custom tailored shirts and ties, finished within 48-72 hours.
On your first visit to the tailor, you will be measured and your suit begun to be made. A second visit the day after can be made for an initial fitting, with another fitting, alterations if needed, and then pick-up of the completely finished items on the third day.
Many tailors also make tailored shirts for as little as 700 baht.
Look for tailors that are away from the tourist areas in one of the many small sois in Bangkok, as skills are often the same but prices are cheaper.
Central Department Stores – Although Central department stores carry predominantly imported business clothing, they also have excellent sales (look out for their frequent Midnight Sales).
That is why buying business clothing at Central can be inexpensive if you get there during the sales and, with sales every month, you can find great deals.
Check out Central Chidlom (next to Chidlom sky train station), Central Ladprao (next to Pahonyothin underground station) and Central World Plaza (next to Chidlom and near Siam sky train stations).
Mahboonkrong (MBK) Mall – There are several excellent men’s and women’s business clothing stores at MBK Mall. MBK also sells inexpensive clothing and accessories and, with seven floors, has a huge choice of items.
You will find business suits, jackets, pants, shirts and ties and, don’t miss looking in the Thai handicraft sections on the top floor, as many sellers there sell gorgeous Thai silk ties for as low as $5.
Related: How to get to MBK, and what to buy when you get there
If you are still looking for a tailor, you will also find several tailor shops here. They may be slightly more expensive than tailors with shops that are not in a Bangkok mall but, as MBK is cheap, you can still buy a made-to-measure suit here for a much lower price than in the west.
Jim Thompson House – If you are looking for top-quality ties, you must shop at Jim Thompson House. With several branches in Bangkok, this is the top silk store in Thailand and one of the best in the world.
Their silk ties are gorgeous, many of them are hand-painted and, even with prices of $70 and up, they are still a fraction of the price you would pay for a similar high-quality silk tie in the west.
Pratunam Market – Pratunam is an outdoor market, near Central World Plaza in Bangkok.
Slightly more difficult to find — ask your hotel, or a Thai friend to give you precise directions, or take a taxi — Pratunam has some of the best business clothing in the city, and at unbelievable prices.
Related: Where to shop in the Pratunam area of Bangkok to get the best deals
The more you buy, the cheaper each piece becomes, with skirts and pants being as cheap as 150 baht if you bargain well.
Much of what is sold at Pratunam is also made for overseas markets so, at this wholesale market, you will see business jackets, pants, shirts and ties for less than 10% of what you would pay when they are eventually sold in the west.
For business attire of any kind, you cannot beat buying it in Bangkok. For a few hundred dollars, you can come away with enough clothing (much of it custom made) that you won’t wear the same outfit twice your first week back at work.