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Trying to figure out what to wear for your adoption travel wardrobe is going to apply to such a small number of our readers, so I hesitate to even post it. If I’m honest though, this is one area where I worried waaaay too much and if I can help make someone else’s trip a little less worrisome, than it is worth doing.
I spent entirely too much time thinking about what to wear on this trip! I wanted to be culturally appropriate for Thailand, but still be comfortable in such heavy heat and humidity. There was so much buzz around things that you should or shouldn’t be wearing and it had me more than a little stressed. So here it goes… a few ideas of what to pack for your Thailand adoption travel wardrobe.
What do I pack for normal days?
I lived in skirts, casual dresses, and a pair of linen pants. I packed a lot, but really don’t regret having the options, especially with the humidity. Just having plenty of clean clothing to choose from was wonderful. I took a couple of pair of shorts, but didn’t get as much use out of them as I thought I would (not normally a shorts wearer though).
What do I wear for the DSDW meeting?
I felt so much pressure going in to this day to look appropriate, but it was really not a big deal. My husband wore a pair of dress pants, a button up shirt, and dress shoes. I wore a long skirt, closed toe dress shoes, and a dressy wrap shirt with cap sleeves. We saw some families there in suits and more formal dresses, but it wasn’t needed. I think I would have been fine in a skirt that was just past the knees.
What do I wear to the US Embassy appointment?
We went business casual and were fine. They really weren’t picky, but it seemed appropriate to be dressed for a business setting.
What about the foster family visit?
I wore linen pants with a nice shirt and was very comfortable. I didn’t want to be wearing a skirt in case they had us sit on the floor, but they actually offered us their couch and they sat on the floor.
And swimming?
Wear whatever you feel like. It seems like Thai people rarely swim, but when they do, they wear regular clothes. If you are at a hotel, whatever you would wear at home is fine. I took a two piece along with a tankini for more coverage when I was with my kids and didn’t feel out of place at all.
A brief mention on the unmentionables…
Underpants (said like Corey Matthews from “Boy Meets World”) – If you are with our adoption agency and have read their guidebook, it says to take like 6 pair? Honestly?! There were days that I went through 3 pair just because how humid it was outside and we traveled during the cool season. So if you are wanting to do laundry every other day, then sure, take 6 pair. I took at least 12 pair and still wondered where it all went at the end of the week.
What do I wear sightseeing & visiting temples?
When you are in temples, the general rule for modesty is to have your shoulders, feet, and knees covered (I think). That is what I went for at least. What I saw was an entirely different story. There were flip flops, short shorts, and the scrawniest excuses for shirts that I’ve ever seen. If you are underdressed, they have wraps and pants that you can wear (not all that flattering). There are the most strict with the dress code at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
What about comfortable shoes?
We lived in flip flops the majority of the time we were there. I also took two pair of casual flats (love to wear with skirts, dresses, and capris), and then the obligatory closed toe dress shoes (also flats) for the DSDW meeting.
How do I stay cool?
Cotton is of the devil, but is what our agency suggested in their guidebook. In our experience, we loved all things synthetic, especially moisture wicking clothes. You will literally have sweat pouring down your body, so whatever you can do to make yourself the most comfortable, go for it. For me, the answer was in darker clothing (so you couldn’t see the sweat in photos), and light weight dresses. I also loved linen pants that were super breathable, culturally appropriate, and allowed me to be in mom-mode with ease.
Do I need to pack clothes for my adopted child?
I know you can get clothes for your kids while you are in Thailand, but I packed 5 or 6 outfits for our kids and was thankful I did. Shopping for cute girls clothes seemed to be a lot easier than boys. Everything is super colorful and cartoon-y, and we like kids clothes that are more of a miniature version of adult clothes we would wear, so our options in Thailand were limited – especially at the Big C shopping day. They aren’t nearly as strict with kids clothes or shoes for official appointments or at temples, so no worries there.
Do I need to pack diapers?
We learned the hard way that not all diapers are created equal. Being newbie parents, we had more than our fair share of accidents that could have been avoided had the proper diaper been used. Be sure to bring swim diapers with you if you are going to be hanging out by the pool with your kiddo. You don’t need to worry about packing regular diapers for your kids. Your social worker will bring some with them when they come to meet you for the first time and then you can get more on the shopping day. I also packed night time diapers and was happy to have them. Plus, those are items you won’t be returning home with, so there’s more room in your suitcase for souvenirs on the way back.
If you aren’t adopting and just read that, feel free to pass it along to someone you know who is or file it away in useless information you now know. 🙂 If you are adopting, I hope having a few ideas on what to include in your Thailand adoption travel wardrobe will help ease your mind and make one less thing you need to think about going into your trip. Be sure to check out our packing list, travel tips, and adoption budget spreadsheet as well!
Thailand adoptive mamas – What are the outfit staples you couldn’t live without? Feel free to comment and encourage other adoptive families on their journey!
