What to Wear for a Photoshoot in Thailand
What to wear for a photoshoot in Thailand: colours that work with turquoise water, the flying dress, temple dress code, humidity-proof make-up and footwear.
Short answer: for a beach photoshoot in Thailand, wear light, solid colours — white, cream, sand, pastel pink, soft yellow, or a strong red or coral that contrasts with turquoise water — in flowing, breathable fabrics such as linen, cotton or chiffon. Avoid small busy prints, logos, neon and anything that matches the sea (turquoise, aqua). For temples, cover shoulders and knees, and expect to take your shoes off before entering a hall. Go barefoot on the sand, bring blotting papers rather than more powder, and plan for 30 °C and high humidity even at sunset.
What colours look best on a Thai beach?
The background does most of the work in Thailand: white sand, turquoise or emerald water, green jungle and grey limestone. Your clothes should either sit softly against it or stand out from it — never compete with it.
| Colour | On the beach | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White and ivory | Excellent | Classic, clean, works for couples and families; choose a non-sheer fabric |
| Cream, sand, beige | Excellent | Soft and timeless, especially at sunset |
| Pastel pink, peach, lilac | Very good | Pretty against turquoise; flattering on most skin tones |
| Red, coral, terracotta | Very good | The strongest contrast with blue-green water — great for a single person or a flying dress |
| Soft yellow, mustard | Good | Glows at golden hour |
| Navy, emerald | Good in cities | Can disappear against the sea; better in Bangkok or Chiang Mai |
| Turquoise, aqua, light blue | Avoid at the sea | Blends into the water |
| Black | Avoid on the beach | Hot, heavy and loses detail in bright sun |
| Neon, logos, small busy prints | Avoid | Distract and date quickly; can cause a moiré effect on camera |
How should couples and families coordinate?
Coordinate, do not match. Pick a palette of two or three colours that sit together — white, sand and sage, for example — and let each person wear a different combination. Identical white shirts and blue jeans read as a uniform; the eye looks for shape and movement instead of people.
- Couples: one person in a light colour, the other in a neutral or slightly darker tone. A dress with movement next to a linen shirt is the most reliable combination.
- Families: dress the adults first, then pick children's clothes from the same palette. Avoid characters and slogans on kids' T-shirts.
- Honeymoon and vow renewal: a wedding dress or suit on the beach photographs beautifully; a lighter, shorter dress is easier to move in. Add 30 minutes to our honeymoon photoshoot and there is time for an outfit change.
What is a flying dress, and do I need to bring one?
A flying dress is a very long, light dress — often with a train of several metres — that an assistant throws into the wind so it streams behind you. It is the signature photo of Phuket and Krabi. You do not need to bring one: the flying dress photoshoot includes the dress in your size and a colour chosen in advance, plus an assistant. If you are booking another session, the + Flying dress rental add-on costs $59.
Best colours for a flying dress are red, white, pink, coral and soft yellow; avoid blue at the sea. Wear nude seamless underwear and skip the jewellery — the dress is the statement.
What should I wear to a temple photoshoot?
Thai temples have a dress code, and it applies to photoshoots too.
- Cover your shoulders and knees. No vests, tank tops, crop tops or short shorts. A sarong over shorts is accepted at many temples; some rent or lend wraps at the entrance.
- Take your shoes off before entering any building with a Buddha image. Wear sandals you can slip off quickly.
- Avoid see-through fabrics and very tight clothing.
- Do not point your feet at a Buddha image, sit on or lean against statues or chedis, or pose with your back very close to a sacred image.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok are the strictest; long trousers or a long skirt are the safe choice there. For a temple shoot with a difference, consider a Thai traditional costume photoshoot, where the costume studio dresses you.
What make-up works in heat and humidity?
At sunset in Phuket it is still about 28–30 °C, often with humidity over 70%. Make-up that lasts in an office slides off on a beach.
- Skin first: a light, oil-free moisturiser and SPF, then a primer. Skip heavy foundation — a tinted base or concealer only where needed photographs better.
- Waterproof mascara and eyeliner; a long-wear lip colour.
- Blotting papers, not powder. Powder layered over sweat cakes; blotting removes shine without adding texture.
- Hair: wind is constant by the sea. Loose waves and low buns survive better than straightened hair, which frizzes in humidity within minutes.
If you would rather not think about it, the + Hair and make-up add-on ($89) sends a make-up artist to your hotel with humidity-proof products.
What shoes should I wear?
On the beach, go barefoot — shoes in sand look awkward and sink. Bring flat sandals for the walk to the spot; rocky beaches and viewpoints such as Phuket's Promthep Cape or Krabi's cliffs need something with grip. For temples, slip-on sandals. In Bangkok or Chiang Mai old town, comfortable flats or clean white trainers.
Outfit ideas by location
| Location | Outfit idea | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| White-sand beach, Phuket or Krabi | Long white or coral dress; linen shirt with rolled sleeves | Denim, black, heavy fabrics |
| Limestone cliffs, Railay or Phang Nga | Red, yellow or white for contrast with grey rock | Grey, khaki |
| Yacht or longtail boat | Swimwear plus a sheer cover-up or a flowing shirt; flat sandals | Heels, long trains on deck |
| Bangkok rooftop at blue hour | Evening dress or slip dress; dark suit or smart shirt | Beachwear |
| Bangkok or Chiang Mai temples | Long skirt or wide trousers, sleeved blouse in pastel | Shorts, vests, see-through |
| Chiang Mai rice fields and mountains | Earthy tones, cream, mustard; hat | Turquoise and neon |
| Sunrise family session | Matching palette, soft cotton, children barefoot | Characters and slogans |
Quick packing checklist
- Two outfits: one light and flowing, one in a contrasting colour
- Flat sandals, plus slip-ons for temples
- A sarong or scarf to cover shoulders
- Blotting papers, waterproof mascara, SPF
- Hair ties, a small brush, a bottle of water
Not sure what to bring? Tell us your outfits when you book and the photographer will suggest which works best for the location. Shooting in Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui or Bangkok? See the prices for every session.
Frequently asked questions
- What colour should I wear for a beach photoshoot in Thailand?
- Light solid colours — white, cream, sand, pastel pink — or a strong red or coral for contrast with turquoise water. Avoid turquoise and light blue, which blend into the sea, and black, which loses detail in bright sun.
- Do I need to cover up for a temple photoshoot in Thailand?
- Yes. Shoulders and knees must be covered, see-through clothing is not accepted, and shoes come off before entering a building with a Buddha image. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the strictest; long trousers or a long skirt are the safe choice.
- Do I need to bring my own flying dress?
- No. The flying dress photoshoot includes a dress in your size and colour plus an assistant to throw it. For other sessions, the flying dress rental add-on costs $59.
- How do I stop make-up melting in Thai humidity?
- Use an oil-free base and primer, waterproof mascara and long-wear lip colour, and carry blotting papers instead of adding powder. Book a sunrise or sunset slot, when it is a few degrees cooler.
- Should I wear shoes on the beach for photos?
- No — go barefoot on the sand. Bring flat sandals for the walk to the spot and for rocky viewpoints, and slip-on sandals for temples.