Shorts?

[PackMule]

We are planning a "look-see" trip to Singapore this summer. One of the guide books I read said that shorts are frowned upon and simply not worn by anyone but children. Any truth to this? What is appropriate attire there for 30-somethings and children? We will be looking at homes, checking out local grocery stores, trying out the MRT, etc. - trying to get a feel for what life might be like for us there. We'll be traveling with children, so I don't expect we'll be eating anyplace too fancy. If we have time, we'll take in a tourist activity or two.

I appreciate your input. I don't want to be tacky!

[kel]

People wear shorts and bermudas here all the time.

Yes, even tacky hawaiin shirts.

Flip flops, spaghetti strap tops, sleeveless tops, t shirts, sandals, etc are all very very acceptable casual wear here.


What guidebook are you reading? Singapore doesn't have any dress restriction (apart from nudity, of course) that you find on other neighbouring Muslim country.

Visit www.sg for everything you need to know about Singapore.

[Strong Eagle]

Must be an old guide book. Shorts are quite acceptable in most casual environments. Now, I'm not talking about your "show the equipment" running shorts or torn denims, I'm talking about a decent pair of walking or golf shorts.

Like anywhere else, it depends where you go. Orchard Rd is wide open... you'll find every kind of dress there. If you are going to visit religious establishments you probably might want to dress for a more conservative environment. You'll want long pants for evening wear or for more formal restaurants and activities... just like everywhere else.

[dot dot dot]

Hmm.... If you'd be looking at houses and estates, you'd be doing quite a fair bit of walking around.

In long pants, that will surely make you feel extremely hot and perspire like crazy, which at the end of the day may be the reason for people near your to frown upon you, for sweaty armpits and face that is
(by the way, even in shorts, this climate is challenging).

99% of all people here wear shorts whenever possible.

As long as your clothes are not teared, no one will bother frowning upon you for your dressing style, don't worry.

Eric

[beenhere10years]

Unfortunately Singapore has swung too far the other way. People attend the symphony in shorts and t-shirts, go to the grocery store in night gowns, and no kidding -- an adult had his first holy communion with my daughter's class wearing khaki shorts and a Mambo t-shirt depicting two dogs fornicating. One piece of advice: when you go house/apartment hunting wear shoes that slip on and off, you will have to take them off before entering each and every one.

[PackMule]

Whew! Glad to hear it! The book I read didn't say that people were restricted from wearing shorts but that you would essentially be very out of the norm if you wore them.

I'll pack shorts, capris and slip-on shoes for the visit. Thanks again for the advice!

[chelwin]

Do check out this site to have a better pic for you about Singapore.

http://www.visitsingapore.com
http://www.visitsingapore.com/sections/ ... 69,00.html

Cheers
Chelsia
Singaporean

[every day]

I wear shorts just about every day, everywhere I go. The only time I put on long pants is if I am going somewhere more formal like church or out for an evening - dining, etc. Lots of people wear shorts here all the time. I'm always amazed at the people I see in jeans and long sleeved shirts or sweaters walking around......are they nuts???? It's HOT here.

One thing to consider is shoes for males -- we've been places (in the evenings) where my husband wasn't allowed in because he was wearing sandals --- not flip-flops, mind you, but nice, leather sandals. Shorts were ok but not sandals for men (I was wearing sandals too, but apparently women can....). Generally it's no problem though - even for men in sandals - lol.

Oh, and men can't even walk into the lobby of Raffles Hotel unless they are wearing long pants -- no shorts allowed. (Not sure about women there)