A World of Fashion in Rattanakosin
Trade and international relations brought a wide range of clothing styles to the Rattanakosin era. This fusion of fashion reflected the kingdom's dynamic interactions with other cultures.
Clothing from Indian Culture
Indian-style clothing has been popular since the Ayutthaya era until the Rattanakosin era. It was imported and ordered to be produced from important ports. There were printed cotton or written patterns and golden thread woven silk for making upper-body cloths or long skirts.
The Replica of Patterned Clothing of Indian Culture
The clothing from India was designed the patterns by the Thai Royal Office and sent them to India for printing by wooden blocks. They were for the Kings or were given to royal family, noblemen according to their ranks. They could be worn as Nung Jong style and Jeeb Nana style.
The Replica clothing from Indian Culture
Phayok-style clothing from India was the high-technique weaving which required skills and expertise. Precious metals like gold or silver threads were woven into the fabric. In the early Rattanakosin era, this type of fabric was reserved for royal family.
Clothing from Chinese Culture
The clothing from China was one of the important imported products especially Chinese silk. There were various types of silk. It was found that there were orders for weaving silk and Phayok-style clothing as well.
The Replica of Chinese Silk Trousers
Chinese silk trousers were the popular casual clothing for the gentlemen during King Rama the Fifth to the Sixth. They would wear them with a Raj Pattern shirt or a round neck with short sleeves.
The Replica of Clothing; Ladies Wearing Chinese Silk Shawl
The Chinese silk shawl was the must-have clothing for ladies with shining, light and airing with beautiful colors. It was often used as the shawl matched with Nung Jong (fold the long skirt and hold up to be a pair of pants) in a daily life or worn as a shoulder wrap.
The Royal Clothing of High-Ranking Women in the Reign of King Rama V (1867/1910) by The National Archives of ThailandThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University
Clothing from Western Culture
Western-style clothing was the most popular during the reign of King Rama V. The imported clothing was lace, good-quality European fabric and sheer net fabric for tailoring western-style shirts known as ham-sleeved shirts or lace shirts matching with Jong Kraben.
The Replica of Raj Pattern Shirt
The Raj Pattern shirts were made in the reign of King Rama V. They were inspired by a western coat which was adapted to suit Thai climate. The shirt features a standing collar, long sleeves, and five buttons at vertical opening designed for noblemen to wear with Jong Kraben.
The Replica of Western Evening Dress
The evening dress was considered as a new costume for the ladies because the ladies had an opportunity to go out to associations openly. They emulated gentlemen in the reign of King Rama VI. They tailored the dresses for events which influenced by fashion from western media.
