Traditional Thai Clothing in the Inner Court

The standard attire of Thai women's clothing in the Rattanakosin Era

The Traditional Clothing Model of Thai Women in the Rattanakosin Era (1853/1910) by The National Archives of ThailandThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Inner Court Style: A Reflection of Tradition

The Inner Court's dress code, a reflection of Thai tradition, has been a model for women's fashion in the Rattanakosin Era. This style, rooted in Ayutthaya customs, emphasizes a sense of continuity and cultural identity.

Her Royal Clothing of a High-Ranking Lady in the Reign of King Rama the Fourth (1804/1867) by The National Archives of ThailandThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Royal Clothing of High-Ranking Lady in King Rama IV Reign

The clothing of the women in the Inner Court during the reign of King Rama I - IV. There were strict regulations according to royal ranks and titles which specified the types of fabrics, patterns, and other accessories clearly.

The Replica of Women's Clothing in the Inner Court during the Reign of King Rama I - IV (2024-02-29) by Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Replica of Women's Clothing in King Rama IV Reign

According to the clothing of high-ranking women, they preferred a long-sleeved blouse with a shawl-like garment with one shoulder uncovered or the shawl-like garment. There were two ways of wearing a long skirt; Nung Jeeb and Nung Jong.

The Inner Court High-Ranking Officials in the Reign of King Rama v (1867/1910) by The National Archives of ThailandThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Royal Clothing of High-Ranking Lady in King Rama V Reign

According to the clothing of women in the Inner Court in the reign of King Rama V, the clothing rules among high-ranking officials, government officials and common people were not strict anymore. The arrivals of western cultures caused the greater combination. 

The Replica of Women's Clothing in the Inner Court in the Reign of King Rama V. (2024-02-29) by Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Replica of Women's Clothing in King Rama V Reign

The blouse was preferred in the high-neck Western-style with puffed sleeves. Dressing the top body, pleating the shawl-like garment, wrapping tightly around a body and making a tie into a bow at the back. At normal time, they wore Nung Jong. 

The Royal Clothing of High-Ranking Women in the Reign of King Rama VI (1910/1925) by The National Archives of ThailandThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Royal Clothing of High-Ranking Lady in King Rama VI Reign

The clothing of the women in the Inner Court in the reign of King Rama VI were adapted from high-ranking Western women's clothing to fit the Thai lifestyle. They were to wear a sarong and had long hair.

The Replica of Women's Clothing of King Rama VI (2024-02-29) by Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Replica of Women's Clothing in King Rama VI Reign

The blouse typically featured a round or a wide top with a loose style and the length to a hip. Sometimes, they wore a lace gown or transparent fabric to cover another layer. A long skirt was made from a wide piece of fabric called “Sin” or Sarong. 

The High-Ranking Officials in the Reign of King Rama VII. (1925/1935) by The National Archives of ThailandThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Royal Clothing of High-Ranking Lady in King Rama VII Reign

The clothing of the women in the Inner Court in the reign of King Rama VII was more like western women. It was influenced by companionship and education. It was great opportunity for the women to participate more in society.

The Replica of Women's Clothing in the Inner Court in the Reign of King Rama VII. (2024-02-29) by Suan Sunandha Rajabhat UniversityThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

The Replica of Women's Clothing in King Rama VII Reign

The blouse typically featured a loose-fitting, straight-cut top with a long or short sleeve. There was more preference for wearing a long skirt like Westerners.

Thai cultural mandates (1935/1946) by The National Archives of ThailandThe Office of Arts and Culture, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University

Thai cultural mandates

After the Political Change in 1932, the government at that time played a significant role in Thai society, including the clothing related to the new regime. Additionally, the arrival of foreign media impacted Thai women's fashion trends.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

Interested in Fashion?

Get updates with your personalized Culture Weekly

You are all set!

Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.

Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites