What to Wear in Myanmar: 4 Must-Have Items

August 28, 2014

Myanmar was one of the gambles on my trip around Southeast and Mainland Asia. Being so newly opened to tourism, I hadn’t heard a lot about backpacking there, and really wasn’t sure what to expect — or what to wear in Myanmar. But my boyfriend and I felt that it wasn’t an experience to be missed.

And I am infinitely thankful that we visited—it was one of my favorite countries we went to. It is a stunningly beautiful, incredibly friendly country to visit. That said I visited in March, where temperatures would get above 45 Celsius plus humidity. It was hot.

Though as a woman, your knees/legs should always be covered, and shoulders should be covered as well, to try and minimize the stares from locals.

Burmese people are also incredibly modest—meaning you need to cover up. Knees, shoulders, and chest absolutely need to be covered when visiting spiritual sights and in-use payas. Though as a woman, your knees/legs should always be covered, and shoulders should be covered as well, to try and minimize the stares from locals.

What to Wear in Myanmar: 4 Must-Have Items

The list of clothing I wore while in Myanmar goes like this: temple pants purchased in Laos (light, cotton and loose), merino wool t-shirts, a scarf, and a longyi.

The last two items were absolute lifesavers while in Myanmar. First, a light scarf is an amazing little tool to have in your bag—you can use it to cover your shoulders and chest when entering spiritual sites, or just to cover up if you feel like you need a little extra layer. I know a few times I was dressed appropriately with a T-Shirt with a small v-neck (no cleavage showing!) and I still felt that I should cover up with my scarf.

The locals were absolutely thrilled to see tourists wearing them, and we had many great conversations with locals who would ask how we liked wearing the longyis.

A longyi is a traditional piece of clothing worn by locals in Myanmar. There are two versions, one being a long tube of fabric that is worn like a skirt and tied in the front, and one similar to an apron/wrap skirt that wraps around the waist and is tied behind you. Both versions cover your legs to the ground, are typically made of nice light fabric, and are worn by everyone in Myanmar.

Both my boyfriend and I bought a longyi to wear, and it was a fabulous piece of clothing to have—as well as a great souvenir! The locals were absolutely thrilled to see tourists wearing them, and we had many great conversations with locals who would ask how we liked wearing the longyis.

Myanmar was definitely a highlight of my trip, and I would recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Though make sure to check the weather ahead of time, and when choosing what to wear in Myanmar, be prepared with loose, light clothing to wear.