What to pack for Singapore?

June 26, 2021 12:50 PM

I’m dreaming of a trip to Singapore when travel is permitted. I’m not a petite gal, and know that shopping when I get there is probably out of the question. I love to plan and be prepared! What should my capsule wardrobe include for my trip to Singapore? North American size 14/16 and almost 6’0” tall (180cm). Size 12 feet.
posted by Juniper Toast to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

Can confirm that shopping for the less petite in Singapore is not a great option (source: shorter but bigger than you, and the airline lost my bag on my first trip to Singapore).

I usually do a lot of walking when I visit Singapore, so I usually pack at least one pair of very comfortable sandals. Singapore is relatively casual compared to other locations, but my impression is that women tend not to wear very short or skimpy clothing, so I would advise t-shirts (sleeveless ok) but not strappy singlets, and shirts and skirts not much shorter than knee length. (Then again I am short and fat so this is eminently achievable for me, use your own judgement for what will keep you comfortable). I usually pack some loose flowy pants and skirts which I find comfortable when it's hot, because it will be hot and humid basically the whole time!

You mentioned a capsule wardrobe, and this is less relevant if you are travelling carry-on only, but here's a further note based on my own crummy first experience: think about the things that will ruin your holiday if you don't have them, and put them in your carry-on, because you might not be able to pop out and easily buy something you've lost or forgotten. For me this would be: a spare bra, my swimsuit, comfortable shoes* and spare underwear.

*(It rains a lot and sometimes suddenly in Singapore, a spare pair of shoes can keep you from squelching for the rest of your trip!)

Ahhh I'm looking forward to going back to Singapore when travel is more manageable! If you get there before I do, have a Tiger beer and a chai tow kway for me!
posted by Cheese Monster at 1:15 PM on June 26, 2021 [2 favorites]

I haven't been to Singapore in 20 years, however I'm sure this still applies: Despite it being hot and humid outside, Singapore's interior spaces are often quite cold from air conditioning. So, bring a light jacket.
posted by ShooBoo at 1:18 PM on June 26, 2021 [1 favorite]

Well, it’s wicked hot and humid. At most you’ll need something for the plane or the air con chill of a movie theatre. Otherwise, the lightest, most quick-drying clothes you own. Skirts are cooler than slacks. Walking sandals and an umbrella. Baby powder.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 1:18 PM on June 26, 2021

It's definitely hot and humid, but it'll also probably rain (or torrentially downpour) for an hour most afternoons, so comfy shoes that can handle the wet are essential, because it'll probably be hard to avoid. I'm a huge fan of those EVA Birkenstocks, or these specific knock-offs (conversely, cork-soled Birks will get ruined or at least look pretty beat up after a few weeks of rain in Singapore).

I'd suggest loose, quick-drying shirts (not cotton t-shirts); I have a bunch of these from Uniqlo and they look elegant and unwrinkled after 4+ wearings. (You can also always pick things up from Uniqlo in Singapore, but be forewarned that the sizes won't translate; I wear a men's M or women's L in the US, and in Singapore most women's XL things looked too small on me. Also, FYI that some Uniqlo fabrics, like the rayon or linen blends, ugly and wrinkly after 1-2 wearings, whereas these drapey shirts can be re-worn quite a bit.)
posted by knucklebones at 3:17 PM on June 26, 2021 [1 favorite]

If you’ve got anything pure silk or linen, bring that. I’ve spent a lot of time in hot and humid Asian climates and silk dresses were the most cool and comfortable items ever.
posted by Salamander at 7:30 PM on June 26, 2021 [1 favorite]

How long will you be there? Not for the trip itself, but given a few days I'd totally take advantage of reasonable tailoring and get some pieces run up while you're there!
posted by cyndigo at 5:31 PM on June 27, 2021

Like what others have said, it is very hot and humid all year round (36 deg Celsius and 90% humidity is normal). And depending on when you arrive, could be very wet as well. Natural, breathable fabrics are key to your comfort. It'll be a challenge to re-wear clothes if you've been out in them the whole day, so go for quick-dry and wrinkle-free materials while you're at it, if you expect to be doing your own laundry.

That said, indoor spaces like museums and malls are very aggressively airconditioned, so a light cardigan will come in handy.

Thanks to the weather, we are very much a dress-down city. Unless you're planning to be visiting ultra fancy restaurants, you can get by very easily with super casual outfits even in town and no one will care.

Pack a hat, sunglasses, umbrella and sunscreen.

Am female and live in Singapore, so happy to add more details if you like!
posted by hellopanda at 3:46 AM on June 28, 2021