Travel
most popular. Women wear slacks
or a irt in offi
any o
on
quality to express status and it is
noticed. Some organizations provide
non-professional employees with a
uniform that carries out the look
and culture of the corporation. Some
are going so far as providing “smart
casual” that are more comfortable,
yet maintain a professional image.
For Europe in general, as far as this
writer knows, there are no “casual
Fridays.” A dark-colored suit and tie
with a light shirt for men and a suit
or pantsuit for women are the norm.
Something less formal may be
viewed as not taking the meeting
or business seriously; or worse,
someone who has too little respect
for those being met to spend time
on dressing appropriately.
Bermuda is unique. During the 1920s,
o a
tart
ttin off a
at
the knees to stay cool in the summer.
Tailors quickly took note and started
making Bermuda shorts. They are
worn two to four inches above the
knee with knee-high socks, a sport
coat, shirt and tie. After six p.m.
and during the winter, long pants
are required. If you are calling on
a business, a light suit is suitable if
you do not have good Bermuda shorts.
The following quote is from Do’s and
Taboos Around The World:
“Where you can loosen up, it is best
to do it in the way the indigenes do.
In the Philippines, men wear the
barong – a large loose, frilly, usually
white or cream-colored shirt with
tails out, no jacket or tie. In tropical
Latin American countries, the
counterpart to the barong is called
a guayabera and, except for formal
occasions, is acceptable business
attire. In Indonesia, they wear batiks
– brightly patterned shirts that go
tieless and jacketless everywhere...
In Japan, dress is at least as formal
as in Europe (dark suit and tie for a
man, business suit or tailored dress
for a woman), except at country inns
(called ryokans), where even big-city
corporations sometimes hold
meetings. Here, you are expected
to wear a kimono, not to daytime
meetings but to dinner, no matter
how formal (Don’t worry – the inn
always provides the kimono).
“One thing you notice wherever you
go is that polyester is the mark of
the tourist. The less drip-dry you
are, the more you look as if you have
come to do serious business, even if
it means multiple dry-cleaning bills
along the way.”
In Thailand, you used to be able to
wear a Thai silk shirt. However, they
have westernized and now, men are
expected to wear suits with long
sleeve shirts and ties, and women
should wear suits. Due to the extreme
heat, it is common to take your jacket
off o t i an
t it on h n yo o
inside. Make sure your suit is pressed
and stick to natural fabrics; they will
be more comfortable in the heat.
A 100% cotton long-sleeve shirt
without a t-shirt underneath will help
keep you cooler. With your tie, stick
to subtle and not loud colors. Women,
wear nylons, even though hot; it
matters. Shoes should be polished and
nails manicured. Tattoos should be
covered and body piercing not visible,
except for one pair of earrings.
n th o th a i
th
in
suit takes on a lesser emphasis.
They are used for very important
situations, like court dates or formal
situations, but in general, dress is
more laid back. However, for
meetings, men still need khaki or
chinos paired with an aloha shirt.
Even though this is typical dress, if
you are more comfortable in a suit,
consider a linen or cotton one. They
breathe better in the warm weather.
For formal business dress for men in
Hawaii, wear a well-tailored suit
ith at ront r
a
hit
dress shirt and oxford shoes are
called for. During the day, a light
gray or tan suit works well.
Dressing for business in Arab
countries varies from one to another.
Some general rules: men will want
to wear suits, even though their
hosts may not. For women, things
get complicated. Arms and legs need
to be covered. However, in some
countries, women are also required
to cover their faces. Generally, this
is not enforced for Westerners, but
o verall, it will be a challenge. In many
of the stricter countries, they may
not be willing to meet with a woman.
Overall, what I encourage you to do,
is check online for the dress code in
the country where you are traveling.
Shoes can get you in trouble. They
are always noticed. In the East, they
are forbidden in mosques and
temples, as well as Japanese homes
or restaurants, unless the owner
t
yo it i n Th am i tr
for Indian or Indonesian homes.
If the owner goes shoeless, it is a
good idea for you to do the same
thin
h n yo o ta off yo r
shoes, be sure to place them
together neatly, facing the door
where you came in. This is most
important in Japan. In other parts
of the world, the cleanliness, shine
an r n o n h
or
ff to
matter and are noted. You don’t need
shoe polish with you at all times.
h n
a a i ht att n ant my
brother-in-law taught me how to
spit shine my shoes like he did in the
Navy--it works when all else fails.
Dressing for success does matter;
I urge you to take it seriously.
Please remember, these dress
guidelines are for business and not
leisure travel. I am always eager to
hear your suggestions or encounters.
Last month, I received an email on an
item I missed, which I posted in my
“letters to the editor” in our March
2015 issue.
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