Hilde van de Waal Relocations Manager at Easy Relocation, your one-stop shop for all your relocation needs from planning, moving, to living and experiencing Singapore, shares some insight in to what to wear in Singapore when doing business.
Singapore can get hot – really hot! Not only does it get hot, but it also gets humid too. This can make it tricky when working out the correct outfit for going to the office each day.
However as most of us expats are here in a professional working capacity, this does not give us an excuse to be sloppy when dressing for work – we just need to think a little more carefully about the fabrics and cuts of clothing which we choose.
Singapore is no different to anywhere else in the world – if you are in a professional environment you need to dress accordingly. However, there are a few things to think about that can help when choosing the best outfit.
Standard office wear in Singapore normally includes darker suit trousers, long sleeved light coloured shirts, and, depending on if you are visiting with clients, a jacket and tie. It is more normal to wear smart lace up / slip on shoes with socks, and sandals are a big no-no for the office.
The last thing you will want to wear to work in Singapore is a full blown heavy fabric suit (wool, tweed, etc.) that give little to no ventilation.  However, there are many great fabrics which are light and comfortable to wear even in the hottest, most humid climates. And lets face it, when we are at work there is air conditioning to make us more comfortable anyway!
Linen blend suits are a firm favourite in Singapore offices, as they are much cooler to wear on a humid commute, and usually allow for more ventilation. Cotton blends too, are also good for the same reasons.
For women, there is a slightly more flexible dress code, but you still are expected to look smart and tidy for everyday office hours. Normally a blouse with either trousers or a skirts is normal, and flats rather than heel are preferred, as it is much easier to run around all day in the hot weather. Be careful to watch skirt lengths – just above the knee is about as short as it should go. And also be careful to make sure necklines are not too low.
Of course there is no one look that fits all, and everyone will have their own styles which they will incorporate into their looks. Just remember just because you are in a hotter country it is no excuse to be sloppy! For those who are client facing, it is important to remind yourself that the more you look like the person your client expects to see, the easier and quicker you will get the respect from your client that you need to complete your business!
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