You should dress to match the weather and make yourself comfortable in Taiwan. You’ll only need to adhere to a dress code during professional encounters and when visiting certain clubs, hotels, or restaurants.
I’ve lived in Taiwan and have been through every season. I’ve gathered my experience and other information to help you understand what to wear when in Taiwan.
Throughout this guide, I’ll cover the following:
Let’s get this party started.
Dress Code in Taiwan
Taiwan doesn’t have a universal dress code. Many businesses, such as hotels, nightclubs, or restaurants, will have dress codes.
In most cases, businesses will want you to dress in smart casual. Or at least don’t wear flip-flops and short shorts.
Before visiting places, check their website for dress codes. You could also call or email their customer service and ask.
Take off your shoes if you enter someone’s home.
No one wants your dirty shoes on their floors. Hosts will usually provide house slippers.
However, don’t take your shoes off in public. Many Taiwanese people spit chewed betel nut on the ground, and you don’t want to step in that.
Taiwanese Fashion
Taiwanese (girls at least) borrow fashion styles from South Korea, Japan, and western countries. Mostly, guys will wear shorts, flip-flops, and t-shirts.
Taiwanese people aren’t fragile, so if you’re wearing a skirt or a tank top, they won’t shun you.
You should avoid wearing clothing that exposes your butt, belly, or breast. Apparently it’s against the law [1]. Or just illegal for betel nut beauties.
So that means don’t wear very low crop tops. And I don’t know whether that applies to men.
I’ve seen many men (mostly old dudes) walk around shirtless and not get in trouble. However, that’s likely considered ‘uncultured.’ Unless you’re visiting a beach.
You’ll notice more people wearing professional attire if you’re in more upscale areas like the Xinyi Shopping District. Most of the time, this is work clothing.
When dressing for business in Taiwan, men should wear a button-up shirt, slacks, a tie, and leather dress shoes [2]. I’d imagine you can get away with faux dress shoes.
The government recommends women choose from the following:
- Slacks
- Suits
- Dresses
- Skirts with leggings
Taiwan’s government last updated its “Dos and don’ts!” page in 2015. Fashion has likely changed since then.
Ask future coworkers or other staff at the company you’re working for what they recommend wearing.
What To Wear in Taiwan in Spring
You can wear shorts and a t-shirt in Taiwan during spring. I recommend packing a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho if you feel nippy.
Sometimes Taiwan will have cooler weather during this time.
Plum rains will start battering Taiwan toward the middle of May. That means it’ll rain a lot. Bring waterproof clothing and ensure your shoes have decent traction.
Spring in Taiwan lasts from March to May, and temperatures range from 60.4 °F–84.6 °F (15.8 °C–29.2 °C).
What To Wear in Taiwan in Summer
From July to early October, you’ll want to wear shorts, skirts, sundresses, or t-shirts. And pack a lightweight rain jacket or parka.
Also, have waterproof shoes or boots with good traction.
During the summers, you’ll usually encounter 76.3 °F–93.7 °F (24.6 °C–34.3 °C) weather. These temperatures don’t account for humidity. But you’ll have a much higher chance of encountering typhoons from July to September.
It rains in Taiwan year-round, but you’ll want to prepare for the coming storms while surviving the scorching heat. If you have the funds, get lightweight yet waterproof clothing.
I recommend getting clothes from Uniqlo. They have an AIRism line that feels amazing in Taiwan’s humid weather. There’s one issue with AIRism clothing, though.
If you tend to get sweaty and stinky easier, you’ll find your Uniqlo clothing coated in sweat quicker. But you’ll still feel better since it’s lightweight than other materials like wool and cotton.
Many Taiwanese will wear long-sleeve clothing to protect their skin from the sun. I tried the same but felt like my body was on fire.
What To Wear in Taiwan in Fall
Wear a t-shirt and shorts (or pants) when it’s fall. Ensure you have a portable lightweight jacket on-hand in case it rains.
Temperatures in Taiwan during autumn will range from 66.7 °F–88 °F (19.3 °C–31.1 °C). You’ll need to prepare yourself for scorching temperatures and frigid days.
The weather’s not bad between September and November, so don’t stress about what to pack.
What To Wear in Taiwan in Winter
Anyone from colder countries can get away with shorts and a lightweight raincoat. Adventuring in the mountains will require heavy winter coats.
Depending on your cold sensitivity, you may want to consider merino wool socks, gloves, and a thermal sweatshirt.
Still don’t know what to pack?
Check out my winter packing list.
Winter in Taiwan lasts from December to February. Temperatures during these times average 57 °F–69.3 °F (13.9 °C–20.7 °C). If you’re in the mountains during this time, you’ll experience much colder temperatures.
What Should English Teachers Wear in Taiwan?
T-shirts and shorts are fine with many cram schools. What you’ll actually wear depends on your school. Some schools require teachers to dress “professionally.”
I have a friend who has to wear button-down shirts and pants at his school. Other schools won’t care what you wear. You’ll likely dress casually like a local in that scenario.
If your school doesn’t tell you the dress code, wear lightweight attire—shorts and a shirt. Or ask your employer about the dress code beforehand.
Taiwan Packing Tips (From a Local)
Here’s a list of packing essentials I recommend when traveling to Taiwan:
| Item | Reason for Packing |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen | Avoid skin cancer |
| Backup Wallet | In case you get jumped (not likely to happen) |
| Deodorant | Not the largest variety of deodorant in Taiwan |
| Empty Water Bottle | Don’t waste money on bottled water |
| At Least 1-Day’s Worth Of Clothing | Pack your clothing based on your preference |
| Prescribed Medication | Duh |
| Sunglasses | It’s difficult to find good shades |
| Copies Of Documents | Don’t lose important documents |
| Xlear Nasal Saline Spray | Taiwan doesn’t have this |
While you’re in Taiwan, I recommend buying the following:
- Moisture absorbing packets: protect cameras, phones, and other electronics from humidity
- Umbrella: you can get large umbrellas from convenience stores for NT$150 ($4.70)
- EasyCard: it’s an integrated circuit card that’ll make life easier
- Compostable wet wipes: cool yourself and wipe away excess sweat
- Moisture-wicking clothing: get cheap clothing from Uniqlo
If you need anything else, find it at convenience stores, supermarkets, or hypermarkets. I recommend packing essentials to leave room in your bags for potential souvenirs.
Want to bring a laptop or camera?
Ensure your accommodation has an international power adapter. Otherwise, you’ll want to consider bringing your own.
Taiwan uses 110V supply voltage and 60Hz.
When packing prescription medication, ensure you’re allowed to bring it into Taiwan.
If you use Xlear for remedying allergies or sinus inflammation, I recommend bringing it to Taiwan through carry-on. Despite many people having allergies, saline sprays are hard to find. If you have a dog, get a different type of saline spray (that doesn’t have Xylitol).
Because Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regarding clothing, bring moisture-wicking fabric every month except November through February. Because those months are hot. Always carry a jacket or packable parka in case it rains. Also, find these at Uniqlo.
Most people wear flip-flops. You’ll find plenty of them throughout Taiwan that don’t cost much. So I don’t recommend filling your luggage with them.
When hiking, I highly recommend wearing high-top hiking boots. Taiwan has over 16 species of venomous and harmless snakes [3]. Protect your ankles from the nasty ones.
Conclusion
Taiwan doesn’t have strict dress codes. But don’t dress in too revealing clothing. Otherwise, dress for the weather and in clothing that provides the most comfort.
To learn more about traveling in Taiwan, explore my other Taiwan tourist guides.
