Overview

In devoutly Theravada Sukhothai, dress too valued simplicity and grace.

Key garments and style

Men wore the chong kraben — a length of cloth wrapped at the waist, passed between the legs and tucked at the back. Women wore a wrapped skirt (pha nung) with a sabai draped from breast to shoulder. The upper body was often lightly clad, with gold and shell ornaments; the graceful Buddha images of Sukhothai show its idealised form.

Transition

In the Ayutthaya Kingdom, court dress grew more splendid with silk and gold cloth.