Answer to One China Travel Question
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Q: Can you tell me what is the general dress code for Asians during the day or for a special event?
| | A: Compared to Mainland China, Hong Kong is fashion-conscious. Many people, especially business people, pay great attention to the way they dress. And they know brands, etc. Some upscale hotels and clubs scorn patrons wearing shorts, torn jeans, or sandals. Sales people at department stores and similar establishments often display different attitudes toward those who dress smartly and those who appear to be sloppy. In this regard Hong Kong residents seem to be also a little conservative. Females in overtly revealing attires may draw some attention. Maybe there is still a little Britishness in Hong Kong people.
There is also a kind of curious double standard for Caucasians and Asians when it comes to attitudes toward clothing. Everything else equal, it is more of a problem for Asians who do not dress properly than for Caucasians. This does not seem to have anything to do with race but everything to do with economics. That is, a Caucasian may not dress well, he is still someone from a rich country and has the ability to pay for good services. If an Asian does not dress well, it is a wild guess as for where he’s from and what his background is – probably no money and no class.
What would “smart casual” mean in Hong Kong? It means no sneakers, shorts, tracksuits, jeans, shorts, overalls, etc. Above that there is business professional and below that there is casual.
Of course, as just with any other place, Hong Kong has is a city of diversity. There are posh shops, hot clubs, etc., and there are roadside little eateries where you can grab a bowl of noodle. It is often occasion-specific and locale-specific. If you want to dine at a fancy hotel, dress up. If you want to talk a walk or exercise in a park, t-shirts and shorts are quite all right.
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