 In
Thailand, we experience a style of Fisherman’s pants
that have been worn by Thai fisherman for centuries.
Identical to the traditional attire of the Intha males,
known to the Burmese as the Shan Baun-mi, who live on
Inlay Lake in Myanmar, this clothing is worn daily by
residents of Koh Samui, and visitors alike.
The actual origins of Thai
Fisherman’s pants are well hidden, most likely lost
through the orally spread stories of Thailand. What we
are aware of is, that since the start of backpackers
drifting around Thailand, that they have become very,
very popular amongst Western travellers.
Traditionally, they are
unisex trousers, and are initially very confusing if
you’ve never seen or tried them on before. Two large
trouser legs plus a very high waist, leave you feeling
perplexed as to how to start wearing them, but once
you’ve learned, you are guaranteed to enjoy them.
 There
are two ways in which you can be dressed in the
trousers, depending on the style of design. Customarily,
these trousers come with a separate belt, so you need to
step into the two legs, stretch the material out as far
as it will go, left to right, and then fold both sides
from the side of your thigh over the front of your leg,
meeting in the middle at your belly button. If you don’t
have a belt, you can simply roll the trousers down, and
you will find that they stay very well.
If you do have a belt, wrap
it around your waist, then fold the material down over
the belt. Some Thai Fisherman Pants, now also have the
belt attached to the actual material, so you are
required to do the same folding, then pull the belt
forwards from the back, and tie it around you waist,
folding the top of the trousers over the belt that has
been provided.
If you become confused with
all of the folding, do not become disenchanted by the
outfit, an attempt has been made to contact Martha
Stewart or one of her apprentices on the subject, to
better explain the process to the millions who have yet
to experience their comfort.
The trend seems to have begun with back-packers who came
across this attire while travelling around Thailand,
wearing them due to their comfort and ease. Now Thai
Fisherman’s Pants have become increasingly popular due
to their ultimate convenience and comfort.
Even more uniform with Yoga
instructors, they are now often used as standard dress
for Yoga instructional classes.Many martial arts schools
have also chosen them as time-honoured attire, since
they reflect their excellence for work outs and exercise
routines,
due the looseness of the light weight material. The list
of wearers goes on and on: Masseuses in Spas around Koh
Samui use them as uniforms... Pregnant women enjoy their
comfort and free size which allows their belly to expand
without buying larger clothing...and so on... Available
to buy all around Thailand, on Koh Samui you can expect
to find them in most shopping areas. The material is
available in many colours, often in very light weight
cotton. If you’re looking for superb quality and a
larger variation of materials, you absolutely must visit
Erez’s shop in Lamai.
Here he stocks the greatest
variation and high-est quality of Thai Fisherman’s Pants
designed, all based on the traditional Thai ethnic
clothing of fishing villages in Southern Thailand.
Erez’s materials range from traditional rayon, to
cotton, Burmese silk, local hemp, and jean. The most
beautiful and luxurious of all, perfectly suited for a
fine dinner with friends and even used in Thai weddings,
is his linen, lined with soft silk for extra comfort.
Erez has even designed a
style specific for yachtsmen, which is in 3⁄4 lengths
and has a seethrough zipper pocket. There are also
annual limited editions available. Erez is now
developing combinations which will include a massage
set, and a mother and baby set, with a pair for both
mother and baby. All Erez’s Thai Fisherman’s Pants are
made in Thailand, from the finest local fabrics. Most
important, for any of us visiting this country of
incredible clothing wear... ONE SIZE FITS ALL. Also note
that once you’ve left Thailand, you can order them all
online from his website with the greatest of ease.FACT
SName:
Fisherman’s Pants Website:
www.fiishermanspants.com Location:
Lamai, Koh Samui
Directions: On the ring road
coming from Chaweng, turn left onto the Lamai beach
road.
Take the next left turning
at the cross roads and Erez’s shop is at the end of the
road on your left hand side just before the beach.
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