Originally Posted by
Mark_mnl
To generalize just a bit, it is a cultural faux pas in most Asian countries to wear shorts in public, especially in "high-class" establishments. Save your shorts for the gym or the beach.
Plus, if you are spending $100 US or more for a room, what's another $100 to buy some decent, fashionable casual wear that you can re-use?
Correct. While staying with my in-laws in HK one year, I remember wearing shorts to go out, it was pretty hot and humid. My brother-in-law asked innocently, "You going out to play tennis?" Then the realization hit me - he came from the assumption that shorts were athletic gear, and one only wore athletic gear when you were going to the gym, tennis or squash courts here.
Since then, while I don't feel obliged to wear glittering designer label wear like a lot of locals, at the same time I do dress up a bit more - nice trousers instead of short pants (unless I'm going for a hike or outing).