Short version: wearing Daisy Dukes and a muscle tee to a temple was a dumb move. The long version is a messy, hilarious, and educational travel story that culminated in a complete overhaul of how I use public transport in Taipei. That moment wasn’t just about embarrassment — it exposed trade-offs between comfort, culture, and practicality that every traveler should understand.
Below is a comparison framework for choosing what to wear when you’re riding Taipei’s MRT, buses, and hopping off to visit temples, night markets, or scenic spots. I’ll walk you through criteria, three practical clothing strategies (yes, including the temptation to wear Daisy Dukes), a decision matrix, thought experiments, and concrete recommendations based on different traveler types. In contrast to vague travel clichés, this guide gives you things you can actually use.
1. Establishing the Comparison Criteria
Before we weigh options, we need the right yardstick. Use these criteria to evaluate any outfit for Taipei public transport and attractions:
- Cultural Respect: Are shoulders and knees covered where necessary (temples) and is the outfit unlikely to cause offense in crowded, family-friendly spaces? Climate Comfort: Taipei is humid. Can the outfit handle sweat, sudden rain, and tight MRT carriages? Practicality on Transit: Can you stand for 20 minutes without adjusting constantly? Does the outfit let you sit, hold poles, and stow your bag? Weather Flexibility: Can you adapt to air-conditioned stations and steaming summer streets, or a sudden shower? Safety & Security: Does the outfit make you a target for pickpockets or unwanted attention? Local Fit & Blending: Will you attract stares or blend in with the locals? Aesthetic & Personal Style: Does the outfit let you express yourself while staying sensible?
Intermediate considerations (beyond basics)
- Fabric tech: moisture-wicking vs cotton — how they behave in humidity and during long rides. Layering strategies for microclimates: MRT stations are frigid; street level can be sauna-like. Carry ergonomics: crossbody vs backpack vs tote and how each interacts with crowded cars and scooters at exits. Social signaling: how clothes communicate “tourist” or “local” and how that affects treatment.
2. Option A: The Daisy Dukes + Muscle Tee Approach
Picture this: shorts that barely qualify as clothing and a sleeveless top that broadcasts your commitment to sun and sweat. It’s liberating, Instagram-ready, and excellent for sunbathing at the beach. On the other hand, Taipei’s urban and cultural contexts demand nuance.
Pros
- Maximum ventilation in 90% humidity — you’ll feel cooler immediately. Minimal packing weight — ideal for quick trips or if you hate luggage. Freedom of movement if your activity is purely outdoor and casual (parks, riverside cycling).
Cons
- Cultural mismatch: Temples and many religious sites expect covered shoulders and knees. You’ll be turned away or feel awkward using a borrowed shawl. Transit discomfort: MRT cars are air-conditioned and often chilly. Exposed skin becomes unpleasant when a train blasts cold air. Security/attention: Revealing clothes register you as a tourist who might be hassled or photographed without consent. Functional issues: Standing for long periods can be chafing if shorts ride up; bags and straps can be awkward on bare skin.
In contrast to a naive idea of “dress for the weather,” Daisy Dukes emphasize immediate comfort but sacrifice cultural respect and situational adaptability. If you're going for a carefree beach vibe exclusively, fine. But Taipei’s itinerary rarely respects that boundary.
3. Option B: Smart-Casual / Modest (My Default)
This is the middle road: breathable linen or lightweight chinos, a breathable cotton or moisture-wicking shirt, and shoes you can sprint in. Think “Singaporean smart” but relaxed enough for a night market. It’s my default solution after the temple incident.
Pros
- Temple-friendly: Covers shoulders/knees enough to breeze into most temples without a lecture. Comfort vs humidity: Use fabrics like linen blends or thin merino that handle sweat but don’t cling. Practical for transit: Pants protect against seat surfaces and straps; pockets hold essentials securely. Blend in: Locals often dress smart-casual. You’ll draw fewer “tourist” stares.
Cons
- Less cooling than Daisy Dukes, especially when walking under the mid-afternoon sun. Requires some planning: fabric choices matter; heavy cotton will leave you sticky. Not as packable as minimal beachwear — you’ll need one more garment in your bag.
Similarly to Option C (below), smart-casual prioritizes balance. In contrast to Option A, it prioritizes cultural respect and transit practicality over maximal cooling.
4. Option C: Layered / Transit-Ready (The Chameleon)
Think convertible pants, a sleeveless top layered with a light long-sleeve shirt, a thin scarf, and a compact windbreaker. This is the “always prepared” option for people with full-day itineraries that include temples, museums, and night markets in one go.
Pros
- Flexibility: Remove layers when outside, add them in AC, and use scarf as a shoulder cover for temples. Weather-proofing: Lightweight rain jacket handles Taipei’s sudden downpours and scooter splashes. Security: Crossbody bag + zipped pockets reduce theft risk; layers obscure valuables better than tiny bikinis. Adaptability: Convertible garments allow you to change “formally enough for a temple” to “cool enough for the street” in minutes.
Cons
- Requires a little more luggage and planning to manage layers. Carrying an extra layer all day can feel like a burden if you don’t have good storage. Over-preparedness can feel too cautious if you’re trying to vibe with a carefree holiday spirit.
On the other hand, this approach solves nearly all mid-day conflicts: climate vs culture, comfort vs respect. For the indecisive traveler, it’s the least regretful route.
5. Decision Matrix
Criteria Option A: Daisy Dukes + Muscle Tee Option B: Smart-Casual / Modest Option C: Layered / Transit-Ready Cultural Respect Low High High Climate Comfort (humid heat) Very High Moderate High (with flexibility) Practicality on Transit Low High Very High Weather Flexibility (rain + AC) Low Moderate Very High Security & Theft Risk Moderate (exposed pockets) High (secure pockets) Very High (zips & layers) Local Blending Low High HighInterpretation: Option A wins for immediate cooling but loses on almost every other meaningful metric in Taipei. Option B is the comfortable compromise. Option C is the highest-scoring practical choice if you value adaptability.
6. Thought Experiments (Two Tiny Mind Games)
Thought Experiment 1: The Peak Hour Crush
Imagine you’ve just missed the 5:30 pm train. The next one’s packed. You step in wearing Daisy Dukes and a muscle tee. Your legs are touching strangers’ bags, your backpack strap keeps sliding, and you’re acutely aware of how hard it is to balance when holding a pole with one hand. Now, repeat that visualization with layered clothing and a secure crossbody bag. Which scenario makes you less likely to regret your outfit choice? In contrast, the second scenario preserves dignity and mobility.
Thought Experiment 2: Temple + Night Market Combo
Picture an itinerary: first, a noon temple visit; then street food at a night market; then a rooftop bar. You’re in a sleeveless top and shorts. At the temple, you’re handed a shawl that’s slightly seedy and twice as hot as the outdoors, and the staff gives you a side-eye. Now imagine having a thin long-sleeve you can snap on. Similarly, imagine transforming your look with a scarf and a clean layer — you get entrance without sacrifice, and you still hit that rooftop later without a wardrobe change.
Clear Recommendations (Concrete & Tactical)
Here’s how to act based on your traveler archetype. In contrast to generic advice like “just wear comfy clothes,” this is practical and situational.
The Backpacker / Budget Traveler
- Go with Option C: one pair of lightweight pants (convertible preferred), one moisture-wicking tee, a thin long-sleeve shirt, and a compact rain jacket. Use a crossbody bag with zips. Avoid leaving your wallet in back pockets. Bring a small scarf for temple shoulders — folds into a pocket.
The Business Traveler
- Option B is your friend: breathable chinos, a smart polo or linen shirt, and comfortable slip-on shoes for quick security checks. Carry a slim blazer or shawl for formal meetings and temple visits. Keep documents in an internal zip compartment and avoid bulky backpacks on crowded trains.
The Fashion-Forward / Photo Seeker
- Make your outfits modular: look great for photos while keeping a modest cover-up for temples and transit. Consider lighter, well-fitted options instead of intentionally revealing items that will get you turned away from attractions.
The Religious or Cultural Visitor
- Respect is non-negotiable: cover shoulders and knees. Option B or C, no exceptions. Carry easy-to-don layers to transition between public transport and sacred spaces.
Practical Packing & Transit Checklist
- One pair lightweight pants (convertible shorts work wonders) Two breathable tops: one sleeved, one sleeveless Compact scarf that doubles as temple coverage or hair wrap Light rain jacket (packable) Comfortable, closed shoes or good sandals with straps Crossbody bag + money belt or internal zip pocket Foldable tote for market purchases (reduces juggling)
Final Thoughts — What that Temple Moment Taught Me
I walked into a temple wearing Daisy Dukes and a muscle tee, was gently but firmly redirected to a cloakroom, and felt a mix of shame and liberation. The shame came from being unprepared and culturally tone-deaf. The liberation came from learning fast: a city that’s courteous to visitors will also reward those who respect its norms. After that day, I swapped extremes for practicality — a little modesty, a little tech fabric, and a lot of small conveniences.
In contrast to trying to “beat the heat” at all costs, your best strategy on pommietravels.com Taipei’s public transport is to prioritize adaptability. Similarly, a tiny scarf or a thin long-sleeve will save you from awkward refusals and keep you comfortable under station AC. On the other hand, if you’re heading straight to the beach and never leaving the sand, wear what you like. For everything else, choose the chameleon method: layer, secure, and blend.
If you take one thing away: don’t let a piece of clothing derail your day. Dress like you plan to use the MRT, visit a temple, and eat mysterious food from a hole-in-the-wall — all in one afternoon. Your future self on the train will thank you.