Thai Elephant Pants Craze: A Surge in Local Design Orders
"Thai Elephant Pants," airy trousers adorned with elephant patterns, have become a hit with foreign tourists, heightening Thailand's cultural appeal.
This boom has led to novel designs reflecting Thailand's diverse regions, contributing to the economy and tourism.
The "Plaplatootoo" pants gained significant online attention, followed by pre-order success for adorable "capybara pants." "Korat Cat pants" have also become trendy through the game "Free Fire."
Considered a staple purchase for tourists, these pants have caught on among Thais too, playing a part in Thailand's “5Fs” of soft power, which the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) actively promote to advance tourism and the economy.
Dataset Limited, utilizing DXT360 for social monitoring, reported that between January 15 and February 29, 2024, elephant pants garnered 846,600 social media interactions.
From Elephant Pants to Representing Thai Provinces
Notably, a MotoGP racer donning the pants went viral, prompting various provinces to capitalize on the trend as a form of soft power.
Local identities are now showcased on the pants, moving beyond the elephant theme. For instance, the "capybara pants" representing Khao Kheow Open Zoo sold out in minutes during its initial release.
Top 5 Social Media Buzzworthy Pant Designs
1. Plaplatootoo pants (72,153): Born from Samut Songkhram, these Italian silk pants with a unique look won the 2021 best Thai character design and are authentically produced regionally.
2. Capybara pants (55,435): Celebrating Khao Kheow Open Zoo's 70th anniversary, this design captured hearts, leading to immediate sell-outs.
3. Korat Cat pants (51,297): After winning a design contest, this provincial symbol became a virtual hit in "Free Fire."
4. Fiddler crab pants (29,736): Samut Sakhon's representation, these pants evoke local nature with a distinct choice of silk for resilience.
5. Giant gourami pants (17,038): Designed by a coffee shop in Uthai Thani, they incorporate local elements and sell rapidly due to high demand and pre-order interest.
Other distinctive designs include Wualan, Dinosaur, Fighting cock, and Nonthaburian pants, alongside patterns from pop culture on these roomy pants.
Industry-wise, companies like Chinrada Garment in Chiang Mai have expanded elephant patterns to shirts, bags, and more.
Future of the Elephant Pants Phenomenon
The "Korat Cat pants" appearance in "Free Fire" signifies the trend's scope, with businesses viewing them as viable products. These pants vary in price and quality across different retailers.
For example, Chanthaburi Original offers a rabbit-durian motif, while Greyhound Original enhances the standards of Thai elephant pants.
Additionally, TAT's Thailand Soft Power X Guinness World Records Challenge initiative, part of promoting the 5Fs, aims to set a record with elephant pants.
Social Media's View on Thai Elephant Pants
Consumers generally praise unique provincial designs on pants, calling for each region to adopt its version. Critiques center on the material's fragility and transparency.
Chinese knock-offs have spurred Thai makers to upgrade quality and defend designs with intellectual property rights. These pants have been a staple Thai souvenir for over a decade.
The "Plaplatootoo" pants gained significant online attention, followed by pre-order success for adorable "capybara pants." "Korat Cat pants" have also become trendy through the game "Free Fire."
Considered a staple purchase for tourists, these pants have caught on among Thais too, playing a part in Thailand's “5Fs” of soft power, which the government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) actively promote to advance tourism and the economy.
Dataset Limited, utilizing DXT360 for social monitoring, reported that between January 15 and February 29, 2024, elephant pants garnered 846,600 social media interactions.
From Elephant Pants to Representing Thai Provinces
Notably, a MotoGP racer donning the pants went viral, prompting various provinces to capitalize on the trend as a form of soft power.
Local identities are now showcased on the pants, moving beyond the elephant theme. For instance, the "capybara pants" representing Khao Kheow Open Zoo sold out in minutes during its initial release.
Top 5 Social Media Buzzworthy Pant Designs
1. Plaplatootoo pants (72,153): Born from Samut Songkhram, these Italian silk pants with a unique look won the 2021 best Thai character design and are authentically produced regionally.
2. Capybara pants (55,435): Celebrating Khao Kheow Open Zoo's 70th anniversary, this design captured hearts, leading to immediate sell-outs.
3. Korat Cat pants (51,297): After winning a design contest, this provincial symbol became a virtual hit in "Free Fire."
4. Fiddler crab pants (29,736): Samut Sakhon's representation, these pants evoke local nature with a distinct choice of silk for resilience.
5. Giant gourami pants (17,038): Designed by a coffee shop in Uthai Thani, they incorporate local elements and sell rapidly due to high demand and pre-order interest.
Other distinctive designs include Wualan, Dinosaur, Fighting cock, and Nonthaburian pants, alongside patterns from pop culture on these roomy pants.
Industry-wise, companies like Chinrada Garment in Chiang Mai have expanded elephant patterns to shirts, bags, and more.
Future of the Elephant Pants Phenomenon
The "Korat Cat pants" appearance in "Free Fire" signifies the trend's scope, with businesses viewing them as viable products. These pants vary in price and quality across different retailers.
For example, Chanthaburi Original offers a rabbit-durian motif, while Greyhound Original enhances the standards of Thai elephant pants.
Additionally, TAT's Thailand Soft Power X Guinness World Records Challenge initiative, part of promoting the 5Fs, aims to set a record with elephant pants.
Social Media's View on Thai Elephant Pants
Consumers generally praise unique provincial designs on pants, calling for each region to adopt its version. Critiques center on the material's fragility and transparency.
Chinese knock-offs have spurred Thai makers to upgrade quality and defend designs with intellectual property rights. These pants have been a staple Thai souvenir for over a decade.
