In the fragrance community, perfume performance is a hotly debated topic—with key players noting the lasting power, projection, sillage, etc. of perfumes from high-end to affordable dupes. But when it comes to reviews and recommendations, one metric I’ve noticed that’s lacking among your favourite fragrance influencers is performance in hot weather. Both heat and humidity can change how fragrances behave and smell, typically by accelerating evaporation, which makes fragrance smell stronger initially but fade quickly. Couple this with the chemistry of skin and perspiration, and your favourite fragrances can quickly turn cloying, or worse, smell completely different. My personal collection of European leather fragrances is collecting dust while I opt for lighter, citrus or tea-forward fragrances better suited to life on the equator.
What if I told you some brands consider climate when formulating all their fragrances, not just the traditional summer aquatics or solar florals? Cue Thai fragrance brands—the rising stars of the fragrance world, especially when it comes to hot weather. Regardless of their scent range and price point, Thai perfumers craft their fragrances in hot, humid weather, making them ideal for a tropical climate. They formulate top, middle, and base notes to create complex, lasting fragrances that don’t choke you out and then fade to nothing before you’ve booked your grab. Notes are paired specifically to give traditional combinations that work in hot weather and new takes on old favourites that you haven’t tried before. There is also a range of price points across the Thai fragrance industry, meaning you can dip your toe into the world of hot-weather perfumes without committing your monthly salary to the trial. Shall we begin?
Butterfly Thai Perfume
Probably the most popular Thai fragrance brand on TikTok, Butterfly Thai Perfume is known for its range of different scent profiles and very affordable price structure. With everything from woods and florals to gourmands, spices, and citruses, Butterfly has something to offer every taste. With the regular range priced at 1,395 THB (~MYR180) and the premium Reserve Collection ranging from 1,890-2,590 THB (~MYR240-330), it’s easy to see why trying this brand is so accessible. My personal favourites are Mango Leaf, which actually smells like a mango tree with the wood, leaves and all, and Pomelo for a straight-up pomelo fragrance to add some tart bitterness to my collection. Both perform well in heat and don’t disappear like some of my other fruity scents.
MIITH Bangkok
Another Thai fragrance brand with possibly an even bigger range of scents, MIITH Bangkok offers all the traditional scent categories, plus ouds, teas, and original creations. They also boast a collaboration collection—The Four Seasons—with perfumer Quentin Bisch of Amouage, Diptyque, Jean Paul Gaultier, Loewe, and Vancleef & Arpels acclaim. Prices range from 1,100-4,800 THB (~MYR140-620), depending on the specific fragrance and retailer. I picked up their Thai Tea fragrance—when in Rome—as well as Knight Oud and Tea in The Morning, all of which show subtly and lasting power through a hot day outside.
Strangers Parfumerie
Showcasing creative concepts, Strangers Parfumerie offers distinct and original scents with a Thai interpretation of global experiences. I particularly like their take on Thai gourmands, like Red Lime Soda, and picked up a bottle of Sweet Farewell, which embodies the local dessert Kanom Jaak or ขนมจาก made from rice flour, palm sugar, coconut milk, glutinous rice, and pandan leaves. Think gourmand but in a distinctly Southeast Asia way that creates a cocoon of fragrance in the heat without being too loud or sickly sweet. Prices range from 2,250-2,950 THB (~MYR290-380), so you won’t break the bank either.
Journal
Journal has a more edited line of fragrances inspired by life in Thailand, and also offers a range of fragranced body products to complete your routine. Layer their shower gels, lotions, and oils with your favourite fragrance to produce a lasting scent bubble or original layering combo. Journal prices its fragrances at around 3,600 THB (~MYR460), while the prices of its body products vary depending on the product and size. I personally think their Mango Sticky Rice fragrance is the best of all the Thai brands and regularly enjoy wearing it at home or on an errand in the humidity. Light and different, but not cloying or too much.
Thai Fragrance Influencers: Jamie’s Perfume Diaries
So now you’re considering Thai fragrances but still don’t know where to start. Try following Jamie’s Perfume Diaries, a Thai creator who shares her knowledge and recommendations on Thai fragrances. She creates content on the best from individual brands, the best versions of specific scent profiles, comparisons to well-known global players, and even where to find the brands on your next trip to Bangkok.
@jamiefragrance_ Replying to @wowniceok another store visit! be forwarned, you might be bombarded with people and i recommend you to be patient (or visit other branches if possible). i promise it's worth it. text-based reviews coming right up x #พิกัดลับกรุงเทพ #perfume #perfumetiktok #butterflythaiperfume #thaiperfume #perfumerecommendations #perfumereview #bangkok #thailand #thailandtiktok #nicheperfume #affordableperfume #fragrance ♬ Music Sounds Better with You – NEIL FRANCES
The world of Thai fragrance is only getting bigger, and these brands are firmly on my list of things to try when I visit Bangkok. They smell great, don’t cost an arm and a leg, and perform perfectly in our hot and sticky weather. What are you waiting for? Happy fragrance shopping.
This story first appeared on GRAZIA Singapore.
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