Buying Cheap Clothing in Bali Vs Brands Like Cotton on

Saul Goodman on 27/08/2025 - 08:41
Last edited 27/08/2025 - 08:41

I’m heading to Bali on Friday and just realised most of my shorts and tanks don’t fit anymore. My plan was to grab a few from Cotton On beforehand, around $30 for shorts and $20 for tanks. I don’t mind their tees either as most of mine have lasted a couple of years, so the quality isn’t too bad for a cheaper brand.

How does that stack up against buying from actual brand stores in Bali (not the street stalls)? I’m after solid colours with no prints, just decent stuff that fits well.

I’ve never really shopped for clothes in Bali and not sure what prices are like now or if things are inflated. I'm okay paying around the same price for same quality to help support the locals, but not going to pay more for lower quality.

Any advice, or recommendations for stores in Seminyak, would be appreciated.

Travel Clothing

Comments

  • kolorijo on 27/08/2025 - 09:06
    +5

    Have some ready to start your holiday and you can shop around later for more in Bali. You don't want to start your holiday without any shorts and tanks.

  • Contrice on 27/08/2025 - 09:10
    +2

    I think buying from Uniqlo in Bali would be cheaper and you have the guarantee of quality from the Uniqlo brand itself. I personally cant tell much difference with the crew neck I bought from Indonesia vs here.

    Just checked. its about $5 cheaper for the airism crew neck.

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 27/08/2025 - 12:29
      +3

      Uniqlo store in the new Icon centre in Sanur had a good range that worked out cheaper than here.
      The Dry-Ex polos are $39.90 each here. I bought 4 for a total of $113.21 (using Wise card), total saving of $46.39.

      Make sure you try clothing, before you buy, as the sizing is different to Australian Uniqlo.

  • Gunnar on 27/08/2025 - 09:42
    +4

    So you’re not returning with a Bingang singlet and an “I fear no beer” t shirt? ☹️

  • Codybyrne on 27/08/2025 - 11:15
    +2

    Bali and tourist towns are SHIT. Shit quality, poor sizing, poor materials.

    At least with the likes of Cotton-On, Uniqlo and dare I say Target, you'll find a level of mediocrity you can depend on.

    Go with Cotton On.

    TBF, pretty sure Indonesia has Cotton On as well. It's definitely in Thailand and the Philippines.

  • Stealtho on 27/08/2025 - 11:36

    There is cheap and there is cheap in Bali, I've just had 2 years out of some t-shirts I bought in a market and still going, but they looked better quality.
    There is lots of surf outlet shops in Kuta if that's your thing.

  • baperi on 27/08/2025 - 12:07

    Australia has a certain minimum standard compared to many other countries, which means that you can't get some cheaper lower quality items that you can get in many other countries. It comes down to a closer look at the item, and not just the price. Brand name or not.

    • tenpercent on 27/08/2025 - 14:21

      Australia has a certain minimum standard compared to many other countries, which means that you can't get some cheaper lower quality items that you can get in many other countries.

      Tell me you've never bought clothing from Kmart in the last 5 years without telling me.

      • Stealtho on 27/08/2025 - 15:22
        -1

        no lol

    • altomic on 27/08/2025 - 16:20

      Yes, I believe you are talking about the Commonwealth Clothing Standards Act (2005).

      😒

  • Ughhh on 27/08/2025 - 18:35

    A relative bought me a bintang singlet as a gift, it shrank like crazy after the first wash.

    You get what you pay for unless there's some sort of branding on it.

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