I've been to Kuala Lumpur many times and when my parents were in Thailand I was in Bangkok a bunch too. In most cases I wore cargo shorts and other types of shorts when we walked around outside. It was HOT(!) so naturally I'd rather wear shorts than long pants.

However, I'm usually the only one around wearing shorts. I guess I can ID tourists by their shorts. Locals just wear long pants, though I figure they must be very thin. Do you guys think it's appropriate to wear shorts in Malaysia? How about Japan? What do you guys feel about standing out?

I wore shorts the whole time I was in KL and Malaysia except at dinner. I never felt out of place at all.

Personally, I only wear shorts at beach resorts in Asia. Otherwise, light pants or long, flowing dresses are very cool. Indeed, you may well find yourself cooler without the hot sun on your skin.

I believe in respecting the local culture, and in those areas, you don't see many locals wearing shorts aroud the city. Also note that if you are in Bangkok, entry to the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha requires long pants (even capris are not ok) or a below the knee skirt, as well as having your shoulders and upper arms covered.

argh here's this question again..... anyways thais do wear shorts just look at the people behine the food stalls or walk around a regular comunity. I see thais wearing shorts every day.. and shorts are becoming more fashinable in the High So comunity.. rich folk as a sign that that they are rich enough too golf and do casual things.. if you hang out in the tourist district you won't see too many thais with shorts on..

jeez.. one of the more famais thai pop crap acts is a group HOT girls that sing with tiny daisy duke jean shorts..

In Japan, I see a lot of local men wear shorts and sandals in the summer months. It is just too hot! Just use your common sense. I would drop dead if my husband showed up at a fancy restaurant in shorts, sure, but if you are just touring around town looking at the sights, shops, cafes, etc., anything comfortable will be fine.

Don't worry about standing out - if you are not Japanese, you will stand out no matter what you wear.