I run a cafe in Vietnam. 90% Western tourists clientele especially over xmas. During the Christmas day rush, every table full (maybe 40 people total), my partner pointed out that every single person, young, old, and even most of the children, were wearing black with just a bit of white and grey.

I'm a western tourist in SEA currently, packed very light and realized I really don't know how to dress for warm weather because I'm so not used to it!

that combined with limited luggage space meant I left my colorful clothes behind and am wearing a lot of white, black, beige. hope I don't get judged too harsh!

I'm not judging at all, just interested, and providing a counterpoint to the idea that it's an Asian fashion trend.

I don't think it was a weather thing. There was a "cold" spell here over Christmas. Probably 20 to 24C, which for us westerners is basically wear whatever you like weather. For Vietnamese it's winter time though, locals are all bundled up!

This incident was probably somewhat coincidental, but I have noticed several times previously in the cafe, with less people, it's all black, white, and grey.

Btw have a great trip! I was a western tourist too around 8 years ago and ended up never leaving. Life is good here, challenging and different.

what I meant was, at home I have a good diverse set of outfits for colder weather: long trousers, long sleeved shirts, sweaters, jackets, boots... all in different colors and styles.

but I have a total of 2 shorts and a bunch of boring t-shirts for 25C+ weather - simply because I rarely have incentive to expand it :)

In Croatia all the youth are wearing black, and what makes even less sense, they wear black during summer too. Boggles the mind.