A few weeks ago I returned from a trip to Vietnam, Thailand as well as a quick morning in HK. I wore a few dresses repeatedly, with an undergarment similar to bike shorts. Most dresses were quick dry fabrics, or cotton knit from Anne Taylor Loft. One was a cotton/ linen mix bought in Vietnam. I was so much more comfortable than on other trips wearing t shirts and capris. You can also have clothing made in Asia, in beautiful fabrics. So take design ideas along, if time allows.
I am also a fan of the Eddie Bauer travelex line for sun protective clothing and travel.
^^^ Totally agree the above. I learned the hard way a couple years ago when I started doing multiple Asia trips per year. Dresses, skorts and skirts are much more comfortable for me than Capris.
For me, it depends on the footwear. I like wearing walking shoes and feel ungainly wearing walking shoes in a dress. If I’m wearing sandals, yes dresses and akirts and similar are cooler than slacks. I don’t wear shorts in other countries but am fine with skirts, slacks and dresses. I’ve not had chafing skin or heat rash.
I have become a fan of loose, lightweight trousers for travel in hot climates. They offer protection from the sun, modesty, and can be quite cool. Typically if you are in a place with hot weather, you will be able to buy them locally, although plus sizes might be a challenge depending on how local women are sized.
For skirts and dresses, if you wear an undergarment to minimize leg chafing, be mindful that it can get saturated with sweat very quickly and that can be uncomfortable too. Choose your fabric carefully - something that wicks moisture is essential.
Merrell makes (or used to make) a cute lightweight shoe that feels like a sneaker but looks like a Mary Jane shoe. I am also a big fan of Crocs Sexi Flip sandal. It is surprisingly stylish and as it’s made out of rubber, it can’t be destroyed by rain or filth. Easy to wash in sink or shower if needed.
If you go to Thailand, know that the population is still in mourning for the king until October, so white, black and grey are appreciated, though not everyone follows that rule.
@greatlakesmom, can you tell me how breathable the “cuddly” sneaker is? My feet perspire and I tried these on and they are so comfortable, but hesitated.
The top fabric is breathable and stretchy. Look at other models besides what I posted, as there are many, many designs. I like how they gave a bit of back pressure against the edema I tend to get on long flights, as well as adjusting for some swelling.
@mamaedefamilia – I agree about the loose pants… they used to call them palazzo pants, and thank god, they’re “in” again. I saw some even at Target. I also think they’re great for Asia because they look like a skirt and with a tunic-like top they’re perfect even for the conservative parts of Asia where bare shoulders and an uncovered crotch/butt area remain a no-no.
I had a tourist day today at the Singapore Zoo in 90 degree temp with accompanying humidity and I remembered another of my travel essentials. I always have a bottle of water. I carry it in a bag/purse with an outside compartment. I also have some casual day packs in a sling style that gave outside pockets for water bottles. Handbag preferences are rather personal, but I’ve found the outside pocket for water bottles has been very helpful.
Our son spent a semester in Singapore and said it was HOT. However, he said in some place air conditioning was cool. Don’t forget to bring another later, in case needed inside.
At the risk of pointing out the obvious, take shoes that are meant for walking.
Many years ago I had a few friends going to China and I suggested they take a roll of toilet paper with them. They all stayed in a fancy westernized hotel and most of them came back saying “why did you tell us that?”. One of them went on a rural tour after the meeting, and came back saying that I had saved his life (and that the tour was fabulous).
Years ago my mother went on a rural tour of China. When she got back she said that one of them had a simple square piece of fabric. In some areas the toilets didn’t have doors. They would take turns with one of them holding up the fabric as a “door” for privacy while another used the toilet. This was many years ago and I am not sure whether things have changed. Of course this would not be an issue in major cities.
They function as scarves; sun protection especially, in a car or bus if your stuck on the ‘sunny side’; an eye cover if there’s too much light in your bedroom; a head cover if the A/C or fan is to strong while your trying to sleep; a wrap under which you can change on a beach etc.; a coverup; a cooling cloth - you can wet them and wrap around your shoulders; a nice shawl for evening wear; a modesty cover where legs, arms, head etc needs to be ‘under wraps’. Haven’t had to use them as a ‘door’ but they would easily handle that function.
There’s at least two of these that accompany me on most trips.
Thanks all. Foot wear is definitely an issue for me and finding something comfortable but decent looking is not easy.And trying to pack light since some of our travels will be via train or bus.
I wear my most clunky/comfortable shoes (which is usually sneakers) on the plane to have more room in the luggage. It’s not the classiest look, but often our flights are redeye, and most people are dressed for comfort.
I am a big fan of the Royal Robbins Discovery Skort, which I originally purchased in a khaki color a few years ago for travel. It’s also become a go-to at home when the weather gets hot and sticky. https://www.royalrobbins.com/women/skirts-dresses
Kuhl pants have also been great for adventure travel. I’ve never tried that brand in a dress, but I’m eyeing this one now for an upcoming trip: http://www.kuhl.com/kuhl/womens/dresses/adalina-dress/
Make sure to check on what you need for the norms of where you’re going. I ended up doing a lot of sight-seeing in Thailand and Cambodia in a longer skirt or pants because I needed my knees to be covered.