clothing for hot climates

I think wearing a loose cotton, short sleeve blouse will be a lot cooler than a t-shirt, plus it looks more professional. Can you find some pants to match, maybe either linen, or a loose cut, but that still looks nice? A crinkly type broom-stick skirt might work well too. Wearing a hat makes me too hot too. Even those airy, straw ones. I just try and stay in the shade, run cold water over my wrists, splash my face with cold water too. Keep a bandanna handy for this, as it dries really quickly.

Thanks, Jo!

Patagonia and Royal Robbins both make good travel clothing for hot climates. I agree with Jo that a shirt would look more professtional than a Tee. Try this cotton mesh shirt from RR: http://www.royalrobbins.com/p-558-cool-mesh-short-sleeve.aspx?category=womens-styles&colorname=white Comes in various colors and a 3/4 sleeve as well. But you will need more than one outfit, and Tees can work for many uses, maybe under a linen jacket? The Patagonia Capilene siklweight Tee is dressy-looking, wiht a jewel neck, no stripes, and only a discrete logo at the hemline. The Versitiliti cotton-Tencel V-neck is alos very cute and cressy. I prefer skirts over pants for staying cool. both brands have several skirt options that look nice. Ex Officio, Mountain Hardware, and several others also make good cloting for hot humid climates. The right shirt (cool airy fabric, sleeves) will actually keep you cooler than a tank top which allows the sun to hit your skin.

Judy I bought some REI Kafka's Kool Ties for friends who were going on a Mediterranean Cruise in July. They loved them as they walked all over Italy and Greece in the heat on their port days. "This lightweight scarf is filled with polymer crystals that slowly release water in a cooling action." This one is $10. You can google Cooling Neck Scarf, Tie, or Wrap to find others. You could try it out before you go to see if it works. Others have good suggestions too. Bobbie

Forget the cooling neck scarf. We tried that on a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in hot weather. Within 30 minutes it was warm an d then this hot snake around my neck. I could not wait to get rid of it but there you have to carry everything out, so we did. Cool mesh fabrics, or gauze, or bamboo, linen etc. Are best. Take a cue from people who live there.

The cooling neck scarf will only work in low humidity anyway. Cotton undies (bras and panties) will probably be more comfortable that most synthetics.

Thanks to all of you for all the great suggestions! Now I've got some options for my wardrobe. It looks like one skirt (broomstick type), one pair black knit slacks (rather dressy but cool), two short-sleeve shirts (one linen, one of wicking fabric), a jacket (mostly for on the plane), and one Capilene Tshirt. Shoes will be one pair of sandals good for walking and one light but dressier pair for defending thesis etc. I've learned that each garment must coordinate with each other, and in the unlikely circumstance of cooler weather (usually just the flights), there are lots of layering possibilities. Happy travelling to y'all!