Clothes to Wear in the Tropics | Synonym (2024)

Clothes to Wear in the Tropics | Synonym (1)

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Whether vacationing on an island in the Caribbean, in the jungles of Brazil or far to the east in Singapore or the Philippines, you'll need to consider what to wear. These tropical climates are often sunnier and more humid than what visitors are accustomed to. Use the time leading up to your vacation to shop for the right wardrobe for your destination.

1 Fabrics and Color

In the hot and humid tropics, it's important to wear clothing that is light in both weight and color. Cotton is a breathable fabric made of natural fibers. The versatility of cotton allows it to be used in most clothing. Linen is another cooling fabric that allows for the evaporation of moisture, though it requires additional care when laundered. White or pale colors are better than darker shades for daytime wear. Light-colored clothing reflects the sun's rays, while darker colors absorb them and make you feel warmer.

2 By the Water

Bright or patterned swimming suits and bikinis are a must for the tropics, whether you are taking a dip in a pool or heading to the beach. No doubt you'll want to work on a tan, but don't forget to bring a cover-up and lather on the sunscreen to protect your skin. A colorful sarong or sari makes a fashionable cover-up, and a short caftan, a tunic-like shirt, can do double duty over a swimming suit and as a top over shorts or pants. Pack comfortable, flat sandals in a neutral color to wear poolside and on the beach.

3 At Ease

Leave too-tight clothing at home since it will only become uncomfortable in the tropics. Opt instead for slightly long and loose cotton shirts and pants, as well as light, printed shorts and jean shorts. Breezy sun dresses are another flirty option. Though no one likes rain on their vacation, it's best to come prepared with a water-resistant rain jacket with a hood; anything too heavy is not ideal for the humid weather. Also pack a lightweight sweater to wear on cooler nights and in case you get cold on the plane. Bring sneakers for long hikes and sports activities.

4 Accessories

You can't have too much protection from the blazing tropical sun. Sunglasses are good to shield the eyes, and a large straw or woven hat with a wide, floppy brim is a gorgeous statement piece that protects your entire face. Go easy on how much jewelry you pack. Two or three bright, simple pieces to wear at night should be more than enough.

About the Author

Pam Smith has been writing since 2005. In addition to her work for Demand Media, her articles have been published online at CBS Local. She also wrote for the Pennsylvania Center for the Book's Literary Map while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English at the Pennsylvania State University. She is currently an editorial assistant for Circulation Research.

Clothes to Wear in the Tropics | Synonym (2024)

FAQs

How do you dress for the tropics? ›

As a general rule the best fabrics to wear in the warm weather are made from natural fibres such as Bamboo, Cotton, Hemp, Linen and Rayon. These fabrics breathe and let the air flow, keeping you cooler. Bamboo Fibre is the best fabric for high humidity weather.

What clothes do people wear in tropical climates? ›

In the humid tropics, it is preferable to wear lightweight, breathable attire. Wearing loose clothes in cotton, linen and other natural fabrics should be on top of your list; but that doesn't mean you cannot dress fashionably. All you need is to find the right clothing according to your personal preferences.

What is the best clothing for tropical weather? ›

Uncoated cotton, linen, nylon and polyester are all classed as breathable fabrics to some degree – meaning they allow sweat and heat to escape through the material. They're different to wicking fabrics, though, which actively pull water from your body.

What should I wear in 90 degree weather? ›

Choose light colors: Wearing light colors that reflect the sun's rays rather than absorb them (as dark colors can) helps keep you cool. Look for shirts, shorts, pants and hats in white, tan or khaki.

What is tropical fashion style? ›

The island aesthetic—palm trees, bold florals, and open-weave knits—is taking over this summer, but it's not only relegated to vacation. Tropical dresses, while great for any upcoming visits you have planned to a white-sand beach, also happen to embrace a bold summer vibe that works just as well for occasions at home.

What does tropics mean outfit? ›

Tropical is an aesthetic that is based on comfort, ease, and utility and is eclectic by definition. The style is characterized by warm and soothing themes and colors drawn mostly from natural elements such as the sea, sky, and vegetation (plants, fruits, flowers, etc).

How should I dress for tropical rainy weather? ›

If you want to stay dry and comfortable, look for water-resistant clothes, especially performance fabrics that can help wick away moisture to keep you cool and comfy. As far as natural fabrics, cotton and linen are very cooling, but can hold on to moisture a bit.

What do you wear in a tropical rainforest? ›

What To Wear Summary List
  • Wide-brimmed hat.
  • Polarised Sunglasses.
  • Long Sleeved Shirt (cotton / quick-dry)
  • Long Sleeved Pants.
  • Shoes that Cover the Ankle.
  • Sandals (relaxing back at lodge / cruise boat)
  • Warm Clothes for Nights.
  • Waterproof Poncho.

What do you wear to a tropical beach? ›

Pack looser clothing that breathes like linen and cotton. Let your feet get some air with sandals and flip-flops, too. If going to the theme parks or playing tennis or pickleball, definitely pack sneakers. Gone are my bikini days but don't forget a couple of swimsuits, cover-ups, a hat, and sunscreen.

What clothes are modest in hot weather? ›

“Anything loose and airy is key,” Yar shares. “Stick to very loose silhouettes and breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. The moment I switched to wearing linen on those unbearably hot summer days is when I finally realized that was the key to modesty in the summer.”

What color is best for tropical climate? ›

White, yellow, gray, and red

It is commonly said that white is the most appropriate colour for summer temperatures because it keeps the body cool, unlike black which tends to absorb heat.

Are jeans too hot for 90 degrees? ›

Many women today are expressing the same sentiment when it comes to their favorite pairs of denim bottoms, even when the mercury pushes north of 90 degrees. According to the Cotton Incorporated Lifestyle Monitor™, one in three female respondents claimed that they would wear their jeans in up to 90 degrees of heat.

What fabrics should be avoided in hot weather? ›

Fabrics to avoid in hot weather

As a general rule, we recommend you stay away from synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon in hot and humid weather conditions since these materials tend to trap odors and bacteria.

Can you wear jeans in 100 degree weather? ›

Jeans can totally work in hot weather. Just follow the Golden Rule of denim in the summer: keep cool with looser tops and sandals.

Is it advisable to wear a dark shirt in the tropical sun? ›

black cotton, white allows a broader spectrum of the sun's rays to penetrate through to your skin, making black a better choice for blocking UV. But the caveat is, if you're wearing tight black clothing in the sun, all the heat it absorbs will be trapped right next to your skin.

Why is it advisable to wear white dresses in the tropics? ›

White color is a combination of all the colors ( VIBGYOR ), hence the white reflects most of the light or absorbs less light due to which the heat generated is less and we feel cooler than we wear black clothes.

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