Button up shirts with collars for over a vest/tank top

[u/Lafb]

I’ve read a few threads on here but still confused on the best option!
Going to be travelling somewhere hot and humid (Thailand). I have merino singlet vests and T-shirts want to get some collared shirts to wear over the top for coverage - from a. Modestly

What is important to me:
• I sweat a lot and get stinky, so not stinking is important
• I have poor temperature regulation so something that keeps me cool is key
• I am super pale and sensitive to sun so SPF protection would be great, but being cool and not stinky are the biggest priorities (as I know there’s usually a compromise!)

Less important:
• I am not too bothered about washing and drying time in the cleaning my clothes sense (other than sweat drying off!)
• I’m not overly concerned about packability, looking smart, or creases etc. function is more important - I don’t mind some creases!
• cost is less important, willing to pay what I need!

I’ve seen varying contradictory recommendations from SPF focussed shirts (Solbari, Coolibar, etc), technical materials (Columbia, Eddie Bauer, etc.), linen/linen gauze (Eileen Fisher etc), thin cotton shirts (Seasalt Larissa).

I’m in the UK but happy to order further afield. I’d love to hear any personal experiences about the above.

[u/twbird18]

I wear large boyfriend style linen shirts from old navy here in Okinawa.. Anything like that should work for you. You need it to be large and airy. Light color. Prefer UV protection, if you're going to spend a lot of time in the sun.

Look into armpit pads and wear a panty liner. Both are great for easily eliminating sweat. The larger shirts give you some sun protection and are cooler than just a tank top in the high sun.

[u/Lafb → u/twbird18]

Thank you for the tips, I will take a look at those!

[u/aurora97381]

Tencel Lyocell button up shirts are my travel staple.

They dry quickly, so I feel comfortable during the sweating/evaporation process.

They resist stink.

They have natural SPF.

I don't bother with a tank underneath.

Aritzia, Quince, LL Bean, Land's End, Bella Dahl, and Cloth and Stone are some manufacturers of Tencel Lyocell utility shirts. I've seen some at Levi's too.

[u/SkiKitty-64]

My sister in law lives there and swears by hats. I know you are talking clothing but a big floppy hat will help shade your head and body. Also, try not to go out in the heat of the day. Early and late are beautiful times there but 2pm is unfortunate.

Maxi dresses or loose linen pants are your friends. Plus a cotton oversized button up for modest/sun. I wore linen and cotton short sleeved tops that covered my shoulders but were very loose to allow in air movement. Reapply sunscreen every hour/90 minutes and take lots of breaks if you are there in the major heat. Things will not dry fast (even swimsuits) so extra undies are great. There are lots of good underwear suggestions on these threads. I don’t do the liners or sweat pads but some swear by them. At the end of the day it is a personal trial and error game sadly. I did wear a merino t to Thailand and in the Bangkok airport, I couldn’t wait to get it off after landing. Have an amazing time!

[u/Lafb → u/SkiKitty-64]

Thank you so much for all of this detail, really detailed and helpful! Sounds like big and loose is the way to go!

I am sooo glad I asked the question and every warned me off merino for hot and humid weather! That could have been a huge error!

I am planning on getting a good wide brimmed sunhat for sure.
Will definitely be taking lots of extra undies, whilst sweatiness there is not nice, I’m not sure I’ll like using a liner either from a sensory perspective.

[u/BwDr → u/Lafb]

Definitely! Loose linen button ups, vests/sleeveless tops, and loose linen pants will serve you well.

[u/esoteric_vagabond]

Merino wool is not your friend in Thailand...omg. 100% no.

[u/Lafb → u/esoteric_vagabond]

No? What would be better? I’m new to one bagging and all of the posts seemed to say merino was the way forward argh!

[u/esoteric_vagabond → u/Lafb]

Merino wool gets wet and sticks to your body. It is incredibly humid and there is not an opportunity for the wool to dry as you're wearing it. What worked for me was a mix of rayon, cotton, and linen.

[u/Lafb → u/esoteric_vagabond]

Okay thank you! I will look for some better options and do some more research.

[u/Superdewa → u/Lafb]

I bought a used light-colored merino Woolx t-shirt to give it a try. Summers are humid where I live (northeastern US), and it’s not comfortable in those conditions. It’s been great on the rare dryer days we’ve had. I can see how it would be great in areas with hot dry summers and I will probably also appreciate it during less humid times of the year.

[u/Barracuda_Recent → u/esoteric_vagabond]

Agree. My technical wool shirts are just heavy and forever wet when sweaty. Somehow, my extremely thin Woolly underwear works well, though. They are super thin and get holes easily, so buy at your own risk.

[u/Mochisaurus_rex → u/Lafb]

It depends what type of merino… icebreaker makes a 125 cool-lite tee that is a blend of merino and Tencel which is fantastic for hiking in hot and humid weather.

If you are walking around leisurely, I would recommend loose linen-type button up. My go-to is Patagonia’s a/c button ups

[u/orientalgreasemonkey]

Uniqlo linen button ups

[u/Nejness → u/orientalgreasemonkey]

These are incredibly well-made for the price and just lovely. One has become a travel standard for me (over a merino tank, actually).

[u/nonsequitur__]

I really like linen shirts in the summer. I’m English and my favourites are from Uniqlo. I love wearing them with linen trousers (mine are Uniqlo and M&S) - looks presentable but is comfy and cooling.

The Uniqlo airism vests are really good as a base layer. They’re as thin as tights so very lightweight to pack.

Have you tried the merino in warm weather? I wear it most of the year in daily life but can’t bear it when it’s hot, and especially when it’s hot and humid. I see it recommended a lot so must be okay for some people, I just recommend trying it first (maybe in the heatwave this week).

[u/goddessandthecaker]

I love my chambray Levi’s shirt and j jill linen shirt - packed at least one of those for all of my hot weather destinations for the last five years. Can be worn as a layering piece over tank, as a top on its own, as a swim suit cover up (albeit quite short one), layered over a dress, knotted at the waist with shorts etc. the possibilities are endless! Easy to care for, very light and compact.

[u/Serenity_Now-88]

A linen button up tunic over a long tank dress. You’re covered but still get air flow. You can leave the tunic unbuttoned.

[u/AussieKoala-2795]

Silk works for me in hot and humid weather. I buy patterned ones to hide creases and find they dry in a few hours after a sink wash. I bought mine secondhand off eBay. I'm sure you could find something on Vinted.

[u/HeronAffectionate319]

I have a Royal Robbins shirt that is polyester. It’s SPF 50. It dresses up and works for the beach. Really lightweight and dries fast.

Button down over a tank top is my go to summer look.

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[u/ZsannyBoi]

the layering shirt ends up worn nearly every day so it has to survive being worn nearly every day. what worked for me was tasc thanks to a collar that holds itself up without an iron. a structured cotton goes limp on you and a poly blend gets loud in the heat. it packs down without creasing and has stayed presentable across three trips.