Coolmax or Cotton?
 

When looking at travel clothes websites in the States they all recommend wearing Coolmax and other new performance/tech fabrics that wick away moisture and dry quickly when in warm climates. But when you look at sites in the tropical areas they say cotton is the best. What is your experience? Coolmax or cotton? Tell me what's best.
Helen

For travel clothing, the new fabrics might be a better choice, simply because they dry out quicker. Cotton often fails to dry when hung overnight.

As far as relative coolness is concerned, living in Bangkok, I have found little difference.

If you're going to be doing something active outdoor in Thailand the new technical fabric and fabric treatment like "Coolmax" or "Cor3" etc. will be better IMO. When I know I will be sweating and outdoor I like to wear them but if I'm just going to the malls or eating then I like Cotton. Some of the newer fabrics offer sun protection with up to SPF 50. Some even combine SPF with insect repellent as well.

If you're just walking around, ex offico has very good products. For better looking things, patagonia makes great cotton tops that are very cool. The problem with cool max ( I usw it all the time for exercising) is that after you sweat in it, the feel changes for the worse.

give me cotton any day!!!!

Why bring a lot of expensive new clothing when there is so much wonderful shopping in Thailand? The loosely woven, floaty cottons or any of the amazing things that are so inexpensive work best in Thailand. And, some of the coolmax type clothing doesn't iron very well, (may melt) so be careful about that when you take it to the laundry. I find my expensive sports clothing feel icky when I sweat. Why not bring a suitcase full of items you can donate to orphanages or other organizations and then go back with a suitcase full of unique handmade clothing?

For one thing, kuluk, it takes time to have clothes custom made. Not everyone wants to spend time at a tailor shop during their travels. Also, in Bangkok, "off the rack" clothing tends to be in Thai sizes. Many of us are not size "small"

I vote for Coolmax...my very light cotton blouses were soaking wet. At least Coolmax hides the sweat better.

To each one's own. I'll take natural fabrics any day.

I was not suggesting having clothes custom tailored. (who needs a suit while you are on vacation in Thailand?) I was referring to the wonderful off the rack clothes readily available in the department stores and in the tourist shops. For instance, there are great fishermens' pants that will fit many sizes, and nice loose cotton sleeveless, short sleeved, and long sleeved breezy shirts. I love the nice denim-y farmers shirts that are beautifully made in indigo cotton. But, as Kathie says, to each their own. My friends in Chiang Mai wear thickly woven cotton and silk clothing and they feel perfectly fine, so who's to say what is best? But, I was just responding to the question.

Tough to find the right sizes off the rack for big men and women. Also consider linen- comfortable but will need to be ironed. I would go with cotton/permanent press. And carry a sun umbrella and hat.

There's not a single item of clothing on the racks in Thailand that will fit a Giant Panda.

Don't overthink this. It's going to be very hot and you will sweat a lot. Just take the things in which you think you'll be most comfortable.

Thank you all for your quick responses! Hmm...seems like there is difference in opinion. Actually I am going to Kalimantan to see orangutans and dayak tribes in the jungle, then to Java but posted here because I didn't think the Indonesian forum would get as much traffic as the Thai one and I think I was right. Heat is all the same and I do suffer but still can't live without going to SEA. I have both types of clothes and usually only take two outfits at most so will have to plan carefully-maybe one of each type for comparison testing. I'm always amazed at the locals in Bangkok wearing suits and jackets in the sweltering heat!! Guess you can get use to anything if you're there long enough!
Happy traveling, Helen (-_-)

Aaah, now if you had straight away said you would be in Java and Kalimantan my answer would be completely different. There are very few opportunities there to shop for cool loose clothing that you would like. As for posting on "Thailand" versus "Indonesia," on my computer they both come up together! So feel free to post under Indonesia, you will get more specific responses. Have a good trip.

Orlylily
All Asian countries pop up on this ASIA forum. I don't necessarily look at the 'tagged' country when reading thread titles. I think you'll get plenty of 'traffic' and as you can see, the answers vary. I agree with cotton! I travel to Bangkok frequently, and I love light weight cotton (voile or gauze) as it washes and dries quickly.

Enjoy your trip!

Don't forget linen!

Linen is nice, but I hate the way it wrinkles! If I could find wash/n/wear linen (read 'no iron' into that) I'd go for it.

Carol, I have some "wash and wear" linen. From ex officio, I have two pairs of very nice pants that are a linen and something blend. I always take them along for dressier occasions. I don't know if ex officio still makes them, but they are among my travel staples.

PS, I asked the editors to add the Indonesia tag to this.

Kathie do they come in talls? I buy a 35" inseam when I can find it! But 34" would 'do' in a pinch. I don't think I look good in cropped pants, so that idea is not a good one.

I like things I can wash in my BKK apartment and then hang to dry. The things I take with me (for the most part) do not require me to get out the iron. Although, sometimes I need something a little more 'polished' looking, and then I'll iron something nicer.

ok, with this new destination, i am thinking fig leaf and clothing optional