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-   -   Chico's-type knit travel wear for hot climates (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/chicos-type-knit-travel-wear-for-hot-climates-833428/)

julies Mar 30th, 2010 09:22 AM

Chico's-type knit travel wear for hot climates
 
This probably isn't the appropriate place, but I know it is the most active forum. So, here goes.

I have quite a few pieces of the acetate or nylon knitwear with a bit of spandex, and this is marketed as travelwear. My question is if anyone has ever used these types of clothing in a hot and fairly humid place. Is it comfortable or unbearable? Does it start to smell quickly? Sometimes synthetics are fine in such climates, and sometimes they are horrible. I know for spring and early fall type temps this is perfect travel clothing, but I have no idea if I'd regret taking it to hot places. Thanks.

suec1 Mar 30th, 2010 09:31 AM

I love Chicos, have lots of their Traveler's wear but I don't like it in the heat - I live in Atlanta and would never wear it outside in the daytime - give me cotton! Sometimes the pants with a cotton top and sandals can be OK but the fabric just doesn't breath enough.

padams421 Mar 30th, 2010 09:33 AM

I think you will find yourself shopping for new clothes if you wear that Chico's nylon knitwear in a hot, humid place. If the temperatures are going to be in the 80s or above, I'd find something else.

Christina Mar 30th, 2010 09:36 AM

I don't like Chico's things, but certainly have had some things with spandex that I've worn and yes, of course it gets very hot. Nylon can't breathe and spandex is worse (not to mention clingy). I can't stand it and never would wear it in the summer -- except for a few blouses or tops I have that are cotton with maybe 5 pct Spandex. I take them traveling sometimes and they can fit well, but even those simple Tshirts or things with only 5 pct can be too hot if it's really hot weather and I don't wear them then (say over 85F). I have a few total nylon/spandex or something tops that are kind of cute but I would never wear them in summer.

I don't think I have any acetate clothes except things where it is the lining in a coat. I don't think I own nylon clothes either.

I never noticed smell as being the issue, they are just hot and uncomfortable.

julia1 Mar 30th, 2010 10:09 AM

I agree with most of the comments above regarding Chico's travelwear - I wouldn't take any of their tops with me to Hawaii, Florida, India, Thailand or any other of the hot and humid places I travel. I do usually take a pair of Chico's long black travel pants, as well as a skirt and a pair of their capris, because I can wear them day after day, with light cotton tops, rinse them out at night when necessary, and they look neat and presentable wherever I go, with walking shoes or sandals.

However, I found Chico's travelwear most useful in Iran, which was extremely hot but not humid. A Chico's black, almost knee-length, coat-jacket type of top and Chico's black, wide-legged pants were what I wost often more while I was there, even at Persepolis where there is no shade and the temps were in the 90s. With a light scarf to cover my hair, I blended right in and felt comfortable day and night. So I suppose I'd have to say, it depends most on where you are going and whether the heat is humid of dry.

JustineA Mar 30th, 2010 10:29 AM

Many of the newer and slightly more expensive stretchy fabrics have a high percentage of cotton in them. Still easy to pack, little to no wrinkles and they look good,too and will not overheat you. That nylon-y stuff from Chicos holds in too much heat and you will perspire uncomfortable, for sure.

Patagonia makes some cute dresses, skirts, tops, that have nylon in them but are surprisingly breathable and look good, too.

julies Mar 30th, 2010 11:32 AM

Thanks much. I suspected I'd be unhappy if super hot weather with these clothes in super hot weather. I remember one summer trip I took a nylon type t-shirt along on a trip, and it was pretty smelly pretty soon in the day.


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