Clothes, shoes and makeup for humid holiday?

[tigerdriverII]

I'm going to Vietnam in a couple of weeks' time.

I've not been somewhere like that for ages; it will be very hot and humid.

I'm pretty fat (about a 20), not very tall and only wear flats and don't do toe posts.

I have cotton dresses and thin Bermuda type walking shorts. Have bought some new cotton knickers, I like microfibre but I think they'll be too hot.

Any tips for comfortable but vaguely stylish clothes?

[hellybellyjellybean]

I went to Vietnam last year, loved it!a, I wore lots of those baggy cotton trousers, kind of harem pants, they were the best for keeping comfortable. Make sure you take a jacket in a packet thing, easy to carry round but can be whipped out for the downpours! A sun hat as well was definitely required! Have an awesome time, where are you going?

[tigerdriverII]

I'm v excited! Big tour from North to South, going to all the major tourist places, and four nights at a beach hotel. I'm fine with the beach but, it's cities and traveling that I'm a bit worried about. Will look int baggy cotton trousers, they won't suit me but I want to be comfortable and as cool as possible.

[hellybellyjellybean]

I found that at points it was more about being comfortable than anything else! Also got a couple of cotton play suits and they kept me pretty cool x

[bingohandjob]

If it's really hot and humid I'd reconsider cotton - especially knickers and socks, when, ahem, damp and I'm going to use THAT word, MOIST, it's not great at wicking against skin and can get really uncomfortable. Merino socks are brilliant for this, but take a look at eg Rohan, Royal Robbins for some more 'technical' fabric for walking in to avoid feeling uncomfortable (you don't have to go full Nuts In May, you can get some simple stuff).

[tigerdriverII]

Ah - good call. Off to Mountain Warehouse with me, I think

[fluffiphlox]

Try and get something a bit more 'technical' than Mountain Warehouse. Would second Rohan.

[travailtotravel]

I get cheap harems from eBay or Amazon for holidays. The shirts a plenty and comfy walking sandals. Ha e an awesome time.

[tigerdriverII]

Thanks all for the advice. There's a Rohan shop not far from me so I'll do a bit of exploring at the weekend. I suspect I might be too fat for their clothes ( unless their 18s are generously sized) but might of course find something in the men's department.

[Newtssuitcase]

We're off to cambodia soon and Ive also gone down the harem pants route. Make sure you have things that cover your knees and shoulders. I don't know about Vietnam but certainly in cambodia they won't let you simply use scarves/sarongs to cover up on religious sites.

[Iamastonished]

If you are mainly sightseeing I wouldn't worry too much about make up. I would slap on a bit of fake tan and some sunscreen. I hate the idea of make up sliding down my face.

[blueskyinmarch]

Lots of loose cotton is the way to go. There is no point wearing make up if it is humid. Get your eye lashes dyed before your go and wear nice lip balm. Other than that you just need sunscreen.

[ShotsFired]

I have holidayed in that part of the world many times and am fatter than you.

So...

1. Please don't buy those harem trousers. They look awful on anyone over a size 8. And even then you look like a grubby backpacker because they seem to be de rigeur for anyone travelling like that.
   
2. I tend to stick to knee length shorts. Avoids the chub rub and covers flabby legs, and also respects not showing too much flesh in a conservative country.
   

2a. Maybe maxi dreses with breathable long knickers or cycling shorts underneath? I look like a flipping tent but you may suit them better?

1. Take or buy a brimmed hat, but don't get one of those pointed local style ones because you'll just look ridiculous/like you're taking the piss.
   
2. I picked up some good sandal-shoe-type things from Clarks. Those walking sandals would be good too. But I can't help otherwise as I usually flip-flip about and you said no toe-posts
   
3. Take more t shirts than you think you'll need. They are easy to wear and wash (if you have to) and they also cover shoulders which might be required if visiting religious sites or you are more in the country than main towns and cities.
   
4. Don't underestimate the equatorial sun, even on cloudy days. It's powerful.
   
5. Make up - I'll take a waterproof mascara and an eyeliner, but most days it's just too hot and sweaty to be arsed.
   

Have an amazing time!

[Iamastonished]

bingohandjob what material would you recommend for underwear in hot and humid weather?

[bingohandjob]

They're expensive but Tilley are great for travel. Merino seamless - you can get them from decent cycling places eg vulpine. I've also used M&S with tencel and they've been fine, certainly loads better than cotton. Oh, the rub of a damp gusset on a long walk in the humidity - no woman needs that.

Rohan
www.rohan.co.uk/womens-high-wicking-clothing-for-travel-and-outdoors-Serene-Knickers

Big www.outdoors-online.uk.com/p/5608/Tilley-Womens-Travel-Briefs?gclid=CjwKEAjw8OLGBRCklJalqKHzjQ0SJACP4BHrZdHa--rservOJbCKzSAP-6CPObbIWcHF4uk_IF7D8RoCm_3w_wcB

Or small(er) www.girlstravelclub.co.uk/tilley-womens-coolmax-extreme-travel-briefs-black

[BiscuitMillionaire]

I used to live in a country with similar climate and my advice would be that cotton 'blouse' type tops are cooler and less sweaty than t-shirts. Definitely don't wear vest tops. Knee-length shorts and cotton shirt was my staple. Take some long sleeve shirts and trousers for country areas to keep mosquitos off. A cotton sun-hat that will fold into a bag is more useful than a straw type one.

[Deathraystare]

I went Christmas time but the weather was not as hot (though about good for me). You can get clarks shoes there and they sell lots of clothes but most are Teeny tiny sizes. One lady in aour party was a very slim 8 but got a top there in a medium! I wore longish shorts a lot of the time. Long enough to avoid chafing thighs! Those trainer style sandals are a good idea as when you go on certain sites like old temple sites, the ground is not even and some stepping stones are slippery in the water. Most of the roads are full of pot holes (remining me of Hampshire) and -don't know if you have been before but the motor scooter rules out there. They go on the roads and pavements. Though they are not aggresive and just toot to remind you of where they are! Possibly a hat is a good idea. They also sold a lot of trekking gear by big names (can't reemember which) and lots of our party had back packs and trousers bought there.

I was filled with jealous rage over the beautiful costumes that VERY SLIM local ladies were wearing called Ao Dai I think. it was a long tunic top and trousers. Do remember your anti mozzie stuff.

Maxi dresses/skirts are grat for if you want to dress up in the evening. I avoided perfume except for much later in the evening because bugs love to bug me!!!

Have a fun time. I did. The only dissapointment was the food. Everything was bland and sweeet! I was hoping it was like Thai. The breakfasts were fab though! The people were lovely and loads speak English.

[Iamastonished]

I could have done with some of those pants in Florida last year. I think I might buy some for the rare hot day we get here.

[tigerdriverII]

Update: thank you all for your suggestions. I bought 3 pairs of Tilley travel briefs online - they look like the sort of thing Great-Aunt Edna might wear but they're comfortable and wash and dry brilliantly. Also got black and navy Capri pants from Rohan which fit me perfectly ( sizing exceptionally generous!), no chub rub and modest with it. Two mozzie proof tops, one of which is smart enough for a naice resto, and a simple black shift dress. Oh, and a super light waterproof. Have to admit that I did spend £££ in Rohan but their stuff is fashionable enough and incredibly functional, we camp and sail and all this stuff will be perfect for that too. Converted! And Vietnam is amazing