Smart tops for a visit to the tropics

[ArtificialFlower]

I’m going on a work trip somewhere tropical where malaria is an issue and have been told I’ll need to wear trousers and long sleeves. As it’s work I’ll also need to look reasonably smart. I’m thinking linen or other light summer trousers, that’s fine, I’ve got a few pairs, but I’m a bit stuck for tops. Any advice? Ideally cotton, linen or otherwise cool (it will be VERY hot there). Size 16, large of nork. Not a huge budget as I don’t imagine I’ll get lots and lots of wear out of them in British summers when I return.

Thank you!

Are you in the field or will it be mostly air conditioned offices? I spend a lot of time outside with suppliers in those exact environments and I practically live in chinos and cotton shirts from Zara. French Connection also have some fine collared tops which look nice loosely tucked into trousers or tailored shorts. Do pack a couple of longer dresses for dinners out.

Thanks. In the field - unlikely to be any aircon at all. I’ll take a look at Zara and French Connection.

Not clothing but an ESSENTIAL accessory - invest in a Beurer bite zapper. It will
totally remove the itchiness from
mosquito bites. Also, take a loose scarf - ifs a godsend in conservative areas for covering
up your head (and disguising your boobs!).

Light cotton linen tops are the way to go, but try and get a little looser fit as you really dont want them fitted (they will make you hot and bothered) Silk OMHO is a nightmare it makes me really hot and difficult to clean.

Also cotton t/shirts/vest tops under shirts help 'wick' away sweat.

Shirts that you can use as a jacket with a t/shirt underneath is a change from just a buttoned up one, with a necklace looks a bit smarter.

Have a look at Kit and Kaboodal (not the huge tent monstrosities) M&S had a good linen selection last time I looked, dont discount the likes of Tesco and TU as well.

I live/work in the tropics and live in linen most of the time (and jeans) but have some great local independent shops which cater for the heat and humidity with clothing.

Dont forget DEET spray and mozzies tend to go for dark coloured clothing, but depends where you are going to as to the time the worst ones are out.

Just to add as well, its not just Malaria you need to look out for but Dengue and Chikungunya in Tropical areas. If you would share where your going you may get more advice.

Thanks. I’ve got an appointment with a private travel clinic paid for by work, so I’ll make sure I get all the jabs and health advice. I never remember scarves so that’s a good shout too, thanks

Agree about this bite zapper. It's brilliant and worth every penny.

Depends on whether it's your style or not, but Boden are good for long sleeve summer tops in natural fabrics. Appreciate they aren't cheap but you can often get 20/25 or even 30% off.

www.boden.com/collections/womens-shirts

Rohan are very good for this type of clothing. Not cheap, but very long lasting. I've got shirts bought in 2002, still worn every summer.

in the field Would never have expected to read that expression here.

Feels very, very odd.

I guess you’ll be observing and examining the relatives of other posters here …

I was about to suggest Rohan too @ICantBeDoingWithThat
They have a section designed specifically for travelling to hot places. You should be able to wash, and hang to dry overnight if you only wanted to get a couple of things.

Actually H&M have much more budget friendly options - you can filter by material as well to find items made from cotton/linen/muslin etc

https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/ladies/shop-by-product/shirts-and-blouses.html

This is good value www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1219107009.html

I took "In the field" to mean studying zebra or geology or anything really. I didn't take it as derogatory. To me it just means outside in the elements.

😂 it does sound a bit odd in retrospect - I literally look at fields and plantations with suppliers and customer so was using it literally!

Yes, I will be outside a lot. No, I won’t be “observing” or “examining” people - what an odd thing to surmise.

Thanks for the H and M and Rohan suggestions - look very promising. I’ve got some lovely silk/cotton tops from H and M but they’re short sleeved, unfortunately. Maybe with a light jacket.

If you don't want to spend much and want cotton try these. I just bought the white one for poolside/holiday wear. It's great. Matalan.

That’s what the phrase implies, @ArtificialFlower. You may be too young to be aware of that?

Have a look at Craghoppers Nosilife as well , the weave of the fabrics help prevent mozzie bites, but most are quite utilitarian. I have some for more Jungle type areas for walking, shop around for costs.

But if they want to bite you if your a magnet they will, even through jeans and socks and other materials.

Jungle Formular 50%deet is thd only thing that helps us not be bitten, even with long sleeves they will bite on fingers and toes, all tbe tales of Avon SSS, vit b tabs, marmite and garlic are just that, tales. Have a look at Savers online 125ml JF is the cheapest, I have just ordered more for a colleague to bring for me, the local stuff is rubbish, I have tried them all belive me.

Will you need leech socks?

Absolutely no light jacket unless it is very fine loose weave cotton. Even then another layer can just be so much hotter.

Really @Preciousssssss have you never heard the phrase ‘fieldwork’ in the context of social, anthropological or scientific research? ‘Fieldwork’ could be carried out in any setting, from shopping centres in the Midlands to secondary schools in Scandinavia. It doesn’t mean that the OP is one of the last colonials! If she were to be carrying out research fieldwork with human participants in a developing country, the standards for ethical clearance and the treatment of participants are extremely high nowadays. Look up participatory research before you begin flinging around such accusations.

I won’t go on but only on MN could an innocent request for some hot weather wear become an accusation of the worst type of cultural exploitation.

I won’t go on but only on the internet could a person innocently relate their visceral response to an extremely (and personally) well known phrase, and have someone else attempt to negate their experience of it …

Not sure it’s to do with age. I’m not exactly young and I had no clue what you were talking about. Colloquially I would think that phrase refers to a part of anyone’s job which is not office based - be it a journalist, social worker, environmental planner etc. I am assuming there are specific origins that I am not aware of and doubt I’m the only one.

I would also recommend Rohan. Some of their tops are designed to actually repel mosquitoes and they wick away moisture so you don’t have damp clothes next to your skin. I’ve had ones from there which are plain coloured blouses so would be work appropriate. They are expensive but worth it.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/women/tops/shirts-and-blouses?filter=Material%253DLinen%7ESleeve%2520Length%253DLong%2520sleeve

M&S site also sells White stuff and monsoon linen. If you want to bin the shirts later if they get too sweaty then H& are a good budget option as someone upthread suggested. I also like men's shirts form M&S and H&M as you can get grandad/collarless versions which I prefer.
https://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.1258973004.html

Maybe some long line tunics would be good and airy and cover lumps and bumps but still smart
https://www.seasaltcornwall.com/harbour-wall-a-line-linen-tunic?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP&color=41237&gQT=1
https://www.whitestuff.com/p/5094/marta-v-neck-tunic/BLUE_PR
https://www.whitestuff.com/p/5699/annie-emb-longline-shirt/BRIL_WHITE