The REI article “Travel Clothing: How to Choose” recommends packing durable performance travel shirts with fabrics suited for tropical climates. Cotton, cotton blends and polyester can be sensible traveling choices for the tropics. Wrinkle-free and wrinkle-resistant fabrics can reduce time spent wrangling with an iron when the beach awaits. Protect your skin from the sun by purchasing travel shirts with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 15 or greater. Some clothing lines contain fabrics treated with bug-repellant chemicals to discourage mosquitoes, sand fleas and other pesky tropical insects.
It’s not necessary to pack long-sleeved shirts when traveling to the tropics, since warmer temperatures and humidity can make this style uncomfortable. However, packing an array of sleeve options can help you accommodate numerous traveling situations. A three-quarter-length sleeve provides additional coverage while allowing some arm exposure to show off your newly acquired tropical tan. Cap sleeves provide more coverage over the shoulders than a sleeveless top for a more sophisticated look. Flutter sleeves can look elegant and feminine in a mild breeze off the ocean. Tank tops allow your skin to breathe while showcasing sun-kissed skin. If you’re traveling in tropical regions that encourage modest dress for religious or culture reasons, avoid plunging necklines and exposed midriffs, recommends Independent Traveler.com.
Tropical destinations can be bright, festive places and female travelers can join the fun by packing colorful shirts. Turquoise, coral and bright yellow make more sedate jeans and neutral-toned shorts or trousers pop with color. Floral prints, nautical stripes or beachy polka dots send basic T-shirts into tropical-vacation mode.
Although your suitcase might have ample room, The Stylist.com article “Pack Like a Pro: Tropical Vacay” advises women to resist stuffing extra bathing suits, cover-ups and travel shirts into the suitcase just because they’re lighter than sweaters and jackets. Instead, take advantage of the fact that tropics-appropriate clothing tends to be lighter and roll a less cumbersome suitcase to the airport check-in counter. Planning outfits ahead of time reduces the chance that you’ll be disappointed in your selections once you arrive at your tropical destination.
