Ideal Attire When Going Tropical

You just got the news from your big boss! And you’ll be off to a tropical destination for a business trip or whatever assignment it may serve. In a week or so, you will be flying to a country with a totally different and hotter climate from what you’re used to. With countries like the Philippines, Brazil, West Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, etc., the next question would be, are you ready with your tropical-business dress shirts?

Tropical climate countries are located in the equator where the temperature usually ranges from 30 – 35 degree Celsisus, mostly, hot and humid. So, to help you decide on the right clothing to put on your baggage, here are some ideas that you might find helpful.

In an interview with Creative Director and former model, Beverly Solomon, she said having grown up in “Houston, which rivals any place on the globe for heat and humidity…” and having traveled the world to promote art and fashion – many in tropical climate countries -- with her international artist husband, there are basic clothing requirements you need to wear to survive the high temperature.

Solomon recommends wearing “light, cool and white long sleeved dress shirts” that are made of cotton. Long sleeves “are best because they keep off both the sun and mosquitoes.” Many well traveled people also go for cotton when touring very hot areas. One of them is Indian-American rock star, Anad Bhatt whom we also conversed with.

Having traveled and toured throughout the Southeast Asia -- often in India – because of his career, he said nothing beats the extreme heat but a dress shirt with cotton fabric. And “many times, a short sleeve button up cotton shirt will keep me more comfortable than a T-shirt. Also, you wouldn't think of it, but silk is not a bad option, especially if you have someplace formal to go. It keeps me surprisingly cool without compromising on fashion,” Bhatt said.

For tropical climate areas, dress shirts should also be cut and hemmed so that you can wear them loose and not tucked into your pants. Tucked in shirts create a hotter effect to the body, causing you to sweat more on the lower part of your chest and abdomen. Now, you’re ready for your business trip and at the same time a summer get-away.