Should I wear cotton or synthetics in Egypt near summer?
I see everywhere advice to wear cotton shirts (long sleeved?) and pants in Egypt due to the hot weather. This is against the "general wisdom" of backpacking, that says to use light clothes that dry fast and can be hand washed easily.
I will spend 16 days backpacking in Egypt (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Western Desert, Alexandria and maybe Hurghada or some other beach for a couple of days) during May. Since I will be moving a lot, including tours to the desert, I want to keep the carried weight to a minimum (I will also carry about half my daughter's stuff) and having the choice to hand wash my stuff.
Are cotton t-shirts really worth carrying? Also, considering the sun is it better to have long sleeved t-shirts or short sleeves with some light jacket on top?
Best Answer
Wear cotton clothes when traveling in Egypt during summer - because of the heat you will sweat a lot and cotton fabric absorbs this sweat and helps the body to cool down. Cotton clothes provide better air circulation leading to more absorption of sweat and thus gives a cooling effect.
During winter temperatures are more human and you can dress pretty much as you like.
For a great guide on what to pack for Egypt consider this article: https://www.egypttoursplus.com/what-to-pack-for-egypt/
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Should we wear cotton or synthetic clothes during summer?
We prefer to wear cotton clothes in summer because during summer we prespire more and sweat is released from our body. Thus, cotton being a good absorber of sweat, absorbs the sweat and exposes it to the sun causing it to evaporate and makes our body cool (evaporation causes cooling).What do Egyptians wear in summer?
Like women, Egyptian men wear long sleeve shirts most of the time as well, although in the summer, short sleeve dress shirts, polos, or t-shirts are also common. Men may also be seen wearing a galabeya, a traditional garment that is like a loose, flowing, long-sleeved robe.What is the best fabric to wear in the hot summer?
Cotton is one of the best fabrics for summer and hot weather. Not only is it cheap and hugely available, but it is also great for the heat. Cotton is soft, lightweight, breathable, and soaks up sweat, allowing heat to escape the body and for you to stay cool.What materials should you not wear in hot weather?
What Not to Wear. These are fabrics to directly avoid in the summer heat: Polyester, acrylic and nylon. As a rule, we recommend you stay away from clothes made of synthetics when temperatures are hot. Garments made of synthetics can't breathe and will make you feel to warm.Cotton Explained - How To Spot Quality Cotton Fabrics, Shirts, Sweaters - Gentleman's Gazette
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Answer 2
Your best is summer wool to wear. 40% wool & 60% cotton. So it don't itch. You would need buy that there. Have made there. As wool evaporates from the inside out Cotton wicks water to the surface. Not having that go with light cotton. Long sleeve. A good vented hat. Carry a sweat rag. Loose fitting cloths.
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