What to wear when the heat index is labeled "Hell"

steve white

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If you are from Texas, you are aware of this soon coming possibility! There is doubtless a corollary in Africa, especially anywhere near the Equator. (Don't ask AOC where THAT is...)
What do you wear when it is just outrageously hot? Back when, in the late 70's early 80's Lacoste had a somewhat tight woven NET shirt with tennis collar, complete with a little green alligator on the tit, that was comfortable beyond anything else I have seen. It was loose enough to be cool, tight enough that no one was particularly viewing any flesh underneath--in other words, it was socially acceptable. But those are gone with the wind of fashion.
What now, is really, actually cool in shirts and pants? Or are we to sweat them wet, then let dampness keep us cool?
All Texans and honorary Texans will christen you a hero if you steer us to revolutionary coolness. As it is, many will cocoon indoors and wait it out, avoiding outdoor activities until more clement weather. BTW, don't overlook cool footwear in your recommendations.
HELP!
 
I have been wearing virtually nothing but these in the heat of Arizona, and they are fashionable enough that they are perfectly acceptable in business-casual environments.

In addition, they are incredibly resistant. I got my first ones for a few dollars from Sam's Club (of all places!) 10 years ago before the brand was established, and still wear them today.


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What do they wear in the Australian Northern Territories--I understand it gets mighty hot there.
 
I’ve worn the Kuiu Gila pro on my last two safaris in Zimbabwe in September and October where it was up to 114 Fahrenheit. It’s still hot but these shirts are very light and wick great and have spf of 50. They’re heading there again this year
 
I tend to wear shirts by Patagonia, North Face, Columbia & Magellan a lot. The closer it feels to cotton (even though they all have synthetics in them), the better. I wear hooded Capilene long sleeve sun shirts when I'm out in the blazing sun for extended periods of time

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Dripping buckets in the swamps of south Louisiana in a Magellan shirt.

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Hanging out on a raft in Thailand wearing a North Face shirt & an Outdoor Research Papyrus hat.

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A Patagonia Capilene Tropic Hoody for maximum SPF protection.

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A Columbia shirt, Prana shorts, Ecco sandals & a Billingham bag for my camera in Cambodia.


And here's something for anyone who has ever had to pay a Texas utility bill in the summer:

 
When working at the ranch in the summer I generally wear old school long sleeve Wrangler shirts. They are sweat soaked quickly and I will add water throughout the day if I sit around long enough for them to start drying out.
 
I live in Florida so summers are always hot. Working around the house or dock you will find me in a new type fabric light tee shirt such as FreeFly and either bare feet or my rainbow flip flops and just sweat. Living most of my life in Florida and a 11 year stint in Rochester NY I believe the best thing is to not dwell on temperature wether it be cold or hot. I believe in mind over matter and embrace the outdoors as much as possible. When you are constantly looking at the thermometer or listening to the weather guy how hot it will be just don’t.
 
Poncho brand dress shirts are amazing
I just wish they had more color options!

Born in west Texas move to Dallas as a kid, still have family there. The Poncho shirts are great. For pants Kuhl makes some super light weight breathable.

Now I live in the DC area and the humidity is god awful. There are a few brands is lightweight golf pants that are workable.

Don’t understand how anyone wears denim I don’t even own a pair of jeans anymore. There are so many better options that are still tough enough for outdoor work or walking through brush.
 
I just wish they had more color options!

Born in west Texas move to Dallas as a kid, still have family there. The Poncho shirts are great. For pants Kuhl makes some super light weight breathable.

Now I live in the DC area and the humidity is god awful. There are a few brands is lightweight golf pants that are workable.

Don’t understand how anyone wears denim I don’t even own a pair of jeans anymore. There are so many better options that are still tough enough for outdoor work or walking through brush.
They came out with a few more recently but I agree they need to make more
 
Years ago I worked one winter and part of spring in New Orleans. The supt offered me a fulltime job, which in the Park Service were hard to come by in those days, but by end of March I knew I wouldn't last through one summer of that heat and humidity. Thanks but no thanks.

It is easy enough to add layers for our subzero conditions, and shoveling snow is great workout with little sweat involved. Keeps me young. But I find dressing down for heat and humidity is almost impossible. The only outdoors cardio is running between air conditioned buildings, and by the time I get in the door I'm dripping wet. Yuch!

You guys living in Texas summertime hell have my sympathy.
 
CoolMax banana hammock and flip-flops.

Living in Alaska the last 20+ years, I don’t miss Texas summers or fire ants. And certainly not the combination of two when hauling hay as a much younger man.
Yeah, that brings up some not so fond memories of stacking bales in the barn. Round bailers sure must have put a lot of kids out of work. And I'm sure they didn't mind. Nowadays our youth are working McDonald's instead ... getting fat and plugging up their veins. God help us if we ever have to actually fight a war again.

I have half a dozen Cabelas long sleeve button down collar lightweight camo shirts that are fantastic in hot weather. And super comfortable. I don't feel like I'm wearing anything! Obviously all synthetic too. Best part is, though very lightweight material, they wear like iron. Very tough.
 
Having a wife that is a skin cancer survivor has reinforced coverage over chemicals. Meaning we both prefer long sleeves and long pants over putting on sunscreen. The level of protection is better and the less of the high SPF solution we use the better.

Most of the time it means Columbia long sleeved fishing shirts or some type of lightweight hoodie. Tech pants when it's super hot, but cotton works most of the time. Anything I can do to NOT wear sunscreen I consider a bonus. Unfortunately my hands are the exception and get lathered up. My bride has recently found some gloves she uses for UV protection as well.
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Megellan , Columbia, 50 SPF , from Academy or Whataburger
Cotton makes me feel weighted down, and isn’t wicking enough in the winter and doesn’t dry when fishing or working
+ the Magellan has lots of pockets and ventilation
 
I tend to wear shirts by Patagonia, North Face, Columbia & Magellan a lot. The closer it feels to cotton (even though they all have synthetics in them), the better. I wear hooded Capilene long sleeve sun shirts when I'm out in the blazing sun for extended periods of time

View attachment 771390
Dripping buckets in the swamps of south Louisiana in a Magellan shirt.

View attachment 771392
Hanging out on a raft in Thailand wearing a North Face shirt & an Outdoor Research Papyrus hat.

View attachment 771393
A Patagonia Capilene Tropic Hoody for maximum SPF protection.

View attachment 771394
A Columbia shirt, Prana shorts, Ecco sandals & a Billingham bag for my camera in Cambodia.


And here's something for anyone who has ever had to pay a Texas utility bill in the summer:

Man, that is some clear water under that kayak. Where were you paddling then?
 

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